Paris City Attractions

Things to Do in Paris 14th Arrondissement

Paris City Attractions - On of the unique attractions in the 14th arrondissement is its skyscraper, the Tour Montparnasse, and its major railway terminus, the Gare Montparnasse, both sharing the border with the 15th arrondissement.

The 14th arrondissement, located on the left bank of the Seine River, contains most of the Montparnasse district, which has traditionally been home to many artists as well as a Breton community.

Tour Montparnasse is a 210-metre (689 ft) tall office tower located in Paris, built from 1969 to 1972, and is the tallest skyscraper in France with 56 floors.

View of Paris from the Top of Montparnasse Tower

Paris City Views from the Highest Tower in Paris

The tower features one of the fastest lifts in Europe (if not the fastest) with just under 40 seconds to the top.

In case of emergency, the terrace on the roof can be converted into a helipad in less than two minutes.

In the future there may be new Paris attractions, as Tour Montparnasse may be surpassed in height by new towers which are being considered.

Tour Montparnasse and Rooftop Observation

Paris City Top Attractions
from the Top of Montparnasse Tower

What most visitors to Paris don’t know is that you can go outside on the top of Tour Montparnasse, the 56th floor, for the highest views of Paris.

Not many skyscrapers offer an outdoors top of the building experience. This is one of the fabulous Paris attractions. On a clear day, you have a view of 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the tower's roof terrace.

There is a painted circle in the center of the rooftop for the emergency helipad. I can tell you first hand that it was exhilarating being on the top of a skyscraper with a fantastic view of Paris. For more photos of the Montparnasse Tower see Paris information for the 15th Arrondissement.

Paris City Unique Attractions
The Deepest Views of Paris

The Catacombes of Paris

Although this district is largely residential, it has several intriguing Paris attractions including Les Catacombes de Paris (The Catacombes of Paris), the Parc Montsouri, Stade Charléty and the Cité Universitaire, known for lively cafés and restaurants around the Boulevard du Montparnasse and the rue Daguerre.

The Catacombes Tunnels

For an eye-popping experience of Paris attractions, visit the Catacombes with a network of labyrinth tunnels, first excavated in the Roman period.

Now the remains of over 6 million burials are kept here from the various overcrowded cemeteries and charnel houses all over Paris in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Paris City Attractions - Lovely Park - Parc Montsouris

Parc Montsouris

Parc Montsouris, which opened in 1878, is considered to be one of the most colourful Parisian parks and is a local favourite of Paris attractions.

It has a large man-made lake and waterfalls, surrounded by long stretches of gently sloping lawns

The grounds are studded by bronze statues, 1,400 trees, including such exotic varieties as the giant sequoia and the ginkgo.

Paris City - Scientific Paris Observatory

Paris Observatory (Observatoire de Paris-Meudon)

The Paris Observatory (Observatoire de Paris-Meudon) is the foremost astronomical observatory of France, and one of the largest astronomical centers in the world. arrondissement.

There are guided tours of the observatory but you have to make reservations in advance, either by email, mail or by phone.

Paris City History - Montparnasse Cemetary

Montparnasse Cemetary (Cimetière de Montparnasse)

Other things to see in Paris is the Montparnasse Cemetary (Cimetière de Montparnasse) a famous cemetery created from three farms in 1824 in the Montparnasse district of Paris.

It is another popular spot of Paris attractions as many notable people buried there, such as France's intellectual and artistic elite, as well as publishers and others who promoted the works of authors and artists.

Restaurants in Paris 14th Arrondissement

Streets and Restaurants in the 14th Arrondissements

Along Rue du Montparnasse, there are a number of cheap Paris restaurants and eateries, especially crêperies, making this street a favourite of local students.