Tour Montparnasse

Update: The Montparnasse Tower observation deck closed for renovations on March 31, 2026. It will remain closed for several years, with no reopening date yet announced.

At 210 meters tall (689 feet), the Montparnasse Tower is the only skyscraper in Paris proper. This glass and steel office building in the heart of the Montparnasse neighborhood offers some of the best views of Paris, without the crowds you’d find at more famous attractions.

When you arrive, you’ll be whisked up 56 floors in just 38 seconds by one of Europe’s fastest elevators. It’s a smooth ride, and before you know it, you’re stepping out into a space that feels calm and open, with huge windows framing some of the most iconic sights in Paris.

Not only will you get the best view of the Eiffel Tower, but you’ll also see the white hilltop basilica of Sacré-Cœur, the golden dome of Les Invalides, and the sprawl of City of Light. There’s an app to teach you more about the various Paris landmarks you spot, but honestly, it’s enough just to take it all in.

Rooftop Panorama

Climb the stairs up to the open-air terrace on the very top of the Montparnasse Tower and the experience gets even better. Up here, the 360-degree views of Paris are completely unobstructed. It’s especially magical at sunset when the city is bathed in golden light, or after dark, when Paris sparkles with its famous glow.

If you’re a photography fan, this is where you’ll want to spend most of your time — the opportunities for stunning shots are endless!

However, it’s worth noting that the rooftop isn’t accessible to everyone. While the elevator takes you to the indoor panorama on the 56th floor, you’ll need to climb a set of stairs to reach the outdoor observation deck. Unfortunately, this makes the very top inaccessible to persons with reduced mobility.

Montparnasse Tower History

La Tour Montparnasse as it’s known in French, was completed in 1973 and serves as a modern counterpoint to Paris’s historic architecture. Designed by Eugène Beaudouin, Urbain Cassan, and Louis Hoym de Marien, it’s been a point of debate for decades — some locals like it, others… not so much.

I personally think it looks like a giant refrigerator, but maybe that’s just me! Perhaps that’s another reason everyone agrees that this tower offers the best views of Paris — when you’re on top of the building, you can’t see it!

Love it or loathe it, the Montparnasse Tower is definitely a defining feature of the southern Paris skyline and a reminder of the neighborhood’s dynamic history, from its bohemian past to its vibrant present.

Practical Info for Visiting Montparnasse Tower

Tickets to go up to the top of Montparnasse Tower start at 19€ for adults if you reserve online ahead of time or 23€ at the door. Tickets for teens and students begin at 14.50€, while children 4-11 can visit for 9.50€. Kids under 4 get in free.

The tower is open daily from 9:30am until at least 10:30pm, with extended hours from April through September, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and the days before holidays.

You can stay as long as you like, so you can plan your visit around catching those magical sunset views and get some night shots too.

To avoid crowds, however, your best bet is to go in the morning or late afternoon on a weekday.

Plan to spend about an hour here, but there’s no rush. The elevators are fast, the terrace is big, and everything is well-organized, so it’s an easy, hassle-free experience.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

The Montparnasse Tower isn’t as famous as the Eiffel Tower, but that’s part of its charm. You get the same breathtaking views of Paris — with the Eiffel Tower! — without the lines or crowds.

There’s something about being up there that’s both peaceful and awe-inspiring, whether you’re seeing Paris for the first time or the fiftieth.

It’s a moment that makes you stop and appreciate just how beautiful this city really is.

Whether you’re a photographer, a history lover, or just someone who wants a quiet moment to enjoy the French capital from above, the Montparnasse Tower is well worth a visit. It’s proof that sometimes the best views come from unexpected places.