Montparnasse Tower Ultimate Guide: Tickets, Views & Tips 2024

The Montparnasse Tower (Tour Montparnasse) is often called the "unloved skyscraper" of Paris, yet it holds a secret that locals know well: it offers the absolute best view of the city, precisely because it's the only place where you don't see the Montparnasse Tower itself!

Standing 210 meters (689 feet) tall, this monolithic structure provides an unparalleled 360-degree panorama of the French capital. If you want that iconic shot of the Eiffel Tower standing tall against the horizon, this is where you come to get it.

Why Visit the Montparnasse Tower?

While the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris, the experience of going up can be crowded and chaotic. The Montparnasse Tower offers a more relaxed, modern alternative with several key advantages:

• The Best Eiffel Tower View: From here, the Iron Lady is perfectly framed in the distance.
• Shorter Lines: Compared to its rusty rival across the Seine, security and elevator lines here move much faster.
• Indoor & Outdoor Decks: Enjoy the view from the climate-controlled 56th floor or brave the wind on the 59th-floor terrace.
• Sunset Magic: Watch the sun dip below the horizon and see the city lights—and the Eiffel Tower's sparkles—come to life.

What to Expect: The Experience

The Elevator Ride

Your journey starts with a ride in one of the fastest elevators in Europe. It whisks you from the ground floor to the 56th floor in just 38 seconds! The ride is so smooth you barely feel it, aside from your ears popping slightly.

The 56th Floor: Climate-Controlled Comfort

This is the main indoor observation deck. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, it's warm in winter and cool in summer. This makes it an excellent option for rainy or windy days when the top of the Eiffel Tower might be freezing. You'll find:

• Interactive Screens: Touchscreen kiosks that help you identify landmarks and see how Paris looked in the past.
• A Café: Grab a glass of champagne or a coffee.
• Souvenir Shop: Pick up high-quality gifts.
• A dedicated space for exhibitions: Often featuring history or art displays about Paris.

The Roof Terrace: The Summit

Walk up three flights of stairs from the 56th floor to the very top. The open-air terrace is the crowning jewel. Glass panels protect you from strong winds while leaving vertical gaps specifically designed for your camera lens—meaning you get perfect, reflection-free photos every time.

Practical Information

• Location: 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris (15th Arrondissement).
• Metro: Montparnasse-Bienvenüe (Lines 4, 6, 12, 13). This is a major hub, making access easy from anywhere in Paris.
• Opening Hours:
  • April - Sept: 9:30 AM to 11:30 PM everyday.
  • Oct - March: 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM (Sun-Thu) and 11:00 PM (Fri-Sat).
• Best Time to Visit: Arrive about an hour before sunset. This lets you see the city by day, enjoy the "Golden Hour" as the sun sets, and then watch the "City of Light" turn on its grid.

Insider Tip: Check the weather forecast! If it's completely overcast, the view might be obscured. A clear day or a partly cloudy dramatic sky is ideal for photography.

Conclusion

Don't let the tower's stark exterior fool you. The Montparnasse Tower is a top-tier attraction that delivers the most breathtaking, unobstructed map of Paris you can find. It's a must-do for photographers and first-time visitors alike.