Discover the heights of the city of Paris and enjoy a unique view by visiting the Tour Montparnasse!
Built between 1969 and 1973, the Montparnasse Tower is located in the Necker district of the city. Paris – in the east of the 15th arrondissement, at the western border of the 14th arrondissement and the 6th arrondissement. By taking the Montparnasse Tour lift during a visit, you will enjoy, like 1.2 million visitors in 2015, a breathtaking view of Paris, 200 metres above sea level!
The Montparnasse Tower, some historical and technical features
After serious criticism of this polemized construction project, it was André Malraux (1901-1976) who, then Minister of Culture, gave his approval to issue the building permit of the Montparnasse Tower in 1968. In 1969, a decision was taken to include a shopping centre and modern infrastructure, as President Georges Pompidou (1911-1974).
Photo credit: Flickr – Luke McKernan
The construction site is, for the time, colossal: after having cleared 420,000 cubic metres of rubble, the foundations pushed 56 pillars of reinforced concrete to 70 metres under ground. And while it was necessary to ensure sufficient resistance to distribute the mass of the tower, the Montparnasse-Bienvenüe subway station of line 6 and the rails of the trains, which were covered with an armed concrete corsage, should be simultaneously protected.
Its weight, 150,000 tons, rests on a soil consisting of limestone, chalk and clay! So much to say that the bet was risky to build it on such a difficult ground!
At its inauguration in 1973, the 210-metre high-rise skyscraper became the highest office building in Europe and remained its first rank for nearly twenty years, until 1990.
The building has 58 floors, 25 elevators, and has a total area of 90,000 m2. With 40,000 m2 of facade, the building also has 7200 windows and 1306 steps! Here's for the numbers, let's go to the visit.
Photo credit: Flickr – stephen h
Visit and climb to the Montparnasse Tower
If the entire skyscraper is for business offices, part of the tower is open to the public. Indeed, the public can climb to two floors of the Montparnasse Tower. These spaces are dedicated and managed by the company Montparnasse 56, at the Panoramic Observatory of the Tour Montparnasse.
On the 56th floor, a bar-restaurant allows visitors to take a gourmet break and rehydrate, but not only. Visitors also have access to a panorama, exhibitions of historical photographs from Paris and interactive terminals that allow you to learn more about the history of Paris.
La salle vitrée du 56ème étage, face à la Eiffel Tower , is even privatized for corporate receptions and special events (3500 € per half-day all-in-one ...), and claims its status as “the highest panoramic trade fair in Europe”.
Photo credit: Flickr – Alexandre Dolique
It is on the top floor (the 58th) that you can enjoy the huge outdoor terrace of 800 m2, 200 meters above the ground.
During your climb to the top of the Montparnasse Tower, the visitor will enjoy a 360° panorama of the Light City and a 40-kilometre visibility in clear weather!
Visit the Montparnasse Tower allows you to have a breathtaking view, from day to night, on the Eiffel Tower, Louvre , Arc de Triomphe , the roofs of Paris, the streets and the main axes.
To climb to the Tour Montparnasse, for example, takes all its meaning for a new Parisian who tries to spot his apartment among the great avenues and famous monuments such as the Sacré Coeur, Notre-Dame de Paris or the Gare Montparnasse!
When to visit the Montparnasse Tower and at what rate?
It is possible to visit and climb to the Montparnasse Tower throughout the year. However, schedules change in summer and winter:
- From 1 April to 30 September: every day, from 9:30 to 11:30
- From October 1st to March 31st: Sunday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 10:30 pm and Friday, Saturday and evenings from 9:30 am to 11 pm
The last visit takes place 30 minutes before closing. It is from 11am to 3pm that there is the most world visiting the Montparnasse Tower.
Rates one day:
- Full price (adults, +12 years old): 18 €
- Children from 4 to 11 years old (included): 9,50 €
- Free for less than 4 years (remove a ticket to the caisse)
Rates for two visits in 48 hours:
- Full price (adults): 20 €
- Young people 16 to 20 years old and students : 16 €
- Children 7 to 15 years old (included): 12,50 €
- Free for children under 7 years of age (remove a ticket to the caisse)
To get to the Montparnasse Tower, it is recommended, if not almost obligatory, to book its tickets in advance. This will save you time and visit the Tour Montparnasse serenely.
It is possible to book your ticket online and choose its options and date of visit.
How to get to the Montparnasse Tower?
Here is how to come to the Montparnasse Tower, located at 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris:
- By metro: lines 4, 6, 12, and 13, stop at Montparnasse-Bienvenüe station,
- By bus: lines 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 and 96,
- By train : from the Gare de Paris Montparnasse,
- By car: parking is available to the public (paying)
- On foot or by bike:make your itinerary.
Main photo credit: Flickr – Greg_Men
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