Remarkable buildings in Paris: Montparnasse Tower

Inaugurated in 1973, the Montparnasse Tower (la Tour Montparnasse) is a 210-metre high skyscraper with 59 floors, occupied mainly by offices. Situated next to the Gare de Montparnasse, this remarkable building was the highest in Paris and France, until another office skyscraper in the Parisian business district surpassed it in 2011. The terrace on the top floor of this skyscraper is open to the public, and this panoramic observatory offers the most beautiful view of Paris and its monuments. Probably the best moment to get to the Montparnasse Tower terrace is when the night falls. Seeing the Eiffel Tower illuminated is more than amazing. 

The Tour Montparnasse, Paris

33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris, France

History

Already in 1959, French authorities wanted to permit the construction of the Montparnasse Tower, but the public opinion was against it. For Parisians, seeing high buildings in the heart of their city was inconceivable. In spite of that, in 1969, the French President Georges Pompidou decided to approve the building construction. He was more than convinced that Paris needed to be modernized, and in April 1970, the construction of the Montparnasse Tower has started. Designed by four architects Eugène Beaudouin, Urbain Cassan, Jean Saubot and Louis Hoym de Marien, the building was finally inaugurated in June 1973. 

Popular culture

The Montparnasse Tower was used as decor in many movies. In “Last Tango in Paris”, a 1972 movie, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and starring Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider, we can see the Montparnasse Tower still under construction. The story of the 1977 French movie "The Accuser" ("l’Imprécateur"), directed by Jean-Louis Bertucelli, is taking place in this skyscraper whose foundation are cracking. Also, the Montparnasse Tower was used as a movie décor in the French comedy from 2001 “La Tour Montparnasse Infernale”, directed by Charles Nemes and featuring Ramzy Bedia and Eric Judor. In 1995, this remarkable building became worldwide famous when Alain Robert, known as the “Spiderman”, a French urban climber, scaled its exterior wall without any protective equipment.   

Practical information

To the top of the Montparnasse Tower will take you in only 38 seconds the fastest lift in Europe. But to enjoy the most incredible view of Paris from the terrace of this remarkable building, you will need to buy a ticket. The price of the ticket is 18 euros for adults and 15 euros for children and students. For children under 4 years, access to this terrace is free of charge. The Montparnasse Tower terrace is open every day: from Sunday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 10:30 pm, and from Friday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 11 pm. From May to the end of September, the Bubble sky bar is open there, and you can enjoy at the top of the Montparnasse Tower by sipping a glass of champagne. 

Bubble Sky bar, Paris

33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris, France