Tour Montparnasse serves up one of the best city views in Paris, but the magic doesn’t end at the observation deck. Step outside and you’ll find yourself in the heart of a Parisian neighborhood that has been home to generations of artists, writers, café-goers and gourmet bakers. Here, old-school bistros sit alongside trendy galleries, hidden parks beckon for a break, and every street reveals flavors and stories you simply can’t find elsewhere in Paris. Ready for a day that’s equal parts iconic sights, local color, and pure Parisian pleasure? Let’s explore everything you can do near Tour Montparnasse.
Our favorite things to do near Tour Montparnasse include:
- Tour Montparnasse Observation Deck
- Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise
- Musée d'Orsay
- Shakespeare and Company Bookshop
- Boulevard Edgar Quinet Market
- Montparnasse Cemetery
- Luxembourg Gardens
- La Coupole Brasserie
- Musée de l'Orangerie
- Parc Montsouris
Tour Montparnasse Observation Deck: Paris at Your Feet
You absolutely can’t visit the neighborhood without heading to the top of Tour Montparnasse. Hop in the super-speedy elevator and in just 38 seconds you’re 200 meters above Paris—face to face with a skyline that stretches from Sacré-Cœur to the Eiffel Tower to La Défense. And yes, this is the spot for THAT classic photo of the Eiffel Tower rising above the city rooftops.
What makes the experience special? The open-air rooftop terrace lets you feel the breeze and absorb the buzz of Paris from above. Interactive displays help you pick out landmarks, and at sunset, there’s nothing quite like watching the City of Lights come alive beneath you (with a glass of Champagne if you’re feeling celebratory). Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable Instagram moment or just want to get your bearings, this view turns even longtime Parisians into starry-eyed tourists.
Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise: Classic City Views
Nothing says “I’m in Paris!” like gliding past the world’s most-loved landmarks on a river cruise. Bateaux Parisiens operates just up the road, making it an easy after-lunch or sunset treat. Board at Port de la Bourdonnais, close to the Eiffel Tower, and watch as the city’s UNESCO World Heritage riverbanks come alive: Notre-Dame, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and more, each with their own stories.
What sets these cruises apart is the relaxing atmosphere—lean back, enjoy the breeze, and soak in Parisian life as locals picnic and musicians serenade you from the quays. Many cruises offer commentary, giving you tips on Paris secrets and hidden history. Our advice: take a cruise towards golden hour, when the bridges light up and everything feels just a little bit magical. Don’t forget your camera!
Musée d’Orsay: Impressionist Heaven
Musée d’Orsay: Impressionist Heaven
Just a short Metro ride—or a pleasant stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens—lands you at the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a former Beaux-Arts train station, this riverfront museum boasts not just grand clocks and palatial halls but the world’s best collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
Meander past masterworks by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, and Toulouse-Lautrec. What’s unique here is the ambiance: dazzling daylight, the sound of piano music from the atrium, and a gentle buzz as travelers and locals alike fall for one masterpiece after another. And, if you need a pit stop, the museum’s café looks out onto the Seine. Whether you’re a diehard art lover or just curious, Orsay always delivers.
Musée de l’Orangerie: Monet’s Infinity
Just north of Montparnasse in the Tuileries, the Musée de l’Orangerie is a serene detour into art and tranquility. The showstoppers here are Monet’s Water Lilies—enormous, room-filling panoramas that invite you to sit, daydream, and lose yourself in color. The ambiance is peaceful, with oval-shaped galleries designed to evoke the cycle of nature and reflect the light of the Paris sky overhead.
The lower galleries are packed with gems from Cézanne, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, and more. The crowds are never overwhelming, and the vibe is more "local art haunt" than blockbuster line-up. Pair this with a riverside stroll and you’ll have an artistic afternoon to remember.
Shakespeare & Company Bookshop: Literary Magic Awaits
Let’s detour for a moment to the Left Bank, where you’ll find Shakespeare and Company, Paris’s legendary English-language bookshop. This isn’t just a store—it’s a bohemian sanctuary for readers, writers, travelers, and anyone who loves a good story. Inside, you’lldiscover quirky rooms stacked with classics, contemporary gems, and plenty of cozy corners to get lost in a tale.
The shop’s history is endlessly charming, from housing penniless poets ("Tumbleweeds") to hosting midnight readings and book launches. The attached café offers legendary lemon pie and a view on Notre-Dame: perfect for an afternoon refuel. Don’t be surprised if you bump into a fellow traveler or a Parisian literary celebrity while you browse.
Luxembourg Gardens: City’s Leafy Playground
Luxembourg Gardens: City’s Leafy Playground
A 10-minute walk from the tower, Luxembourg Gardens are the city’s unofficial backyard. Impeccably landscaped lawns, stately statues, fountains, and chestnut trees form the perfect hideaway for Parisian daydreaming. Here, you can snag one of the famous green chairs, people-watch in the sun, or watch sailing boats glide across the main pond.
Kids love the playground and pony rides, and grown-ups will appreciate the Medici Fountain, little orchard, and the beautiful palace at the heart of the park. Pick up a pastry from a Montparnasse bakery, bring a book, and settle in—trust us, you’ll want to linger.
Montparnasse Cemetery: Quiet Reflections & Celebrity Sightings
Wander to Montparnasse Cemetery for a tranquil Paris stroll where every path tells a story. From the resting places of Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre to the flower-crowned grave of Serge Gainsbourg, the cemetery is full of poetic details. Ornate tombs, tree-lined alleys, and thoughtful tributes make this not just a cemetery, but a true outdoor sculpture museum.
The vibe here is serene and contemplative, with birdsong overhead and the occasional writer scribbling under a tree. Grab a baguette for a calm picnic or simply roam and discover some Paris legends in their eternal home.
Boulevard Edgar Quinet Market: Taste of Paris
For a true local flavor fix, hit up the open-air Edgar Quinet Market. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the street fills with market stalls selling everything from luscious cheeses and ripe berries to fresh flowers and artisanal jams. Arrive early to enjoy the best selection—and to mix with local Parisians on their weekly shopping run.
The colors, the friendly haggling, the free cheese samples—it’s a world away from the supermarket and a quintessential Paris experience. Perfect for stocking up before a park picnic or for finding delicious edible souvenirs.
Parc Montsouris: Green Escape on the South Side
Looking for a break from the city buzz? Parc Montsouris, a pleasant walk or quick Metro ride from Tour Montparnasse, is one of Paris’s largest and most beloved parks. With its sweeping lawns, picturesque pathways, and a tranquil lake complete with friendly ducks, this space is made for lazy afternoons. Locals picnic under huge plane trees, runners zigzag along winding trails, and families gather by the classic bandstand.
Bring along treats from the Edgar Quinet Market or a fresh baguette from a neighborhood bakery and make yourself at home on the grass. Artists sketch by the water, students sunbathe, and occasional live music floats from the park’s amphitheatre. It’s a big, bright taste of Parisian leisure, just beyond the tourist trail.
Tour Montparnasse isn’t just a stop for the city’s best view—it’s your jumping-off point for classic museums, indie bookshops, lush parks, bustling markets, and café tables still haunted by creative legends. Wherever you end up, Montparnasse and its neighbors guarantee you’ll see a Paris that’s as lively and unforgettable as the view from the top. Bon voyage—and happy exploring!
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