The Montparnasse area of central Paris is a great place to begin to explore Paris. These six things not to miss is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s a good way to get started!
Continued from here.
In case you haven’t been following along or clicked the previous link to see where I was before this, here is a quick summary since I’m exactly at the halfway mark of my European Culinary Tour: I went from England to Belgium, to Switzerland, to France, and at this point, I am just arriving in in Paris with my new friend, Jill from Mad About Macarons.
Disclosure: I was given a media ticket for the top of the Montparnasse Tower. All opinions are solely my own.
The scenery on the way to Paris was spectacular; despite speeding down the tracks, the views were still stunning.

When we arrived at the Montparnasse station in Paris, Jill was very kind and walked me to my hotel. It was a very sad parting of ways when she had to leave to go home, as we both just wanted our fun to continue.
Before she left, Jill suggested I have crepes and French cider for dinner which was a great suggestion as the area near my hotel was dotted with crêperies, and I would never have known to order cider in France. All the crepes were made with buckwheat flour, so they were quite different than ones I’m accustomed to, but they were tasty. I ordered a savory one, and a sweet one filled with chocolate (surprise)! The cider was delicious, too! So this is the first thing you shouldn’t miss in the Montparnasse area:
CRÊPERIES
I had a lovely time wandering the Montparnasse area after sunset. It’s obviously a very lively spot.
2. THE MONTPARNASSE TOWER
It would be a shame to be in this area of Paris and miss going to the top of the Montparnasse Tower for the best views of the city. However, if my Paris-obsessed friend, Lisa, had not told me about it, I probably would never have known about it. The Montparnasse Tower is a lone-standing skyscraper (the only one in Paris) office building, but at the very top, you can just imagine the views that can be had of Paris! It was literally a five minute minute walk from my hotel, so I grabbed a gorgeous pain au chocolat, and headed to the tower.
It wasn’t that easy though: look at what I was tempted with!
But I was happy with my choice. (You can see the Montparnasse Tower in the background.)
My next obstacle was unforeseen: a market! And it was directly in my path to the Tower! (The market is actually #3 on my list, but I’ll get to that after I show you the views from the Montparnasse Tower.)
I can tell you that it took me more than five minutes to walk to the Tower, given my the market was smack-dab in my way! However, I did finally make it and took the super-fast elevator to the top. I spent quite a bit of time taking in the views from the observation deck on the very top of the building.
The views were breathtaking.
The most iconic symbol of Paris: the Eiffel Tower.
And more of the views~


Here is a great interactive 360° view of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower, which gives you a great idea of what you can see from the top.
TIP: if you are able to go just before sunset, you will see the view during daylight, be extremely lucky to see the sun set over Paris, and then see the twinkling of the city’s lights (including the Eiffel Tower), after sunset.


There’s even a cafe at the top, and of course a gift shop, too.
When I was ready to go back down, the fastest elevator in the Tower whisked me down 643 feet in 38 seconds! I didn’t waste any time getting back to the market.
3. THE MARKET
I was in Paris on a Wednesday, and I believe they have markets here on the weekends also, but check before you go. Once again, I was frustrated in not being able to buy the beautiful meats at the butcher and cheeses, and gorgeous vegetables, but if you rent an apartment nearby, options are much more open. I did buy an apple!
After I perused the market, I headed back to my hotel as I was meeting another (future) blogger for lunch, Mary from Simply French. Mary had seen photos of my European travels on social media and contacted me to ask if I was coming to Paris, which indeed I was. We made plans to meet, and she suggested meeting in front of La Grande Épicerie de Paris, which I had only read about (it also happens to be number 4 on the list). As I walked to meet her, I got another view of the Montparnasse Tower from further away.
I also noticed something disappointing. Somehow, America has an effect on people from other countries which makes them want to emulate what we do and have here in the US. Whether it’s due to our movies or another reason, there are certain aspects of this phenomenon which I think is great (American customer service standards, for example), but when I saw this outside of a bagel and brownie shop…
yet not a soul at this patisserie across the street, it made me sad. Hopefully it was just because it was lunchtime and the teens were grabbing a sandwich. I’d hate to think that French pastries may be replaced by bagels and brownies, one day.
I met Mary outside La Grande Épicerie, but we went to have lunch before exploring the nearby area. We ate at what Mary referred to as a place where “your French grandmother would be cooking”. The quintessential French style of the restaurant reminded me of Café Rene from ‘Allo ‘Allo (a British comedy) which I love! Have you seen it? :)
We chatted after ordering our food, and I learned that Mary is an American who married a Frenchman, moved to Paris, went to Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, and is now a certified chef teaching culinary classes and catering many events in in the city! And soon, she will launch her blog. You can sign up here to receive updates, and in the meantime you can see all her gorgeous photos on Instagram.
Mary had ordered a steak and I requested a lovely goat cheese and lardon salad. It was delicious, as you can probably see.

4. LA GRANDE ÉPICERIE de PARIS.
If you’ve ever been to Harrod’s food halls, this is the French equivalent. If you haven’t been to Harrod’s food halls, you can’t even imagine a grocery store like La Grand Epicerie. Not only is it massive in size, but it has the best of everything and all neatly displayed, not like a normal grocery store, mind you. This is just the bottled water!

Suffice it to say that you’d really have to visit it yourself to truly appreciate it, which is why it’s on my “don’t miss” list. Even if you don’t/can’t buy a thing, it’s still worth visiting.

Next up…
5. THE GARDENS OF LUXEMBOURG (Jardin du Luxembourg)
This area is rather like New York’s Central Park, according to Mary, who offered to show me around that afternoon. The gardens were perfectly manicured and it was such a pleasing setting. The sky was being a bit petulant, but couldn’t really make up its mind, as you can see.
We walked and chatted (mostly about food, can you believe it?)
We left the Gardens and saw some beautiful statues, fountains and archictecture in buildings and more.

Lo and behold, we were in front of one of Paris’ most famous cafés: Les Deux Magots. We just had to sit and have a little afternoon treat! Which brings us to number six on the list.
6. LES DEUX MAGOTS


But this was even lovelier!
We chose the Opera Cake. How can you go wrong with Opera Cake in Paris? I also had a thick hot chocolate.
Mary and I had a lovely few hours together and she was such a sweetheart to offer to show me around her adopted city without ever having met me before. Thank you Mary, I had a wonderful time!
After our afternoon treat and a little people-watching, Mary put me on the Metro back to my hotel as it was time for me to catch the bus to the Orly airport. Where was I off to next?
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Information for tickets and more for the Montparnasse Tower
Disclosure: I was given a media ticket for the top of the Montparnasse Tower. All opinions are solely my own. I am disclosing this in compliance with FTC regulations.
[…] I left Paris a bit miffed as an Easy Jet agent chose me (the only person on the entire flight) to place my carry-on suitcase in one of those “does it fit?” contraptions, and although I’d just flown on three Easy Jet flights with no problem fitting my bag in the overhead compartments, apparently this time it was different. […]
[…] Click here to continue on my culinary tour of Europe! […]
[…] my parents to Australia. To cut a long story short, with all my travel, I never had time to plan my Paris trip until the very last minute (the week before my […]
[…] PARIS, FRANCE- 6 Things Not to Miss in and Near the Montparnasse Area of Central Paris […]
Hi Christina,
I read your post with interest, as I am staying in this area later this year on my own. It will be my first visit to France. I am thrilled to read the area is filled with creperies – love them! I was wondering…. did you feel the area was extremely safe for a female solo traveller – especially travelling by train late at night or 6am Sunday morning from Montparnasse station?
Hi Tracey, sorry for the delay in responding, but I was in Italy and Switzerland and just got back. For me, I walked around at night and it was really busy with lots of people eating and drinking, but must say I didn’t take the train at night. I would guess it would be totally fine as long as you’re confident yourself (I think half the battle is not looking like a target). However, I honestly couldn’t say as I took the train during daytime hours. Enjoy! I’m sure you’re going to love it!
Sigh. I wish I was there now! Such beautiful photos. What a wonderful trip! And the food….
Paris is on my list of places to visit, but until then, I’ll look at your photos and take the trip through your eyes (and tastebuds!).
Oh I hope you’re able to go sometime soon, Mindy! It is a wonderful city! Thank you for your lovely comment :)
[…] What not to Miss in the Montparnasse area of Central Paris […]
Incredible pictures. I don’t know if you went to the Marché Poncelet too ? It is in the 17th district in a little street, beautiful products. Next to it there is a great Hotel called Hotel Napoleon
Oh I’ve missed this comment, sorry Amou! No, I don’t know it, but I do now! Thank you!
I couldn’t pass up a single creperie if I were there!! What a trip!
My hubby and I have stayed in Montparnasse many, many time. It is so convenient! Shops, theaters, great bretagne food, my favorite brasserie and lots of great small restaurants. There is also 5 metros and the train station. There is also a TON of history here with artists and painters. Not many people consider this area of Paris, but it is a good one!
You can tell you really know your way around Paris, Andi! Thanks so much! Btw, which is your favorite brasserie?
Wow – I am so amazed at all you have been able to pack into this trip!! The view from the top of the tower is amazing, and great tip to go before sunset to be able to watch the sunset. And now I am craving a pain au chocolat. :)
I could go for a pain au chocolat right now, too! Yes, I packed in a ton of places into this 5 week trip through Europe! Even more to come!
Gorgeous post! Rich in information and visually beautiful, great pics! I don’t know why I never went up the Montparnasse Tower but for whatever reason I didn’t. And wow, did I miss out – stunning panoramic views! And of course, that chocolate-filled croissant roll… ;)
J’taime Paris, the crepes and all the gorgeous pastries have me dreaming of France.
It’s hard not to, Brianna! :)
It looks like you had a fabulous time eating your way around the Montparnasse! That’s the great thing about Paris – there’s always so much to explore. It’s a good thing I always do a ton of walking when I’m in the city because there are just way too many delicious temptations.
Absolutely agree on both points, Jennifer!
Love Paris and the surrounding area, we were just there this past spring. Your pictures bring back memories and they are lovely!!
So glad to be able to remind you of such lovely memories, Tara! :)
Oh my gosh… I feel so sad that I’ve been to Paris so many times and have never seen this part of town!! I’m happy to read about it because that tower will definitely be on the list for my next visit. Looks like a really neat area to explore. Beautiful shares on this post!
Well, it’s just one more reason to return to Paris, Lori! Thank you!
[…] I left Paris a bit miffed as an Easy Jet agent chose me (the only person on the entire flight) to place my carry on suitcase in one of those “does it fit?” contraptions, and although I’d just flown on three Easy Jet flights with no problem fitting my bag in the overhead compartments, apparently this time it was different. […]
Beautiful photography, Christina. Your trip looks amazing, love all the food, views, colors, culture! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Sandy.
How beautiful is your post and so welcome to see and read after the past few days. xx
I know, the timing was a bit strange, given that I was there in September. I hope the events don’t dissuade travelers from visiting this beautiful city.
Your pictures and descriptions make me ready to plan another trip soon. The markets, the views and the food are some of my favourite things. France is such a wonderful place to visit.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you, Susan! I appreciate your lovely comments! Hope you can return to France sooner than later! :)
Oh Christina, that moment when we parted was so sad. Especially as I wanted to continue and show you around Paris – I am so sorry that the French schools just chose rotten timing for la rentrée. I am so glad that Mary showed you around and that you enjoyed many delicious looking treats. I am in awe of your lovely photos and also am stunned how well these moving-at-high-speed-on-a-TGV-train shots came out so brilliantly. Looking forward to your return to Paris and spending much more time with you! You are so much fun and missing you tons!
I know, timing wasn’t brilliant, but it was better than not at all! I got lucky with those shots, I’m sure. (You know me and my luck!) :) Merci, Jill! Meeting you was one of the best parts of my fantastic luck recently! :)
Ah, you took me through some of my favorite Paris haunts, but would you believe I’ve never been to the top of the Montparnasse Tower. I have been to the many creperies around it, but never made it to the top. Thanks for the shots of Paris and le grand epiceries and pain au chocolat…ooo la la to it all!
Oh you simply must get to see that view the next time you’re in Paris, Kelly! Glad you liked the photos! Merci!
I didn’t realize the best best view of Paris was from the top of the Montparnasse Tower! I will check that out next time I am in Paris. Best people watching in the city still belongs to Les Deux Magots. I stayed at a cute hotel diagonally opposite of the cafe. Wonderful area. Love your photos.
I didn’t either, Cathy! It is a lovely area and I’d stay there again without hesitation! Thank you!
Thank you so much for so vividly sharing your travels! I can close my eyes and imagine I am in Paris…
Oh that is so kind of you to say, Tatyana! Thank you so much!
[…] PARIS, FRANCE- 6 Things Not to Miss in and Near the Montparnasse Area of Central Paris […]