Montparnasse district in Paris: attractions

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

This district of Paris, whose name translates as "Mount Parnassus", was the recognized center of the artistic life of the city at the beginning of the 20th century. Today it is considered one of the most prestigious quarters and the main business center of the French capital.

Montparnasse in Paris, which keeps the memory of the great masters who worked here a century ago, is incredibly popular with tourists and provides an opportunity to stroll through historical places. The Mecca of metropolitan poets and artists is famous not only for its special atmosphere, but also for various sights that have become the highlight of the country.

History of the Bohemian District

The well-known area is located on the left bank of the Seine River. Once upon a time, there was an earthen mound where students heated by wine came to recite verses. It was they who called the hill "the hill of Parnassus", remembering the sacred mountain in Greece, on which the muses of singing and poetry lived. In the 20s of the 18th century, Raspail and Montparnasse boulevards were laid on this site, which intersect in the area of P. Picasso Square. In the 19th century, lovers of the bohemian life moved fromdecent center to the outskirts of the city to have fun in a cabaret and have fun living life. Creative youth gathered here, but the true glory of this place was brought by famous painters who became regulars in inexpensive coffee shops in Montparnasse. They paid with their works, and now the most famous museums in the world envy the café's art collections.

The area on the outskirts of the French capital was incorporated into the city in 1860, and today Montparnasse in Paris extends far beyond the administrative quarter. After the Second World War, he was unable to regain the glory of a bohemian corner and began to slowly turn into a business district. In the middle of the last century, the reconstruction of the historical site began, which continues to this day. It radically changed the look of the southern part of the city, but many corners remained untouched and continue to delight travelers.

Tour Montparnasse

So, what to visit first of all for tourists who find themselves in the former Mecca of the creative intelligentsia? The main attraction of the area is the 57-storey Montparnasse skyscraper in Paris, whose gigantic size against the backdrop of the historic center has been constantly criticized. However, the tower is considered the most popular tourist attraction in the French capital.

This place used to be a small train station, and as the city grew, it could no longer cope with the increased volumes of traffic. On the territory of the complex dismantled by decision of the authoritiesbuildings in 1972 and a monolithic structure made of metal and glass has grown, from the observation deck of which a stunning view of the picturesque city opens. The Montparnasse Tower in Paris, towering awkwardly over the historic district, is 210 meters high. At the foot of the building, resembling an oval cigar, there is a huge shopping center, and business offices are located on 57 floors. It is curious that the skyscraper, which has been repeatedly recognized as an ugly metropolitan building, goes far underground, and subway lines intersect under the block.

Observation deck

The top point of the skyscraper - the helipad - is used for its intended purpose infrequently. But for visitors to the city, it is of particular interest. It is not very crowded here, and every tourist without haste and fuss will enjoy the views of the surroundings of the capital from above. With the help of high-speed elevators, you can climb to the top floors of the tower in just 40 seconds, and interactive tools, photographs and maps will introduce you to the history of the city. The 200-meter height of Montparnasse in Paris allows you to enjoy an amazing panorama and view the city at a glance.

Gare Montparnasse

In 1969, the dismantling of the old station began, the buildings of which did not meet modern requirements, and the construction of a huge complex of structures made of glass panels began. Gare Montparnasse in Paris is one of the busiest places in the capital. Every year it receives up to 50 million people who change from the train to the metro and do not go out, which is very convenient for tourists. New and beautiful buildingstands out from the houses nearby. Suburban trains depart from the well-maintained station linking Paris with the Atlantic coast.

Jardin Atlantique

On the roof of Gare Montparnasse is an amazing living corner that combines the best achievements of landscape art and engineering technology. Located at an 18-meter height, Jardin Atlantique is completely invisible from below, and you can get to the top by an elevator or stairs inside the building. Opened 23 years ago, the Atlantic Garden is decorated in a maritime style, and even the sidewalks resemble the deck of a ship. The green oasis, consisting of two parts, will appeal not only to lovers of meditation and relaxation, but also to those who prefer outdoor activities. Guests don't have to worry about missing the train: all the announcements in the garden are perfectly audible.

Cimetière du Montparnasse

In 1824, by decree of Napoleon, the Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris was founded. One of the most famous metropolitan necropolises covers an area of 19 hectares. Tourists walking along the paths will see famous names on each tablet of a monument or crypt. Unusual tombstones keep many curious stories about the life and death of those who found the last shelter under them. The guides will help you navigate the well-groomed cemetery and tell you a lot about idols, on whose graves loyal fans leave notes, toys and flowers.

Comfortable and safe stay

Tourists gatheringrelax in the capital of France, book flights and hotels in Paris in advance. Montparnasse is a region relatively remote from the city center, where hotels are distinguished by their availability for every guest of the country. There are no luxurious five-star establishments here, as in other districts, however, no one will go home dissatisfied with comfortable rooms with a comfortable bed, bathroom, air conditioning and TV. Business district hotels are located next to the tower, not far from the metro. And the average price of a room with excellent soundproofing fluctuates around 50-100 euros per day. The price includes a buffet breakfast. According to tourists, living in this area is very convenient and safe.

Fabulously beautiful Paris is the very city you want to return to. Thanks to its special atmosphere, Montparnasse leaves an indelible mark on the soul, and its unique sights win the hearts of tourists from all over the world.