Paris Montparnasse – Top of the city

Interesting facts

1. 1

   Tour Montparnasse is the only skyscraper located within the administrative limits of central Paris.

2. 2

   The high-speed elevator takes just 38 seconds to travel from the ground floor to the 56th floor.

3. 3

   On clear days, visibility from the rooftop terrace extends up to 40 kilometers in every direction.

4. 4

   The open-air rooftop terrace at 210 meters is one of the highest accessible public viewpoints in Paris.

5. 5

   Tour Montparnasse was constructed on the former site of the Gare de Paris-Montparnasse railway station terminus.

6. 6

   The building stands 210 meters tall and was designed by architects Urbain Cassan, Eugène Beaudouin, Louis Hoquet, and Jean Saubot.

Overview

Paris Montparnasse – Top of the city is an observation deck situated on the 56th and 59th floors of the Tour Montparnasse at 33 Avenue du Maine in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. Standing at approximately 210 meters, it offers panoramic 360-degree views of the French capital, encompassing major landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Sacré-Cœur. The building itself is the only skyscraper in central Paris, completed in 1973 and standing out against the city's predominantly low-rise Haussmann architecture. Visitors access the top via one of Europe's fastest elevators, which reaches the 56th floor in under 40 seconds. The enclosed 56th floor features interactive touchscreens, historical exhibitions, and a panoramic bar, while the 59th floor is an open-air rooftop terrace exposed to the elements.

Insider tips

• Check the weather forecast before going up to ensure visibility is clear of heavy clouds or fog.

• Bring a windbreaker or jacket, as the 59th-floor open-air terrace experiences strong, chilly winds.

• Visit later in the afternoon to catch daylight views followed by the city lights turning on at dusk.