What to do around Montparnasse? Our top picks in Paris’s 15th arrondissement
Montparnasse is often just a station you rush through before catching a train. Yet the neighborhood offers one of the best balances in Paris: lively without being overwhelming, central without being overly touristy, and full of great spots within walking distance. From historic cafés and theaters to rooftop bars, restaurants, and classic Parisian strolls, here are our suggestions for enjoying the Montparnasse area during your stay.
Enjoy the view of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower
There’s no other way to start.
The Montparnasse Tower offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Paris, especially at sunset. Unlike the Eiffel Tower, you can actually see… the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop.
The 56th floor and the panoramic terrace offer a 360° view of all of Paris.
Travel time from the hotel
About a 15-minute walk.
Advice
Book a late-afternoon tour to see Paris by day and then all lit up.
Discover the historic cafés of Montparnasse
For decades, Montparnasse has been the neighborhood of artists, writers, and intellectuals.
Picasso, Hemingway, Modigliani, and Simone de Beauvoir were regulars at the neighborhood’s famous brasseries.
Iconic locations
The Dome
A legendary Art Deco institution.
The Dome
Perfect for a classic Parisian lunch.
La Rotonde
A typical Left Bank vibe.
Even if you don't spend hours there, the atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit.
Take a stroll down Rue de la Gaîté
Just behind the train station, this bustling street is home to:
- theaters
- restaurants
- bars
- shows
- cafés
It's one of the best places in the neighborhood to go out at night.
In particular, you will find:
- Bobino
- Gaîté-Montparnasse Theater
- Comedies and shows all year round
Take a break at the Luxembourg Gardens
From Montparnasse, the Luxembourg Gardens are easily accessible on foot or by metro.
It is one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris:
- wide tree-lined avenues
- iconic green chairs
- fountains
- statues
- a quiet Parisian atmosphere
Perfect for:
- read
- have a picnic
- have a cup of coffee
- take a break after a day of sightseeing
Explore the narrow streets of the 15th arrondissement
The neighborhood around Pasteur and Montparnasse is often overlooked by visitors.
Still, it’s a great way to discover a more authentic side of Paris:
- neighborhood bakeries
- small cafes
- markets
- quiet streets
- typical Parisian architecture
This is a far cry from the heavily touristed areas.
Enjoy the best restaurants around Montparnasse
The neighborhood is known for its historic Breton crêperies, a legacy of the Bretons who came to work near the train station.
A few ideas
Montparnasse Street
A cluster of renowned creperies.
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse
Classic French cuisine at affordable prices.
Italian restaurants and modern bistros
The neighborhood offers a great mix of classic Parisian institutions and newer, more contemporary spots.
Going out at night in Montparnasse
Montparnasse is a great place to spend an evening in Paris without the crowds you find in the more touristy neighborhoods.
You can easily:
- have a drink on the patio
- see a play
- have a late dinner
- enjoy a rooftop
- walking through Paris at night
The atmosphere remains lively, though it’s more relaxed than in the historic district.
Easily reach Paris's major attractions
One of Montparnasse’s major advantages is its connectivity to the rest of Paris.
From the neighborhood, you can quickly reach:
- Eiffel Tower
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Disabled
- Musée d'Orsay
- Porte de Versailles
- Latin Quarter
Thanks to the lines:
- 4
- 6
- 12
- 13
Where to stay in Montparnasse?
Staying in Montparnasse lets you enjoy:
- in a central neighborhood
- easy access to public transportation
- with a more local Parisian vibe
- a perfect balance between tranquility and liveliness
The Korner Montparnasse Hotel welcomes you just a few minutes from the train station and major transportation hubs, making it easy to explore Paris, whether you’re here on a business trip, for a weekend getaway, or just passing through the capital.
Why choose Montparnasse for a stay in Paris?
- easy access from the train station
- a lively and safe neighborhood
- many restaurants and theaters
- direct access to major tourist attractions
- a calmer atmosphere than the highly touristic areas
Just a stone's throw from the metro, the train station, or Paris's most iconic landmarks— pick your Korner! We bet it's right... just around the corner!
