Paris: Montparnasse Tower Tour & City View with Guide

Summary

Montparnasse stories, Paris rooftops and a city view you’ll remember

You’ll stroll Montparnasse’s storied streets with a local guide, taste Breton flavors on bustling boulevards, pause at famous graves in the cemetery, then ride up Montparnasse Tower for an unmatched city view—all with your included ticket and easy shuttle access. Expect laughter, small surprises, and a new way to see Paris.

What’s the experience like?

“You know this spot?” our guide asked, stopping just outside a little café where two old men were arguing about chess in a mix of French and something else I couldn’t catch. She grinned and told us Hemingway once drank here—though maybe that’s true of half the cafés in Paris. The street smelled faintly of butter and rain on stone, and I kept glancing up at the Montparnasse Tower poking out above everything, not exactly pretty but weirdly comforting. We walked along Boulevard de Montparnasse, passing creperies with windows fogged from the griddles inside. I tried to order a galette in my best French; the woman behind the counter just smiled and handed me one before I could finish.

We wandered through Montparnasse Cemetery next. It was quieter than I expected—just the soft click of shoes on gravel and the occasional pigeon flapping off a headstone. Our guide pointed out Simone de Beauvoir and Sartre’s grave, covered in little notes and metro tickets. Someone had left a single red carnation. I felt oddly moved by it; maybe because it was so ordinary. There’s something about cemeteries in big cities—they make you think about all the lives that happened right under your feet.

The last stop was the Montparnasse Tower itself. The elevator ride was fast enough to make my ears pop (I laughed at myself for being surprised). At the top, we stepped onto the observation deck—windy, even inside—and there it was: Paris spread out below like a map you could almost touch. The Eiffel Tower looked both closer and smaller than I’d imagined. Our guide pointed out neighborhoods by name; some I recognized from books or movies, others just sounded nice rolling off her tongue. I stood there longer than I meant to, watching clouds drift over rooftops. Even now, weeks later, that view sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Montparnasse and Tower visit

• Walk Boulevard de Montparnasse
• Experience Breton cuisine street
• Visit Montparnasse Cemetery
• Stroll Rue des Théâtres
• See square honoring French entertainer
• Ride Montparnasse Tower to observatory

Top questions

How long does the Paris Montparnasse Tower tour take?

The tour typically lasts around 2-3 hours including walking through Montparnasse and visiting the tower’s observation deck.

Is entry to the Montparnasse Tower included?

Yes, your ticket for the observation deck is included as part of the guided tour.

Are there food stops during this tour?

You’ll pass by creperies and cafés on Boulevard de Montparnasse; while food isn’t included, there’s time to grab something quick.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including sidewalks and the tower are wheelchair accessible.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is provided but an included Paris shuttle stops nearby for easy access.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The reference content doesn’t specify languages offered for this tour.

Can infants join this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join—the route allows prams or strollers.

Will we visit any famous graves?

Yes, you’ll stop at Montparnasse Cemetery to see graves like Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre’s.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour through historic Montparnasse with stories from your local guide, an included ticket for fast access to the Montparnasse Tower observation deck for panoramic views of Paris, plus use of a convenient city shuttle stopping at popular sights along the way.