Where creativity flourished and legends were born in the heart of Montparnasse
Guided tour through Montparnasse Cemetery visiting graves of famous writers and artists
Skip-the-line access to Paris's best panoramic viewpoint with audio guide included
Explore historic cafés and artist studios with tastings at legendary establishments
Montparnasse is a historic area in the south of Paris, renowned as the artistic and intellectual heart of the city during the early 20th century. Named after Mount Parnassus, the mythical home of the nine Muses, this district became synonymous with creativity and bohemian culture.
From 1910 to the start of World War II, Montparnasse attracted artists, writers, and intellectuals from around the world. The famous cafés - Le Dôme, La Rotonde, Le Select, and La Coupole - served as meeting places where cultural ideas were born and artistic movements flourished.
Today, Montparnasse continues to honor its artistic legacy while embracing modernity. Visitors can explore the historic cemetery where literary giants rest, climb the iconic tower for breathtaking views, and experience the vibrant cultural scene that still thrives in this remarkable district.
Discover the History
Walk in the footsteps of Picasso, Modigliani, and countless other artists who shaped modern art in these very streets.
Discover the haunts of Hemingway, Joyce, and Sartre, where literary masterpieces were conceived and discussed.
Experience the legendary café culture where intellectual debates and artistic collaborations flourished for decades.
Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Paris from Tour Montparnasse, offering a unique perspective of the City of Light.
The story of Montparnasse begins in the 17th century when students would gather on an artificial hill of rubble to recite poetry. They playfully named this mound "Mount Parnassus" after the sacred mountain of the Muses in Greek mythology. The hill was later leveled to make way for Boulevard Montparnasse in the 18th century.
During the French Revolution, the area transformed as dance halls and cabarets opened their doors, establishing Montparnasse as a center of entertainment and artistic expression. The arrival of the railway station, Gare Montparnasse, in the 19th century brought waves of Breton immigrants who settled in the neighborhood.
The golden age of Montparnasse began in 1910 when artists migrated from Montmartre, seeking cheaper rents and a more welcoming atmosphere. The district became home to La Ruche, an artist commune, and the famous cafés that would define the area's character. This period, known as "les Années Folles" (the Crazy Years), saw an unprecedented gathering of creative talent.
Today, while the bohemian atmosphere has evolved, Montparnasse remains a testament to Paris's artistic heritage, continuing to inspire new generations of creators and welcoming visitors from around the world to experience its unique cultural legacy.
Explore detailed timeline
Visit the legendary establishments where artistic history was made. Le Dôme, La Rotonde, Le Select, and La Coupole still operate today, maintaining their historic charm while serving excellent French cuisine. These cafés were once the meeting places of Picasso, Hemingway, and countless other luminaries who shaped 20th-century culture. Each café has its own unique character and stories to tell.
Pay respects to the giants of literature and art at Montparnasse Cemetery. Here lie Charles Baudelaire, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Samuel Beckett, and many others. The cemetery is not just a resting place but a pilgrimage site for lovers of literature and art. Each grave tells a story of creativity, passion, and the enduring impact of artistic expression on human culture.
Stroll down the historic "Street of Gaiety," once home to numerous music halls and theaters. This vibrant street was the entertainment heart of Montparnasse, where performers like Damia and Mayol captivated audiences. Today, it continues to buzz with theaters, cabarets, and restaurants, maintaining its reputation as a center of Parisian nightlife and cultural entertainment.
Explore the modern incarnation of the historic railway station that brought waves of immigrants and visitors to the district. The current station, rebuilt as a modern TGV hub, serves as a gateway to Brittany and southwestern France. The station's history includes the famous 1895 derailment, immortalized in photographs, and its role in bringing Breton culture to Paris, which still influences the area today.
Make the most of your Montparnasse experience with these helpful planning tips:
Location: South of Paris, Left Bank of the Seine
Coordinates: 48.8333°N, 2.3167°E
Montparnasse spans across the 6th, 14th, and 15th arrondissements of Paris, centered around the intersection of Boulevard du Montparnasse and Rue de Rennes.
Montparnasse is most famous for being the artistic and intellectual heart of Paris during the early 20th century, attracting renowned artists, writers, and thinkers from around the world who gathered in its legendary cafés.
Notable figures include Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Marc Chagall, and many others who shaped modern art and literature.
Yes! Many of the legendary cafés including Le Dôme, La Rotonde, Le Select, and La Coupole are still operating today and welcome visitors to experience their historic atmosphere.
A full day allows you to properly explore the main attractions, visit the cemetery, enjoy a meal at a historic café, and climb Tour Montparnasse for the views. A half-day visit can cover the highlights.
Yes, Montparnasse Cemetery is free to enter and open daily. Maps are available at the entrance to help you locate the graves of famous personalities.
Montparnasse is easily accessible by metro. The main station is Montparnasse-Bienvenüe, served by lines 4, 6, 12, and 13. Several other metro stations also serve different parts of the district.
Yes, various walking tours focus on the artistic history of Montparnasse, including literary tours, art history walks, and cemetery tours highlighting famous graves.
French is the primary language, but due to its tourist popularity and international history, English is widely understood in restaurants, cafés, and tourist attractions.
