Montparnasse always used to be known as the milieu of artists and intellectuals, and still has lively cafés and restaurants
Paris 14ème arrondissement: Montparnasse
Make a reservation in a hotel in Montparnasse, Paris' 14eme arrondissement
Attractions: Famous literary cafes (La Dôme, La Coupole, La Rotonde, Le Select, La Closerie des Lilas) - Bronze Lion of Belfort and Catacombs Museum (Place Denfert-Rochereau) - Montparnasse Train Station - Observatoire - Cimetiere Du Montparnasse - Parc de Montsouris - Pernéty-Plaisance district - Rue Daguerre - Rue Boulard - Villa Adrienne - Tour Montparnasse
Montparnasse always used to be known as the milieu of artists and intellectuals, and still has lively cafés and restaurants around the Boulevard Montparnasse. It's a residential district that's also home to the Cité Universitaire, which features architectural styles from all over the world. And close by is the Parc Montsouris, arguably one of the most pleasant green spots in the city. In fact, there are many fine courtyards and charming gardens to wander around in the area. There's also the Paris Observatoire (observatory), which dates back to the time of Louis XIV, and the Paris Catacombes Museum.
But most people know Montparnasse, as the home of the "Lost Generation", where Gertude Stein and Alice B Toklas (they lived at 27 rue de Fleurus), Hemingway, Fitzgerald and other 1920's American expats hung out. Many of the places they frequented are still there: the famous literary cafes (La Dôme, La Coupole, La Rotonde, Le Select, La Closerie des Lilas) are just down from Rodin's statue of Balzac at the junction of boulevards Montparnasse and Raspail.
The 14th is probably best known nowadays for having the only (and much-maligned) skyscraper in Paris, the Tour Montparnasse. The view from top is magnificent, all the more so because you can't see the tower you're standing on, which sticks out of the surrounding district like a sore thumb.
If you're into fashion, don't miss rue Alesia with its varied selection of boutiques, and be sure to check out the Bronze Lion of Belfort in Place Denfert-Rochereau.
Montparnasse is a good location for your hotel if you don't want to be smack in the centre of town, but you want atmosphere and still to be within easy access of the action.