Montparnasse Guided Tour with Access to the Observation Deck

In the roaring Twenties, Montparnasse established itself as the artistic hub of Paris. On this guided tour of this must-see area of Paris, you’ll first view the Boulevard du Montparnasse, It’s definitely worth a visit due to its history as being a favorite meeting place among intellectuals and artists of the early 20th century. You can visit the brasseries that were frequented by the likes of Jean Cocteau, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway. While exploring this Parisian neighborhood, you may come across unassuming locations like The Sphinx and The Monocle. But don’t be fooled, your tour guide will regale you with stories about the sensational nightlife of these two buildings from the 1930s and 1940s. Moreover, you will learn interesting facts about Paris’s most celebrated Black artist – Josephine Baker – as you walk through the street named in her honor.

The Montparnasse Cemetery is a popular landmark that is favored by tourists for its soothing atmosphere. Here, you can take a walk among the graves of Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Charles Baudelaire. Take your time strolling through the bustling theater district of Rue de la Gaite. Or else, savor mouth-watering chantilly crêpes at Rue Delambre to get a taste of Paris’ finest culinary treats. You'll end the tour at the Montparnasse Tower, nearly 690 feet (210 meters) tall and the only skyscraper in Paris. Learn about the tower and take a ride with your guide up to the observation deck at the top with your included ticket. It has the city’s best view of the Eiffel Tower!

Montparnasse Guided Tour with Access to the Observation Deck

Discover Montparnasse on this sightseeing tour that includes access to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse Tower, and the Montparnasse Cemetery. This 2-hour guided excursion covers the historic district of Paris known for its vibrant artistic and literary past. The tour is available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Arabic, Polish, Turkish, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Greek, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Serbian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Hindi. Your guide will lead you through the heart of Montparnasse, revealing its rich history and cultural significance with over 20 historical sites visited throughout the tour.

Explore Boulevard du Montparnasse

Your tour stops at Boulevard du Montparnasse where this historic Parisian street once hosted some of the most renowned artists and writers from the early 1900s to mid-1960s, including Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, and James Joyce. Built in 1852 during the Second Empire era under Napoleon III's urban reforms, Boulevard du Montparnasse stretches for approximately 750 meters along a bustling commercial and cultural hub featuring over 30 unique art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and bookstores. Visitors spend about 45 minutes here exploring its charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere, making it an essential stop on any tour of Paris's artistic heritage.

Visit the Sphinx Former Brothel

Your guide will take you to the Sphinx, a former brothel turned historical landmark located at 10 Rue Delambre. Built in 1926 and operating until 1947, this building served as an infamous gathering place for Parisian intellectuals and artists during its heyday. The Sphinx spans over 50 square meters with three floors dedicated to private rooms and a bar area where guests can immerse themselves in the history of Montparnasse's bohemian culture. Visitors typically spend about 20 minutes here, learning about the building’s transformation from a den of vice into a celebrated site of literary and artistic significance.

Experience The Monocle Women-Only Nightclub

The tour continues to The Monocle, a women-only nightclub that opened in 1927 on Rue Delambre, offering an exclusive space for female patrons during the height of Montparnasse's nightlife. This unique establishment operated until 1940 and became known as one of the most daring venues in Paris at the time. The Monocle covers approximately 35 square meters with a dance floor, bar area, and private rooms where women could socialize freely without male presence. Guests typically spend around 20 minutes here, gaining insight into the liberating atmosphere that defined Montparnasse's nightlife.

Discover the Josephine Baker Street

Your tour takes you to the Rue de la Tombe-Issoire, dedicated to the life and career of renowned American-born dancer and singer Josephine Baker. This street commemorates her contributions to Parisian culture from 1925 until her death in 1975. The street features a bronze statue of Baker along with plaques detailing significant moments in her life. Visitors spend about 30 minutes here, learning about the impact she had on both American and French society through her performances and civil rights activism.

Visit Montparnasse Cemetery

The tour concludes at the famous Montparnasse cemetery where guests can view the graves of iconic figures like Jean-Paul Sartre, Guy de Maupassant, and Samuel Beckett. Established in 1824, this burial ground covers over 5 hectares with more than 60,000 interments, including notable artists, writers, politicians, scientists, and philosophers. Visitors spend approximately one hour here exploring the cemetery's rich history and significant monuments dedicated to these influential individuals.

Tour Highlights

• Walk Boulevard du Montparnasse with historic cafes
• Explore former brothel Sphinx in 1920s Paris
• Spend time at women-only nightclub The Monocle from 1927-40
• See the Josephine Baker statue and plaques along Rue de la Tombe-Issoire
• Tour Montparnasse Cemetery with graves of literary figures since 1824
• Access observation deck at Montparnasse Tower for panoramic views
• Receive audio guide in multiple languages including English, French, Spanish
• Experience guided tour covering over 20 historical sites and landmarks

Perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and literature buffs, this sightseeing tour provides an immersive experience through the heart of Montparnasse. The 2-hour format allows you to explore Boulevard du Montparnasse, visit the Sphinx brothel site, stroll along Josephine Baker Street, and tour Montparnasse Cemetery, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Paris's bohemian past while enjoying panoramic views from the top of Montparnasse Tower.