Paris Montparnasse Tower Guided Tour with Best View of the City

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and want a little more than just wandering aimlessly, this Montparnasse Tower Guided Tour offers a manageable way to see the city’s highlights with some local insight thrown in. It’s designed for travelers who appreciate a good mix of walking through a historic neighborhood and then catching the best panoramic views from Paris’s only skyscraper.

What we really like about this experience is the balanced approach—it’s not just a quick lift to the top but a walk through the lively Montparnasse area, full of history and local flavor. Another plus? The view from the observation deck gets a lot of praise, giving you a real sense of the city’s layout and beauty.

One thing to keep in mind is that the walking portion is quite short, so if you’re hoping for a lengthy tour with lots of sightseeing, this might feel a bit light. But overall, it’s well-suited for those with limited time or anyone wanting a quick but enriching Parisian experience.

This tour works best for travelers who enjoy history, city views, and a bit of local culture in a compact package. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors or those who want an overview without the fuss of navigating public transport or planning multiple stops.

Key Points

• Short but sweet: Around 2 hours, making it a good option for those on a tight schedule
• Great views: The highlight is the Montparnasse Tower observation deck, offering some of the best panoramic views of Paris
• Rich neighborhood walk: Explore historic streets, cemeteries, and squares with insights from a knowledgeable guide
• Affordable: At roughly $45, it’s a reasonable price for a guided experience with access to the tower’s observatory
• Good for first-timers: It offers orientation and context for further independent exploration
• Limited time, limited walking: The walking segments are brief, focusing more on the neighborhood’s highlights

What’s Included and How It Works

For just over $45, you get quite a bit. The tour starts at 91 Blvd du Montparnasse and includes a professional local guide who will lead you through some of Montparnasse’s most iconic spots. After about 90 minutes of walking and sightseeing, you’ll ascend to the Montparnasse Tower’s observation deck—a highlight that earns frequent praise for its sweeping city views.

The ticket to the observation deck is included, but note that you can visit the tower on your own after the tour ends if you wish. The entire experience lasts about 2 hours—a nice chunk of time without feeling rushed. Plus, with the tour group capped at 25 people, you generally get a more personalized experience.

Transportation to and from the start point is straightforward, with the tour located near public transit. The experience provider, ExperienceFirst, offers a Paris shuttle to make getting around easier, which is especially helpful if you’re already tired from days of sightseeing.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You’ll Experience

Stop 1: Boulevard du Montparnasse

The tour kicks off on this bustling boulevard, historically known for its café society. It’s where famous artists and writers lounged, drank, and exchanged ideas—think of it as the literary and artistic heart of Montparnasse. We loved the way the guide brought this history to life, giving us a feel for what the neighborhood was like during its bohemian heyday.

Stop 2: Rue du Montparnasse

Next, you’ll walk this lively street, which remains a hub of Breton cuisine and authentic Parisian charm. It’s a great spot to see daily life in action and get a sense of the local flavor. Some reviews mention that the street’s vibe is both picturesque and bustling, offering a glimpse into the neighborhood’s culinary scene.

Stop 3: Montparnasse Cemetery

This is a quiet but significant stop—home to famous writers, artists, and philosophers like Sartre and de Beauvoir. The cemetery is peaceful, and it’s easy to see why many find it a moving spot. The guide shares stories about the notable residents, making it more than just a walk through a graveyard.

Stop 4: Rue de la Gaité

Known as the Street of Theaters, this lively street is packed with theaters, cafes, and shops. It’s the cultural heartbeat of Montparnasse, and you’ll get a sense of its entertainment scene. The guide points out theaters and historic sites, making it a nice contrast to the quieter cemetery.

Stop 5: Place Joséphine Baker

This small square pays tribute to the legendary entertainer and French Resistance figure. It’s a charming spot to pause and soak in some local history. The guide’s insights help you understand Baker’s multifaceted legacy—entertainer, activist, and hero.

Final Stop: Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

The grand finale is the ride up to the top of the tower, where panoramic views of Paris unfold. This is where many guests say they get the best photo opportunities and a sense of the city’s scale. We’ve heard from visitors that the views are famous for being the best of Paris, offering a 360-degree perspective that’s hard to beat.

What We Loved About the Tour

The guides consistently get high praise. Reviewers mention knowledgeable, engaging guides like RT and Tatiana, who make the tour both fun and insightful. Having a local guide who can share stories and answer questions really enhances the experience, transforming a simple walk into a memorable lesson about Montparnasse’s past and present.

The view from the top is a standout feature—many reviewers, including those who only mention the view, agree it’s one of the best ways to see Paris. For about an hour, you’ll be standing above the city, seeing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and Sacré-Cœur from a height that makes everything feel accessible and spectacular.

The value for money is solid. For around $45, you get a guided walk through a historic neighborhood plus access to the observation deck, which typically costs extra if you go alone. The combination of walking, learning, and viewing makes it a good deal.

What Could Be Better

The main critique from some travelers is that the walking part of the tour is quite brief, and the historical commentary can be limited or hard to hear when the group gets large or when there’s background noise. For example, one reviewer mentioned having trouble hearing the guide unless they were close, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to soak everything in or take photos.

Plus, if you’re someone who prefers lengthy tours or more in-depth exploration, this might feel like a quick overview rather than a deep dive. Still, for most, it hits the sweet spot between efficiency and experience.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a short, well-organized introduction to Montparnasse’s culture and history paired with the chance to see Paris from its tallest building, this tour is a good pick. It’s especially suitable if you’re on a budget or just want a quick overview without sacrificing the iconic views.

Travelers who enjoy guided storytelling and want to understand the neighborhood’s artistic and cultural significance will find this especially rewarding. First-time visitors or those with limited time should appreciate how much they get in just a couple of hours.

However, if you’re looking for an in-depth exploration, or if you prefer long walks and detailed historical narratives, you might want to consider alternative options. This tour is best viewed as a highlights reel, not a comprehensive history.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, including walking and the visit to the observation deck.

What does the tour include?
It includes a guided walk through Montparnasse, a visit to the cemetery and local streets, and a ticket to the top of Montparnasse Tower for panoramic views.

Is the entrance to Montparnasse Tower included?
Yes, the ticket to the observation deck is included in the tour price. You can visit the tower on your own after the guided portion.

Can I join this tour if I don’t speak French?
Absolutely. The tour is led by an experienced local guide, usually in English, and most travelers can participate.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the description doesn’t specify family-friendliness, the stops are mainly walking and sightseeing, which generally suits older children and teens. Keep in mind the pace and the need for good weather.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at 91 Bd du Montparnasse, which is accessible via public transportation—nearby metro stops or bus routes.

What if the weather is bad?
Since most of the tour is outdoors, it’s best to check the forecast. If the weather is very poor, you might want to consider rescheduling or visiting the tower on your own—just note that the tower visit is included, so you can still enjoy the views if the weather clears.

Final Thoughts

This Montparnasse Tower Guided Tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to see a lively Paris neighborhood and get a spectacular view of the city. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a quick, guided overview without the fuss of planning and long walks. The knowledgeable guides and unbeatable vistas make it a worthwhile addition to many Paris itineraries, especially if you’re eager to tick off a top-rated observation spot without breaking the bank.

If you love history, cityscapes, and a touch of local culture—all wrapped into a compact package—this tour might just be the right choice for your Paris visit. Just be prepared for a brisk pace and a focus on highlights rather than deep dives, and you’ll likely come away happy and with plenty of great photos.