Montparnasse Walking Tour, Paris

Montparnasse Walking Tour (Self Guided), Paris

Follow in the footsteps of famous artists, writers and politicians with a visit to Montparnasse. In the years that followed World War I, this area became a bohemian magnet. Among the famous names to have lived here were the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, French writer Jean Cocteau and the French poet and playwright Guillaume Apollinaire, who died in 1918. Some political exiles also made Montparnasse their home, including Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky. A nice way to get a feel for the place is to walk on Rue Daguerre, a pedestrianized permanent market street.

Take in spectacular views of the arrondissement and the rest of the city from the Maine-Montparnasse Tower, a 700-foot (213-meter) skyscraper in its northern corner. In addition to the observation deck there is also a shopping plaza on the top floor. Some people have commented that the views from here are even better than those from the Eiffel Tower's viewing platforms.

After scaling the area’s heights, venture underground to explore the Catacombs of Paris. This is a labyrinth of underground tunnels, some of which have walls embedded with skulls, bones and other skeletal fragments. There are the remains of approximately six million Parisians in the catacombs, many of which were transferred here during the 18th and 19th centuries when some of the city’s graveyards were being closed.
How it works: A discovery walk features a route using which you can explore a popular city neighborhood on your own. This walk, along with other self-guided walks in over 1,500 cities, can be found on the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" which can be downloaded from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app's built-in GPS navigation functions allow following this walk route with ease. The app works both online and offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Montparnasse Walking Tour Map

Guide Name: Montparnasse Walking Tour
Guide Location: France » Paris
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Discovery)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Author: Helen
Boulevard du Montparnasse

1) Boulevard du Montparnasse

Montparnasse Tower and Galeries Lafayette

2) Montparnasse Tower and Galeries Lafayette

Rue d'Odessa, Gaumont

3) Rue d'Odessa, Gaumont

Boulevard du Montparnasse

4) Boulevard du Montparnasse

Boulevard du Montparnasse

5) Boulevard du Montparnasse

Passage d'Enfer

6) Passage d'Enfer

Place Denfert-Rochereau

7) Place Denfert-Rochereau

Catacombs of Paris Entrance

8) Catacombs of Paris Entrance

Rue Daguerre

10) Rue Daguerre

Jardin des Colonnes

14) Jardin des Colonnes

Place de Catalogne

15) Place de Catalogne

Walking Tours in Paris, France

Create Your Own Walk in Paris

Create Your Own Walk in Paris

Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Eiffel Tower Walking Tour

Eiffel Tower Walking Tour

The 7th arrondissement of Paris is the most affluent and prestigious residential area in France, home to world-famous Eiffel Tower and the French upper class alongside a number of French national institutions, government offices and diplomatic missions. This historical neighborhood boasts typically Parisian architecture complete with vibrant cafés, restaurants and gourmet shops which draw foodies...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour

The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour

The French Revolution had a huge impact on France's history as it gave rise to a radical democratic republic and resulted in quite a bit of violence during the infamous "Reign of Terror". Even though many of Paris’ buildings were damaged in the course of the bloody conflicts, the sites they occupied – which you can find on this self-guided tour – are of a great historical...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour I

Paris Introduction Walking Tour I

The capital of France takes its name from the Celtic tribe of Parisii who, back in the Iron Age, around the 3rd century BC, settled near the river Seine. The Romans conquered the Parisii and established on their land a garrison town which, towards the end of the 5th century AD, fell to the Franks and flourished under their rule. Despite wars, revolutions and numerous social cataclysms, Paris had...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
Latin Quarter Walking Tour

Latin Quarter Walking Tour

Paris’ Latin Quarter is situated on the left bank of the Seine and dates back to the Middle Ages. For years, it was known as a bohemian enclave, attracting students, writers and intellectuals. Centered on the Sorbonne University's main university campus, the area was so named a few centuries ago because the students were speaking and learning in Latin. It remains very lively, with a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour

St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour

This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Prés, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour II

Paris Introduction Walking Tour II

From the Louvre to the Notre-Dame Cathedral to Place de la Bastille, the evolution of Paris and its history is literally visible on the banks of the river Seine, the linking thread winding its way through the city, as if keeping a watchful eye on its architectural marvels.

This walk is centered around Île de la Cité and Le Marais, which together form the historical core of power in Paris....  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles

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