Top 15 things to do near Gare Montparnasse

Top 15 things to do near Gare Montparnasse

Originally published by Jordan on February 2020 and updated by Vanessa on April 2023.

The Gare Montparnasse is one of Paris’ busiest train stations and serves the regions to the West and Southwest of Paris. Fortunately, the Montparnasse station is located on the border of several arrondissements; making exploring Paris easy even on a short layover.

So whether you’ve got a train transfer or just want to kill some time before heading to the station, there’s plenty to see and do nearby. Here are the top 10 things to do near Gare Montparnasse.

Read also; Top 15 Things to Do in Montparnasse

1. Visit the Musée Bourdelle near Gare Montparnasse

Photo sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Have some extra time at Gare Montparnasse? Why not head to a museum! Musée Bourdelle features the works of Antoine Bourdelle, a famous French sculptor and student of Rodin. In addition to the galleries, you’ll get to visit his former studio and sculpture garden. The museum is located just a short walk from Montparnasse station, so it’s a great stopover if you’ve got a couple hours to kill.

musée bourdelle – 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris

open tuesday – sunday 10AM//6PM

metro station: falguière

2. Try a traditional French crêpe

Photo courtesy of Ty Breiz – Uploaded by them

The neighborhood surrounding Gare Montparnasse is home to a ton of traditional French crêperies. My favorite is the Ty Breiz crêperie, which is just a five minute walk from the station. Here you can try a selection of authentic Breton crêpes, both savory and sweet. And you can choose whether to dine in or take out, so it’s easy even if you have to rush back for your train.

ty breiz crêperie – 2 Boulevard de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris

open monday – friday for lunch 11:30AM//3:30PM and for dinner 6PM//11PM

open weekends for lunch 11:30AM//3PM and for dinner 6PM//10:30PM

metro station: montparnasse bienvenue

3. Take in the best view of Paris from Montparnasse Tower

View from the Montparnasse Tower Observatory – Photo sourced from their official website

Many people don’t know that the best view of Paris is actually from the top of Montparnasse Tower. Standing 59 stories high, the Tour Montparnasse is the tallest building around. The 360-degree view from the observatory is unparalleled so you’ll see all the Parisian monuments – without the eyesore of the tower itself!

Just a two minute walk from the Gare Montparnasse station, a visit to the Montparnasse observatory is well worth it. And you can book your tickets in advance, if you want to squeeze in a visit before your train leaves!

Read also; 10 Things To See in Montparnasse

montparnasse tower – 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris

open daily 9:30AM//10:30PM

metro station: montparnasse bienvenue

4. Go for a stroll in the Cimitière du Montparnasse

Photo courtesy of Myra Bella on Wikimedia Commons

While a cemetery may seem an unlikely fit for one of the top ten things to do near Gare Montparnasse, but I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The Cimitière du Montparnasse isn’t your typical cemetery, but rather more like a city garden. Cobblestone pathways lead in between elaborate tombs and statues, all beautifully interspersed with flowers and greenery.

This is actually the city’s second largest cemetery and is where many of the Left Bank artists and writers are buried. You can visit the tombs of Charles Baudelaire, Serge Gainsbourg, and Simone de Beauvoir here.

montparnasse cemetery – 3 Boulevard Edgar Quinet, 75014 Paris

open daily 8AM//6PM

metro station: edgar quinet

5. Visit the Catacombes de Paris

Photo courtesy of the Catacombes de Paris – Sourced from their official website

The Paris catacombs house the bones of over six million Parisians. Their remains were uprooted from the city’s overflowing cemeteries and moved to these abandoned quarries during the late 1700s.

While the catacombs are decidedly one of the city’s creepier attractions, they are very popular nonetheless.  The catacombs are easy to get to from Gare Montparnasse, and you can walk there in about fifteen minutes, or take the metro and be there in ten. But to make to most of your visit, I’d recommend giving yourself a few hours as the entrance queues can be quite long.

catacombes de paris – 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris

open tuesday – sunday 10AM//8:30PM

metro station denfert rochereau

6. Check out some contemporary art at Fondation Cartier

Photo courtesy of Fondation Cartier – Sourced from their official website

The Fondation Cartier is a contemporary art museum in Paris’ 14th district. Here you’ll find contemporary art from big names as well as little known artists. The collections span every medium from photography to design and even film making.

And this is one museum that’s just as impressive from the outside as it is inside. The bright, glass pane building encompasses a lush garden – all designed by Jean Nouvel. Back in 1984 the President of Cartier gave the museum to Paris, and the space has been open to the public ever since.

If you’ve got an hour or more to spare, a visit to this museum is one of the best things to do near Gare Montparnasse. And it’s conveniently located on Boulevard Raspail, just a few minutes from the train station.

Read also; 5 Things to Learn from Montparnasse

fondation cartier – 261 Boulevard Raspail, 75014 Paris

open tuesday – sunday 11AM//8PM

metro station: raspail

7. Relax in the Jardin du Luxembourg

Jardin du Luxembourg – Photo by David Monniaux on Wikimedia Commons

One of the city’s most beautiful parks is just a short walk from the Gare Montparnasse. The Jardin du Luxembourg covers 23 hectares. It’s a tranquil escape right in the middle of Paris! The garden was created in 1612 by Marie de Medici, the wife of King Henri IV. A lot of the original architecture and statues remain today. And in fact, if you head to the northeastern edge of the garden, you can visit the Medici fountain which has been especially well-preserved.

The garden is separated into two halves, French gardens and English gardens. They meet in the middle at the large fountain and frame the Senate building just behind. While there are several restaurants and food stands in the park, my advice is to bring a picnic. Pick a nice quiet spot, pull up a chair and enjoy your picnic like a true Parisian.

jardin du luxembourg – 75006 paris

open daily dawn to dusk

metro station: vavin or port royal

8. Go to the Eglise Saint-Sulpice

Eglise Saint Sulpice sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Easily recognizable from its two stone towers rising above the city, the Saint-Sulpice cathedral is one of the city’s largest and most important churches. Constructed in 1646, Eglise Saint-Sulpice has survived a very long time.

And thanks to a hefty feature in The Da Vinci Code, the church is more iconic than ever. Plus, now that Notre-Dame is under repair, all of Paris’ church events and religious holiday services are held in Saint-Sulpice.

Despite its location in the 6th arrondissement, it’s actually within easy walking distance of the train station, or take the metro to be there in a flash. You can have a stroll through the Baroque impressive church; the high ceilings are accented by intricate yet huge stained glass windows. Once you’ve visited the church, why not enjoy a coffee by the fountain afterwards. And if you still have time, join our guided walking tour of the area! 

Read also; 3 Favourite Places to Stay in Montparnasse

eglise saint-sulpice – 2 Rue Palatine, 75006 Paris

open daily 8AM//7:30PM

metro station: saint-sulpice

9. Do some shopping at the Bon Marché

The Bon Marché – Photo sourced from their official website

The Bon Marché is one of the city’s nicest department stores. While not as famous as the Galeries Lafayette or Printemps, the Bon Marché is decidedly higher end. You’ll find three floors dedicated to apparel and luxurious fashion (most designers have a corner boutique in the store). But they also sell accessories, jewelry,  furniture, and home wares making this a great spot to gift shop.

If you’re hungry, there are plenty of options. Head next door to their gourmet grocery store La Grande Epicerie for an array of gourmet restaurants and deli style food counters. Or grab supplies for a picnic on the train, you’ll thank me later.

And luckily, the Bon Marché is actually located near Gare Montparnasse (within easy walking distance). So you’re in luck if you’re hoping to fit in a bit of shopping or a gourmet meal before your train!

le bon marché – 24 rue de sevres 75007 paris

open monday – saturday 10AM//8PM

open sundays 11am//8PM

metro station: sevres-babylone or vaneau

10. Explore the Saint-Germain neighborhood

Cafe de Flore in Saint-Germain – Sourced from Wikimedia Commons

One of the best things about traveling through the Gare Montparnasse is it’s so central. You can pretty much explore the Left Bank no problem, even on just a quick stopover.

One of my favorite areas near Gare Montparnasse is the Saint-Germain neighborhood. Historically the center of the café movement and home to artists and Belle Epoque thinkers, Saint-Germain has a special vibe. The Boulevard Saint-Germain is home to plenty of historic cafés and upscale boutiques if you fancy some shopping.

From Gare Montparnasse, you can be in the heart of Saint-Germain in just 7 minutes, or about 20 minutes on foot (you can cut through the Jardin du Luxembourg for a more scenic route). So if you’ve got a couple hours before your train, come explore the ins and outs neighborhood on our guided walking tour!

boulevard saint-germain 75006 paris

metro station: saint-germain-des-pres

11. Enjoy local art at Le Grand Point Virgule

Celette, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Le Grand Point-Virgule, located on Rue de l’arrivée in Paris’s 15th arrondissement, features a variety of acts, including one-man shows, comedy, musical entertainment, and children’s entertainment! It’s envisioned as a comedy Mecca where comics can practice their trade on a huge platform.

Since 2012, the two old movie theaters have hosted famous stars and up-and-coming comedians. Pre-book your parking online to save wasting time seeking a parking space before your show. If you’re looking for a good time, there’s no better place to go than the Grand Point Virgule!

Read also; Ultimate List: Here are the 100 Best Things to Do in Paris

practical information

address: 8bis Rue de l’Arrivée, 75015 Paris, France

phone: +33 1 42 78 67 03

website: Great Point-Virgule

12. Learn France’s postal history at Musée de la Poste

Arthur Weidmann, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Musee de la Poste is an interesting, must-see museum. Located in the center of the Montparnasse area just near Gare Montparnasse Musée de La Poste is both a social museum and a business museum, and it is oriented on writing, history, and culture. Enjoy the museum exactly as it is.

Take a stroll down “memory lane” and recall how different mail service was then and now. Some of the exhibits are a touch hokey, but many are entertaining, educational, and plain entertaining. You will have a whole new appreciation for the Postal Service by the time you leave this wonderful display.

Practical information

address: 34 Bd de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris, France

Open:wed-mon; 11 am-6 pm

website:Musée de La Poste

13. Get some groceries at Montparnasse Markets

Photo by Matheus Cenali from Pexels

If you want to see the real Paris, you should go to one of Montparnasse’s marketplaces. They are dispersed and occur throughout the city. Once there, you’ll be able to witness what Parisians purchase, consume, and wear. They offer a superb assortment of fresh veggies, seafood, delectable prepared meats, meals to go such as a large paella cooking in a massive dish, and so much more.

It is a truly delightful experience, and you will feel like you have been steeped in Paris culture rather than just a visitor passing through. This is also a wonderful way to learn new words if you are learning French.

14. Unwind at Spa de La Belle Juliette

Photo by Anete Lusina from Pexels

The chambers at La Belle Juliette are literary homages to the nineteenth century. Each has its unique character in honor of Juliette Récamier, with refined colors, carefully chosen quality materials, and gorgeous fabrics that give the spaces their perfect harmony.

The rooms of La Belle Juliette will take you to a realm of dreams by combining romanticism and design with a typically Parisian or garden outlook. Everything is simple, from check-in to exit, and the location is excellent. 

Read also; 5 Reasons to Visit the Montparnasse Tower Instead of the Eiffel Tower

practical information

address: 92 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris, France

Open: Open 24 hours

Website:Spa de La Belle Juliette

15. Interact with artists at Le Marche de la Creation de Paris Montparnasse

Wikimedia Commons / Mu, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you enjoy art, this is a lovely way to spend an hour or two. You will be able to choose from a wide range of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, as well as meet the artists who made them. Everything is unique here and one-of-a-kind. There are no pieces that are identical. The majority of the work you’ll see is of exceptional quality. 

If you are traveling from afar and have a limited budget, there are many miniature paintings for a fair price that will fit in a backpack. There are many exquisite items of art that you may ship if you have bigger pockets. If you just want to gaze at art and not spend any money, it’s still a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Paris.

practical information

address:11 Bd Edgar Quinet, 75014 Paris, France

open: sun; 10 am-7 pm

website:Marché de la Création