Montparnasse

Go up to the IIe de la Cité to contemplate the majestic Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the most emblematic buildings in France and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. Located on the Ile de la Cité in the center of Paris, it was built in the 12th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This magnificent Gothic cathedral has endured through the centuries, with moments of glory and tragedy, becoming a symbol of French history and culture.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the cathedral is its western façade, which is adorned with three richly decorated portals. The central portal, called the Portal of the Last Judgment, is decorated with sculptures depicting the damned, angels and saints. Above the central portal is a statue of the Virgin and Child, surrounded by statues of the twelve apostles.

The interior of the cathedral is also magnificent, with its high pointed vaults and colorful stained glass windows. The central nave is about 130 meters long and is supported by massive columns. The side chapels are also richly decorated, with sculptures, paintings and stained glass windows. The choir is decorated with numerous sculptures and golden mosaics.

The cathedral also houses several treasures, including the Holy Crown of Thorns, a relic venerated by Catholics as the crown worn by Jesus Christ at the time of his crucifixion. The cathedral also has a large collection of liturgical objects, paintings and sculptures from different periods in its history.

Our hotel near the Louvre, located close to the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, will facilitate your stay if you come to Paris for your vacations or a weekend.

Stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg, divided into French and English gardens. 25 hectares of gardens with a large pond, an orchard, an apiary, greenhouses and a rose garden. The garden offers free exhibitions and tennis, chess and bridge tournaments

Whether you are a local of Paris or simply visiting, the Luxembourg gardens are a part of the city you don't want to miss out on… Here you encounter the veritable Parisian art de vivre, combining nature, art, sports, relaxation and leisure activities.

It was Marie de Médicis, residing in the Louvre (the royal court), who first dreamed of moving to this country-style suburb in the domaine des Chartreux. She bought some of the villas, including that of the Duke François de Luxembourg, in 1612, and would later begin to redesign the entire area into a lavish garden.

Nicknamed the "Luco", this is a great place for families looking for a bit of fresh air; you can even see puppet shows or let the kids enjoy mini-sailing-boat races and pony-rides! Sports-enthusiasts will be thankful for the tennis courts, basketball courts, and bowling ("pétanque") areas…

Aside from this variety of leisure activities, culture-vultures are also frequent visitors. With its numerous sculptures and monuments, it is an open-air museum in its own right… Be sure to check out the Palais du Luxembourg (seat of the Senate), the Musée du Luxembourg and the Orangery.

Stroll through the streets of the Latin Quarter, located in the 5^e arrondissement. One of the oldest and best known districts of Paris. A must-see place in the capital and a haunt for students at the Sorbonne, the Collège de France and the Lycée Henri IV.

The Montparnasse Tower is a high-rise building located in the 15th district of Paris, France. It was inaugurated in 1973 and is currently the tallest tower in the city with a height of 210 meters.

The Montparnasse Tower is also known as the Tour Maine-Montparnasse, in reference to the Montparnasse train station located just below. The tower was built in the 1970s, a time when high-rise buildings were considered symbols of modernity and progress. However, since its inauguration, the tower has been criticized for its austere appearance and negative impact on the urban landscape.

The 59-story Tour Montparnasse houses offices, restaurants, a shopping mall, and an observation deck at the top with a panoramic view of the city. The terrace is open to the public and is one of the tower's main tourist attractions.

The Montparnasse Tower is also known for its spectacular nighttime lighting. The lights that illuminate the tower at night are regularly changed to different colors to celebrate special events or festive occasions, making it a must-see sight for tourists and locals alike.

In conclusion, the Montparnasse Tower is an iconic building in Paris, which has been the subject of debate and controversy since its construction. Although its construction has been criticized, the tower has become a symbol of modern urbanism in Paris. It offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city and has become a popular tourist destination.

The Montparnasse Tower is easily accessible from our hotels located right next to it, near the Gaité Montparnasse and the Montparnasse train station, but also from our hotels located in Place d'Italie, near the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides, and near the Louvre and the Palais Royal.

In 1785, a decision was made to evacuate the cemetery of the Innocents, which had been located for more than ten centuries in the heart of Paris in the Les Halles area.
Between 1786 and 1788, the bones were transported from the cemetery down into the carrières, ancient chambers and tunnels under the city. The bones and skulls were carefully laid down in galleries, according to the morbid yet poetic drawings. From this date forth, the Catacombs of Paris aroused great curiosity and enthusiasm.
In 1787 the Count of Artois came to visit the catacombs, and nearly a century later, it was the turn of Napoleon III to visit in 1860. Even today, the Parisian catacombs arouse curiosity among visitors and residents alike.