The Solo Scale:

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If you say that the best view in Paris includes the Eiffel Tower, you won’t get much of an argument. It’s one of the best reasons to ascend to other high spots like the Arc de Triomphe (especially at sunset). However, there’s one more spot that you can ascend for fantastic views of the city that usually isn’t as busy.

It might look like a non-descript office building from the outside, but at the top is a viewing platform that will take your breath away. This is Montparnasse, located south of the Seine and a bit further from most of the main tourist attractions.

If you want a cheaper area for a hotel, this is also a good option. It’s still located on the metro lines, but it will take longer to reach. However, if the price is right, that might be worth your while. If you want to stay more central, then Montparnasse is still a fantastic visit, especially at sunset.

Montparnasse is open from 9:30 to 10:30PM and if you visit the website, it will even tell you what time sunset is for that day. Given the spectacular views, it’s something to keep in mind. However, hopefully you’re in Paris for multiple days, because there’s so many great sunset views. My personal favourites are from a Seine cruise and from the top of the Arc de Triomphe.

Once you ascend the elevator, you get access to the viewing platform. In addition to not being as busy as a place like the Eiffel Tower, it’s also a broader open space with uninterrupted views. If there are barriers, they’re glass one that give you a clear view in all directions. Montparnasse is situated a little further south in the city and there’s not much beyond it in that direction (other than the cemetery below). That means that all the points of interest are in your view ahead of you.

Not only are the views fantastic, but there are even helper placards that tell you what you’re looking at. This is fantastic to orient you and give you a keen awareness of the things that you’re looking at.

When it comes to those things, I find that Montparnasse is just the right height to get a brand new perspective of the Parisian architecture, layout of the roads, and even to be impressed by the sheer size of some of the other museums you may be spending your vacation visiting.

Personally, I find Montparnasse to be an absolute steal for value. You get better views of the specific Paris sights without having to see the giant office tower (it’s a similar principle to going to Top of the Rock in New York City because then you can see the Empire State Building). If you want to conquer all of Paris’ best views, you should definitely include a visit to Montparnasse in that list.

For more details and to buy your tickets, visit the website here.

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