If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, you would have planned to visit the Eiffel Tower at some point.
The Iron Lady, regarded as the symbol of Paris and France, is a landmark many first-time visitors believe they must see.
The impressive Montparnasse Tower is the third tallest structure in France.
The Montparnasse Tower’s height is 210 meters above the ground (almost 100 meters less than the Eiffel Tower).
When it was first completed, the Tower’s black appearance and modern look completely contrasted with the Parisian landscape.
It caused an outcry, and the authorities banned the construction of buildings above seven stories.
The ban was lifted only a few years ago for neighborhoods outside the city center.
With such a description, you might be wondering why we think visiting the Montparnasse Tower over the Eiffel Tower is a better option.
Here, you will see the points of comparison between the Montparnasse Tower vs. the Eiffel Tower.
The view
The most obvious thing to say about the Montparnasse Tower is that the view of Paris from 210 meters above the streets is breathtaking.
What would you like to see in a panoramic picture of Paris if you had to show it to your friends?
Like most people, you want a scenic view of Paris – including the Eiffel Tower, which is difficult to achieve when standing atop the Eiffel Tower.
On clear days, the view from the Montparnasse Tower is a 360-degree panorama with a visibility of 40 kilometers (roughly 25 miles).
From there, you can see the entire city.
Then, as you pan to the right, you will see the Arc de Triomphe, the Grand Palais, the Invalides Dome, the Sacré-Coeur, the Louvre, and Notre Dame.
The high-rise buildings of La Défense on your left appear even more majestic as they rise above the large park of Bois de Boulogne.
The Montparnasse Tower is a simple office structure, not just a metallic structure.
The view can be seen from the top restaurant, a bar, or the panoramic rooftop. There are several viewpoints to enjoy the experience regardless of the weather.
Le Ciel de Paris
Le Ciel de Paris is the Montparnasse Tower’s 56th-floor restaurant, serving food in a cozy yet impressive décor designed by architect Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance.
The entire space appears to be designed to complement the breathtaking view provided by the large floor-to-ceiling windows.
However, the restaurant is nearly 50 meters above its Eiffel Tower counterpart, Le Jules Verne, and offers the unforgettable experience of dining with the City of Light at your feet.
If you don’t have young children, it is often less crowded and noisy than the Eiffel Tower restaurants.
The restaurant could be more family-friendly, but it is probably one of your best bets if you are a couple looking for a romantic stop after a long day of sightseeing.
The ticket prices
Both buildings are pricey for a family to visit.
However, the Montparnasse Tower is slightly less expensive.
The adult ticket is €18, whereas the adult ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower is €24.
The ease of access
The Eiffel Tower is one of France’s most popular tourist attractions.
As a result, you can expect long lines and wait times before getting a chance to board the elevator.
You can buy your ticket in advance, but the lines are still long, and you may have to wait two or more hours.
Furthermore, since the 2015 attacks, a bulletproof wall has been built around the entrance, and you must go through extensive security checks to get in, extending your wait even further.
You will also find a security check at the Montparnasse Tower. However, if you , you can reduce the waiting time up to 25 minutes.
However, because the building is less popular, the elevators have almost no waiting time, and you can proceed quickly.
This is especially useful when you’re on a tight schedule.
The Montparnasse Tower will take about 60 to 90 minutes to visit, whereas the Eiffel Tower will take half a day.
Also, the Montparnasse neighborhood is lively and not overly touristy. It is alive and teeming with restaurants, theaters, and bars.
It is well served by public transportation, as the Tower is surrounded by no less than seven immediate Metro stations (mostly on lines 4,6,12, and 13).
You will arrive at one central train station (Gare Montparnasse) if you board a train from the South West of France into Paris.
It is approximately 15 minutes away by foot from the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens.
You can also visit the unique Paris Catacombs and their miles of underground tunnels nearby.
The Eiffel Tower is in the city’s center, making it more touristy and expensive.
If you go at night, there are a few things to do in the area.
The entire experience
The Montparnasse Tower provides a complete experience.
Apart from the breathtaking views of Paris, it provides many interactive activities.
You can use informative tablets with games, information about the buildings and neighborhoods you see, and kid-friendly content all year.
You can go to the bar anytime, and there is also a champagne bar!
Occasionally, special activities take place on the rooftop terrace.
You can check the schedule on their official website.
Depending on the day of your visit, you might be tempted to try trampoline, yoga, ice skating, or dancing on a 210-meter-high rooftop!
There is usually an additional fee for these, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.