Montparnasse Tower: Closed Until 2030 — What to Know & What to Do Instead
⚠️ Update: Montparnasse Tower closed to the public on March 31, 2026 for a major renovation, and it isn’t expected to reopen until around 2030. I’ve kept the tower’s history below for reference, but if you’re planning a trip before then, skip straight to What to Do Instead for the best alternatives.
If you’ve read older guides (including earlier versions of this post) recommending Montparnasse Tower as an alternative to the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views, that advice no longer applies — at least not for the next several years. Here’s what’s actually going on, plus where to get a similarly great view of Paris in the meantime.
- Plan your trip to Paris: 3-Day Itinerary in Paris
Why Is Montparnasse Tower Closed?
The tower closed its doors on March 31, 2026, as the starting point for a major renovation and redevelopment project. Built in the 1970s, the building contains asbestos and needed significant modernization — the project, led by the Nouvelle AOM consortium, aims to transform it into a more modern, updated complex.
Realistically, that means the tower is off the table for your Paris trip for the next few years. No confirmed reopening date has been announced yet; the general estimate circulating is around 2030.
A Bit of History, for Context
The Montparnasse Tower first welcomed visitors in 1973, designed by architects Eugène Beaudouin, Urbain Cassan, and Louis Hoym de Marien. At 210 meters, it was the tallest building in Paris until 2011.
It was controversial from the start — plenty of Parisians thought it clashed badly with the city’s skyline, and that debate followed the tower for decades. Love it or hate it, it became one of the more recognizable (if divisive) landmarks in the city, and it’s shown up as a motif in work by artists like Tamara de Lempicka.
The tower sits on the site of the old Gare Montparnasse train station, which was relocated nearby to make room for it — that’s why the current Montparnasse-Bienvenue station is just a short walk away.
What to Do Instead: Alternatives for Paris Views
If what you actually wanted from Montparnasse Tower was a panoramic view of the city, here’s where I’d send you instead while it’s closed:
Galeries Lafayette or Printemps rooftop terraces. Both department stores have free rooftop terraces with genuinely great views over the city — no ticket required, which makes them an easy add-on to a day of sightseeing rather than a dedicated trip.
Arc de Triomphe. If you have the time and don’t mind the climb, the view down the Champs-Élysées from the top is worth it — and unlike Montparnasse, it’s actually open.
Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre. Not as high up, but the view over Paris from the steps and dome is one of the most iconic in the city, and it’s free to visit the exterior/steps.
None of these give you the exact same angle Montparnasse did — namely, a skyline view that includes the Eiffel Tower itself, since you’re not standing on it. That’s the one thing you genuinely lose until the tower reopens.
- Also read: The Ultimate 7-Day Paris Itinerary
Getting to the Montparnasse Neighborhood
Even with the tower closed, the neighborhood itself is still worth a visit — more on that below. It’s easily reached by metro: take Line 4, 6, 12, or 13 to Montparnasse-Bienvenue, in the 14th arrondissement.
Things to Do Near Montparnasse (Tower Closed or Not)
The tower being closed doesn’t mean the neighborhood isn’t worth your time — it’s still a good area to base yourself in, eat well, and explore.
Paris Catacombs. A short walk away, and a genuinely worthwhile stop — I wrote a full guide on visiting the Catacombs if you want the details on booking and what to expect.
Jardin du Luxembourg and Montparnasse Cemetery. Both good options if you want a quieter break from the city — the cemetery in particular is one of the more overlooked free things to do in Paris, and it’s the resting place of several major figures in French history.
Crêperies and La Coupole. This is one of my favorite food areas in Paris, honestly. There are excellent sweet and savory crêpes nearby at good prices — La Crêperie de Josselin is a solid, well-known option. And if you want something more iconic, La Coupole is a genuinely famous spot in the neighborhood, well known for its oysters.
FAQ: Montparnasse Tower
Is Montparnasse Tower open in 2026? No. It closed to the public on March 31, 2026, for a multi-year renovation, with reopening estimated around 2030.
Can I still visit the Montparnasse neighborhood? Yes — the tower closure doesn’t affect the surrounding area. The neighborhood is still worth visiting for the Catacombs, Jardin du Luxembourg, Montparnasse Cemetery, and the food, especially the crêperies and La Coupole.
What’s the best alternative to Montparnasse Tower for views of Paris? The free rooftop terraces at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are the closest easy substitute. For a more iconic view (without the Eiffel Tower in frame), the Arc de Triomphe or Sacré-Cœur are both good options.
Will this post be updated when the tower reopens? Yes — I’ll update this page with new ticket prices, hours, and my own take once it reopens.
Plan Your Trip to Paris
- How to Save Money on a Trip to Paris
- Visit the Catacombs of Paris
- Buy plane tickets to Paris, France
- 20 Romantic Plans in Paris in Winter
- Paris Hidden Gems You Have to Visit
- Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris
- Essentials for Paris Packing List BY SEASON
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