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14th Arr
Paris -- 14th Arrondissement
Some think the 14th is the most exciting outer arrondissement in Paris. And for those who aren't dripping in jewels, or those who don't want to be part of the Montmartre village in the 18th, and for those who just want to be a part of the historical Montparnasse area, the 14th rules. Simone de Beauvoir, Jean Paul Sartre, Maupassant didn't only live and love her, but they're buried at the famous Montparnasse Cemetery (second only to Pere LeChaise). It is here in the 14th where you'll find three of Paris' most touristy restaurants: Le Dome (for it's exquisite fish); La Closerie des Lilas Cafe (for it's extraordinarily snooty waiters); and La Coupole Brasserie, which might just be one of the best dining rooms in all of France (the food is good, and there's also dancing!). For those who want to get down, and we mean down, head underground to the Catacombs to experience a creepy resting place for thousands of skulls; and the Vanves Flea Market is considered by many to be the most intoxicating. The spirit of Montparnasse, perhaps, came with the creativity of those who used to call these their stomping grounds -- Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, Henry Miller, Man Ray, Picasso, Klee, Chagall, de Beauvoir, Sartre and Maupassant, just to name a few -- but continues to thrive with the special Parisians who choose this area to be their home. For those who want to venture out from the very center of Paris, head here first.
Destinations in the 14th Arr
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Cimitiere du Montparnasse
In olden times, this area of Montparnasse was known for its flour mills and the exact location of the cemetery was actually acres of farmland that was bought for burying purposes in the 18th century. It is also one of the largest green spaces in Paris and has a number of beautiful tree species like limes, ash, maple, and conifers. -
Cite Internationale Universitaire de Paris
Shortened to CIUP, this university features its own private park and beautiful residences halls which are mostly organized by nationality. Dozens of countries are represented in this worldly university. -
Fondation Cartier Pour l’Art Contemporain
This amazing gallery helps to further the work of many international contemporary artists through exhibitions and displays all via donation. -
Montparnasse La Coupole
Nothing says Montparnasse much as La Coupole, the art décor brasserie made famous by Hemmingway, Jean Cocteau and F. Scott Fitzgerald. -
Montparnasse district
Located on the Left Bank, this district is known for its artistic and intellectual flare. Today it is still known as such but offers many more tourist attractions like the Catacombs and Tour Montparnasse as well as excellent cafes and bars known for their crepes. -
Musee Jean Moulin
Jean Moulin was a major player during the French Resistance during World War II. He was killed by Nazi’s while fighting the good fight for his country. The museum commemorates Moulin as well as Marechal Phillipe Leclerc de Hauteclocque and the liberation at the end of the war. -
Musee Lenine
This museum is dedicated solely to Vladimir Lenin, a Russian communist politician who led the October Revolution and was later the head of the Russian Soviet Socialist Republic. He was named as one of the most influential people of the century by Time magazine. The building is a replica of the apartment Lenin, his wife and his mother lived in for a handful of years in the early 20th century. -
Parc Montsouris
The Parc Montsouris is mysterious. It is the spot where the legendary giant Isoire roamed and a cemetery of sorts, where bones from overrun cemeteries were piled. It isn’t all frightening though; quite the opposite actually. The Paris Observatory that dates back to the Napoleonic era as well as a meteorological observatory are nestled among winding paths, small streams, and lush green spots. -
Place Denfert-Rouchereau
This lovely square, once called Place d’Enfer, is now named after French commander Pierre Philippe Denfert-Rochereau. There is a large statue of a lion called the Lion of Belfort in the square as well as the Catacombs museum.
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The Catacombs
You don't have to be Goth to enjoy this Parisian ossuary near the famous Place Denfert-Rochereau (check out the statue of the lion!). Of course, not everybody enjoys seeing skulls and other bones pilled up to the top of these tunnels -- this labyrinth -- under Paris -- skulls and bones that had been taken from the Cemetery of the Innocents at Les Halles, and then later, from other cemeteries -- to make room for more burials. The areas in the Catacombs are labeled so that you can see from which cemetary area the bones had been removed. It might not be an attraction for everybody, but if you're looking for a little different tourist attraction, you might want to check out the Catacombs. If you feel safer with a flashlight on hand, you can bring one with you. There's enough light for you to see, but if you feel safer with your duracell powered light deep below the sunlight, feel free to shine your way through the path of these old French skeletons.
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Tour Montparnasse
Not only is Tour Montparnasse the tallest building in Paris at 56 stories, it also has Europe’s fastest elevator. It will whisk you away to the top in 38 seconds flat to scope out some of the best views Paris has to offer.
