Audio GuideMontparnasse Tower

Tour Montparnasse is a contemporary landmark in Paris, rising to a height of two hundred and ten metres with fifty-nine floors. Situated at thirty-three Avenue du Maine in the fourteenth arrondissement, it was constructed between nineteen sixty-nine and nineteen seventy-three on the grounds of a former railway station, and its history is one of ambition and innovation.

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When it first opened, its modern design sparked debates among Parisians. Many believed the tower clashed with the city's traditional and historic architecture. It even led to the introduction of a law prohibiting the construction of new tall buildings in central Paris—a regulation that remained in effect until two thousand and fifteen.

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Engineers encountered numerous challenges. Constructing the tower above a metro line required deep reinforced concrete foundations to ensure stability. In later years, daring urban climbers such as Alain Robert and Marcin Banot scaled the tower's exterior without safety gear, adding to its legendary status.

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Over the years, Tour Montparnasse has served various purposes. It houses corporate and political offices, hosts live broadcasts, and accommodates public events. In the mid-two thousands, the discovery of asbestos contamination led to extensive remediation work, which was completed by two thousand and twelve.

Today, its fifty-sixth-floor viewing deck and rooftop terrace offer visitors spectacular panoramic views of Paris and beyond. With its restaurant, Ciel de Paris, and retractable antennas framing the landscape, the tower remains a popular attraction that merges modern engineering with Paris's rich cultural heritage.