Montparnasse | A French Collection

Come with me to find out what to see and do in Montparnasse. Montparnasse has not really been on my preferred list of places to stay whilst in Paris. But now, after a short visit one trip with children in tow and just recently a longer stay on my way through to the northwest countryside of Brittany, I found lots to see and do.

What to See and Do in Montparnasse

Here's my round up of what to see and do in Montparnasse - I'm sure you'll find lots to interest you whether you're there for a few hours or a few days. Mostly in the 14th arrondissement, Montparnasse has been called the bohemian centre of Paris.

The diverse range of restaurants, a legacy of art, historic streets, gardens and one of the largest cemeteries in Paris (home to some very famous people) plus the skyscraper of all Parisian skyscrapers, are waiting to be discovered in Montparnasse.

Montparnasse cemetery, Montparnasse, Paris

Montparnasse Cemetery is a huge cemetery in the 14th arrondissement of Paris that covers around 45 acres. It is one of the most visited sites in Montparnasse and is the burial ground of famous Parisian writers, artists, scientists and intellectuals. I was lucky enough to spend time wandering and exploring the cemetery the other week and share what I found in today's post.

A History of Montparnasse Cemetery

Going back in history to the Middle-Ages, the site of the cemetery was farmland and was occupied by market gardeners. In around 1825 the cemetery was created and was originally known as the Cimetière du Midi. It was at that time located outside of Paris. Of course, as the city grew its buildings and streets encompassed the cemetery. Now known as Montparnasse Cemetery or Cimetière du Montparnasse it is located near Gare Montparnasse and Église Notre Dame du Travail.