The 14th Arrondissement has a lot to offer visitors, the Paris Catacombs or the solemn Montparnasse Cemetery are ready to be explored!
Location
It is located along the left side of the Seine and encompasses the majority of the Montparnasse area. The Montparnasse is better remembered today for the iconic skyscraper known as the Tour Montparnasse and the essential railway terminal called the Gare Montparnasse. However, these two locations are really situated in the nearby 15th arrondissement.
An Overview of the 14th Arrondissement
Despite being one of the larger Paris arrondissements, most tourists would struggle to list the best bits of Paris’s 14th Arrondissement, which borders the city on the south. Parisians, who have lived in this city for a long time, would experience no problems because they reside here and frequent the commercial districts, marketplaces, institutions, and green spaces.
14th Arrondissement Top Attractions
When you’re in the 14th arrondissement in Paris, there’s a grand amount of big attractions you can visit, ranging from the Paris Catacombs to the Tour Montparnasse.
1. Paris Catacombs
The name “Paris Catacombs” alludes to the famous catacombs of Rome, which are an ossuary that covers a large subterranean area.
This creepy spot is accessible from Place Denfert-Rochereau. The extensive network of tunnels is home to millions of bones spread throughout a number of cemeteries in Paris.
2. Medici Aqueduct
The Medici aqueduct is a relatively new aqueduct in Paris compared to other ones. It provided the town with a steady supply of flowing water.
This was the earliest aqueduct to be constructed within the Maremma region and was requested by the Medicis to be completed between the years 1636 through 1639.
3. Parc Montsouris
One of Paris’s largest parks, Parc Montsouris is home to some of the city’s most beautiful landscaping. It is a lovely park in Paris with stunning vistas and a picturesque lake at the middle of the park.
The park was designed by Hausmann, hence it may be considered one of his works. Napoleon III is responsible for the development of this wonderful green space.
4. Montparnasse Cemetery
The Montparnasse Cemetery contains the graves of Charles Baudelaire, Jean Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir.
This is a contemplative space filled with nameless graves as well as tombs that offer whole storylines. This is a must-see on your visit to the 14th arrondissement.
5. Tour Montparnasse
The Tour Montparnasse, Paris’s first skyscraper, was completed in 1973 and is a monument of the French capital city’s architectural legacy.
For many years, the Montparnasse Tower was the tallest building and the highest office block in France and throughout Europe. The 56th and 59th floors offer spectacular vistas of Paris, these floors are the only ones open to visitors.
Unique Things to Do in the 14th Arrondissement of Paris
There are lots to do in Paris that you can’t do in any other place. Most visitors walk past these unique activities!
1. The Lion de Belfort
The Lion de Belfort is a massive sculpture sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, renowned creator of the Statue of Liberty, located in Belfort, France.
It represents the valiant resistance of the people of France that they showed throughout the Siege of Belfort. It was completed in 1880 and is completely comprised of individually carved pieces of red sandstone.
2. Boulevard Montparnasse
A connection is made between place Léon Paul Fargue and place Camille Jullian through the boulevard. In addition, the Tour Montparnasse can also be encountered along this path.
3. Avenue du Maine
Explore Avenue du Maine as there are numerous restaurants to eat in and sights to take in alongside it. Avenue du Maine is a nice place to just take a walk down as you appreciate the good weather.
The park was designed by Hausmann, hence it may be considered one of his works. Napoleon III is responsible for the development of this wonderful green space.
4. Rue des Thermopyles
What a mystical backstreet to walk in Rue des Thermopyles is. If you have Rue des Thermopyles to yourself while the climate is nice, you’ll feel as if you’re strolling along a peaceful path in the French region of Provence. Rue des Thermopyles is picturesque, calm, charming, and wonderful.
This alley is among the most famed streets in Paris. It has old worker’s dwellings with brightly colored doors, kitties sleeping in the freshly cut flowers, and no cars. It is the best example of a dreamlike French village.
Shopping in the 14th Arrondissement
France is a beautiful place with lots of wondrous shops to buy clothes and other items from. Head to the 14th arrondissement and discover shops that you haven’t heard of!
1. Vanves Flea Market
The classy Vanves Flea Market is a great place to see a distinctive aspect of Paris than what tourists see. Discover ancient books and antique furnishings among the market’s bustle.
Look out for the one-time sales that happen in the fall and spring. They are usually marketed digitally and seem to be worth going to.
2. Marché Edgar Quinet
On Wednesday & Saturday at daybreak, producers put up colorful stalls on Boulevard Edgar Quinet.
Both Parisians and visitors come to the market, which is widely acknowledged to be one of the largest in the city, in the hopes of finding a good bargain. Cheesemakers, fish merchants, and chefs from diverse origins help brighten the venue.
3. Rue Daguerre
If you get hungry when you’re walking around the Montparnasse area, go to Rue Daguerre. There used to be a lot of accordion stores throughout Paris, but now there are only a few left.
The most distinctive one is along Rue Daguerre. If you want a bustling open-air market street, then Rue Daguerre is the best place to go.
4. Avenue du Général Leclerc
Avenue du Général Leclerc is the oldest street within Paris. The street was dedicated to the first French general to reach Paris in August of 1944, Philippe Leclerc de Hautecloque.
There are plenty of shops along the street for you to discover.
5. Rue d’Alesia
People don’t necessarily think of going shopping in the 14th arrondissement, as it’s not very central. However, rue d’Alésia is an interesting place for those looking for good deals, because it is lined with many store outlets selling brand name products at reduced prices.
The long rue d’Alésia extends between the Parc Montsouris and the Square Georges Brassens, where you will find many stores selling clothes or accessories for men and women at reduced prices because of past collections.
Beware, however, because the “normal” stores on the street are sometimes confused, mixing old and new collections without making any price difference between the two.
6. Galeries Lafayette Montparnasse
If you want to stay away from the tourist crowds at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, try Galeries Lafayette Montparnasse as an alternative.
It’s much less crowded as not many tourists choose it for their crawy shopping sprees.
The shopping mall hosts many other different fashion shops for all pockets from humble to extravagant.
And while you are there, take the lift up to the Montparnasse tower top floor bar for a great view of Paris, again, without the tourist craze typical at the Eiffel Tower.
There is an ice-skating ring on top of the tower if you fancy a bit of fun skating while peeking over the skies of Paris.
Best Places to Eat in the 14th Arrondissement
Interested in the good food of the 14th arrondissement in Paris? Don’t fret since you have plenty of delicious restaurants to visit and eat at.
1. L’Assiette
L’Assiette is a wonderful restaurant that is worth your time. The experience is enhanced by pleasant, confident, competent, and educated employees.
Their meals are as fantastic as it gets at a French restaurant, and you can even watch them work thanks to the open-view kitchen. It’s a must-try for everyone going through the region.
2. La Belle Ronde
If you’re hungry after exploring the catacombs, visit this amazing establishment located in a sanctuary adjacent to a street lined with cafés and eateries.
Don’t fret if you don’t speak French; the employees will still be courteous and polite. Try their flavorful crepes, which will lift your spirits for a long period of time.
3. Il Barone
Anyone who chooses to eat at this establishment may choose from one of many different types of pasta.
All who dine here will have a pleasant experience since the establishment is a wonderful illustration of a traditional Italian restaurant. It is the spot to go to if you have a passion for Italian cuisine.
4. Le Select
Excellent location to visit for a late-night dessert and coffee, which in this case includes crème brûlée, espresso, or cafe creme. You will find that the members of staff are helpful, and the lively atmosphere of Le Select can be just what you are searching for.
There are many who believe that this establishment is among the most notable bistros in the whole city.
5. Land & Monkeys
You shouldn’t visit Paris without putting Land & Monkeys on your to-do list at least once. When you visit this bakery in France’s capital city, you may wind yourself trying everything and liking it.
Everything, from the sweets to the savory dishes to the baked goods, will turn out well.
5. La Closerie des Lilas
La Closerie des Lilas, a restaurant, brasserie, and piano bar, is a renowned establishment in the city of Paris. By the bar, you may also taste one of the various house cocktails.
The inside is sleek and cozy, with a mosaic floor plus red faux leather seating. In the summer,
Bars and Nightlife in the 14th Arrondissement
If you’re looking to wind down after a tiring day in the 14th arrondisement of Paris, try out some of the bars and head into the night life strewn about this district.
1. La Cave des Papilles
La Cave des Papilles used to be owned by Gérard Katz, famous wine shop proprietor in Paris, before he handed it over to Ewen Le Moigne in 2020.
This wine shop in Rue Daguerre is strict with its naturophile philosophy as it brings bottles from numerous renowned wine producers along with producers that aren’t that well-known but have good product.
2. Rosebud
This pub is ideal to visit for a night out with family or friends, particularly if you want to keep things low-key. Unless you choose high shelf wines, the wine costs aren’t too terrible.
The bartenders are quite conversational and amusing. A nice night in Paris can be made much better by the jazz they play in the background.
3. Le Tournesol
Le Tournesol stands out as a great location in Paris with a lot of establishments since it’s at a corner with a lovely patio along the window, giving it a pleasant and welcome appearance.
It had a lovely feel with beautiful colors where you could drink in peace. The staff here is pleasant and will make your night a good one.
4. La Coupole
Since 1927, the famous Brasserie La Coupole served as an icon of Montparnasse’s past. You can satiate your cravings with one of their inventive cocktails and the American bar that they have here.
You are able to take advantage of a comfortable patio when the weather is beautiful and go people watching.
Best Hotels and Apartments in the 14th Arrondissement
Need a place to stay in the 14th arrondissement of Paris? Don’t worry since there are numerous choices for you to pick from!
1. Hôtel Aiglon
Hôtel Aiglon is a three-star hotel within the center of Montparnasse of a popular artists’ neighborhood. This beautiful hotel is a pleasant lodging with an excellent position close to Fondation Cartier.
The eateries & lofts that defined the 1920s as the peak of this famed Parisian district may all be located nearby.
Courtesy: Hôtel Aiglon
2. Hotel Cabane
The elegant Hotel Cabane has been a sanctuary of tranquility in the city, conveniently situated in Paris’s 14th arrondissement.
This warm and cozy enterprise inspired by bed and breakfasts contains an exceptionally lovely and pleasant cabin, featuring interior decoration by Selency, Wilo & Grove, with Galerie Incognito.
Courtesy: Hotel Cabane
3. BoB Hotel by Elegancia
This four-star boutique hotel welcomes you to explore its tranquil cosmos in a pleasant stylish setting. The BoB Hotel is situated in the busy and trendy Pernety area in the 14th arrondissement of the French capital city.
Daphné Desjeux as well as Dorothée Delaye, the designers, have envisaged several opulent areas for all future visitors.
Courtesy: BoB Hotel by Elegancia
4. Montparnasse Daguerre
Montparnasse Daguerre is situated on the Seine’s left bank, along a well-known and characteristic boulevard of Paris.
This lovely and pleasant hotel in the vibrant Montparnasse neighbourhood is ideal for an excellent stay amid Paris. The hotel staff will gladly advise you and assist you in planning your trips and travels.
Courtesy: Montparnasse Daguerre
5. Apollon Montparnasse
The Apollon Montparnasse is positioned in the characteristic Left Bank area, where you may reside within the same pace as the people of Paris, and in which the staff will accept you into their place with a warm and calm attitude.
You may find previous artists’ residences or perhaps a market street on this little street, sharing the local “art de vivre.”
Courtesy: Apollon Montparnasse
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Transportation in the 14th Arrondissement
Within the 14th arrondissement are plenty of train stations and metro lines you can take advantage of throughout this part of Paris. Most of the sights can be found along Avenue du Maine and Bd Raspail.
There’s a metro station available for each area of this district like the Gare Montparnasse train station. So you don’t have to worry about having to walk a long distance just to get to the shopping streets from your hotel.
FAQ
There are plenty of things you might want to know about the 14th arrondissement in Paris. So here are some of the questions most people ask.
What is the 14th arrondissement known for?
The 14th arrondissement is primarily recognized for its northeast quartier Montparnasse, the Paris Catacombs, as well as Parc Montsouris, despite the fact that the majority of the area is comprised of residential buildings.
Many artists and intellectuals have called the 14th arrondissement of Paris their home, like Ernest Hemingway for example, so that might be a prominent reason for its popularity.
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What is the name of the 14th arrondissement?
In French, the 14th arrondissement is referred to by its French name, XIVe arrondissement, by the locals in France.
On the other hand, the official designation of the 14th district of Paris is arrondissement de l’Observatoire, which translates to “arrondissement of the Observatory” in English. This arrondissement was given its name in recognition of the Paris Observatory.
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