A suburb of Paris, the 14th arrondissement is situated on the city’s southern edge. The area is also called “arrondissement de l’Observatoire,” or “arrondissement of the Observatory,” which refers to the area around the Paris Observatory.
A large part of the Montparnasse neighborhood can be found here, which is on the Seine’s left bank
The neighborhood has long been home to a large number of artists. The Montparnasse railway station’s construction in the early twentieth century brought a Breton community to the 14th arrondissement.
Despite being one of Paris’ largest arrondissements, the 14th is often overlooked by tourists when discussing the city’s top attractions.
However, nearly 140,000 people live in this side of Paris and make extensive use of the city’s shopping districts, markets, schools, and parks.
The Observatory of Paris and the Catacombs are just two of the many attractions in the 14th arrondissement. The tourist section of the Paris Catacombs is located in the 14th arrondissement.
Here, Montparnasse (the area to the north) is the most well-known area, and the bars and restaurants in this area are the most popular.
If you’re looking to get a little off the beaten path and see some of Paris’s lesser-known attractions, the 14th arrondissement is a great place to start your exploration of the city.
Since the crowds of central Paris can be overwhelming, take an early morning or late afternoon stroll through this neighborhood that so many Parisians call home.
The best of Paris’ 14th arrondissement is at your fingertips with this handy guide to the neighborhood’s top attractions, best restaurants, and lodging options.
Things you'll find in this article
Guide To Paris 14th Arrondissement
Related Read:
- Guide To Paris 1st Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 2nd Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 3rd Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 4th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 5th Arrondissement
Things To Do In 14th Arrondissement
The 14th arrondissement of Paris has some pretty diverse attractions. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or a rather spooky adventure, here are some of the district’s best places to see.
The Observatory of Paris
The same-named avenue is where the Paris Observatory can be found. The Observatoire de Paris, founded in 1667, is the world’s oldest observatory and the largest French astronomical research center.
There are two other campuses of the Paris Observatory in France, and one-third of all French astronomers continue their studies there.
A two-hour tour of the dome and the telescope used to be available, but the COVID crisis and other renovations have made it difficult for visitors to see the dome and the telescope in person recently.
Montparnasse Cemetery
Related Read:
- Guide To Paris 6th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 7th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 8th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 9th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 10th Arrondissement
After interments in central Paris were restricted and existing cemeteries were desecrated, the Cimetiere Montparnasse was constructed in the early nineteenth century (this ban was also why the Paris catacombs were created).
In areas that at that time were outside the city’s boundaries, four new cemeteries were established, and Cimetiere Montparnasse was one of those.
The cemetery, located very close to the Tour Montparnasse, is a beautiful, open space that is ideal for a morning or afternoon walk.
Cimetiere Montparnasse is also notable as the final resting place of known personalities, famous and infamous such as lexicographer Pierre Larousse (1875), philosophers Jean-Paul Sartre (1980) and Simone de Beauvoir (1986), filmmaker Éric Rohmer (2010), American author Susan Sontag (2004), actress Jean Seberg (1979), and musician Serge Gainsbourg (1991).
The Paris Catacombs
At some point in the 17th century, the city of Paris realized it had to do something about its overflowing cemetery.
During this time, the 14th arrondissement’s cemeteries were cleaned up and the bones of the deceased were relocated to limestone quarries beneath the city streets.
While a visit to the Paris Catacombs may not be for everyone, it is an experience you won’t soon forget!
An underground tour of the catacombs is a haunting reminder of the city’s strange and twisted past. Be sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible, as the tour is expected to sell out fast.
Buy your ticket online here.
Parc Montsouris
Related Read:
- Guide To Paris 11th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 12th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 13th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 15th Arrondissement
Parc Montsouris was created in 1875 and is one of the four largest public parks in Paris. Parc Montsouris has a small section of the Petite Ceinture, which makes it a great place to picnic in the summer and to see the changing leaves in the fall.
During the 20th century, it was replaced by the more efficient metro system, which encircled Paris. The park features a waterfall, large lawns, a Guignol theater, and a wide variety of trees and flowers
Where To Eat in 14th Arrondissement
Home to over a hundred thousand Parisians, the 14th arrondissement boasts a variety of dining options to cater to any budget preference. Here are three local favorites:
Budget
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse (59 Boulevard du Montparnasse)
In the mood for a quick, inexpensive, and flavorful meal in historic surroundings? Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse will fit the bill perfectly.
One of the restaurants in the Bouillon Chartier family, this one is in a different location but still serves hearty and delicious meals.
Midrange
Les Petits Parisiens (49 Avenue Jean Moulin) –
Les Petits Parisiens (formerly Origins 14) has been remodeled and is now run by the proprietor of Les Petits Princes in the former La Régalade premises (Suresnes).
Chef Rémy Danthez sticks to the basics, preparing hearty bistro fare that doesn’t deviate from the character of the restaurant’s predecessors
Luxury
Le Duc -(243 Bd Raspail)
Even though you’re in the middle of the left bank, you’d be thinking you were in the cabin of a yacht full of seafarers. It’s no surprise that Pascal Hélard is a master of fish and shellfish.
The sole meunière, Brittany lobster in stock, and grilled young turbot are among the restaurant’s specialties, so be sure to sample them.
Where To Stay in 14th Arrondissement
The 14th arrondissement is home to a large number of Parisians and is also where you’ll find some of Paris’ best hotels. Here are three of the most recommended hotels in the area.
Budget
At only 100 meters from the Champs Elysées Metro Station and 650 meters from the Montparnasse Train Station, the lively 14th district’s 55 Hôtel Montparnasse is the perfect place to stay in Paris. The breakfast buffet includes a variety of freshly baked pastries.
The hotel’s rooms are clean, spacious, and decorated in a stylish contemporary style. There is free WiFi available.
The all-day bar offers a wide selection of snacks and beverages, as well as a buffet breakfast. Porte de Versailles is a 20-minute ride away from the hotel via public transportation.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Midrange
The Porte d’Orleans Metro and Tram stations are within walking distance of this four-star hotel. A stay in Mercure Paris Alesia comes with free Wi-Fi. Rooms are large and well-appointed, and some have views of the street or a private patio and garden.
The hotel’s dining room offers a traditional American breakfast. Guests can relax on the sofas in the contemporary lounge bar, which is decorated with brightly colored cushions.
At the 24-hour reception, which also features a tour desk, you can book a shuttle to and from the airport. Local transportation makes it easy to get to famous landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the posh Saint Germain neighborhood.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Luxury
Newly renovated Pullman Paris Montparnasse is located in the Montparnasse district, a four-star hotel.
Decor and furnishings in each well-kept and equipped room are stylish and contemporary. Here, guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s vantage point in the Montparnasse district.
Every day of the week, room service is available at any time of the day or night.
Traditional Italian cuisine is served at Fi’lia Restaurant, while international cuisine is served at Umami Restaurant.
The hotel has two bars where guests can relax with a drink. There is a cafe where you can get focaccia and drinks. Guests can also use the on-site gym. Meeting and conference rooms are available on three floors dedicated to business.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.
Guide To Paris 15th Arrondissement - Journey To France
Wednesday 2nd of March 2022
[…] just south of the Eiffel Tower, the 14th starts at the Champ de Mars and is considered a living, breathing reminder that Paris is much more […]