Tour Montparnasse

Ah, the reviled Montparnasse “skyscraper” in the 14th arrondisement. The tallest building in France, it’s nothing but 689 feet of an eyesore to Parisians.

I’ve always had a soft spot for the monstrosity since its looming presence reminds me of New York. Beyond that, I’ve never given it any thought. But when Connie and Nina came, they heard that the elevator rushes you up the 56 stories in a mere 38 seconds—the fastest elevator in Europe. Whooosh! We had to check it out.

As expected, the venue itself is pretty cheesy. Souvenir stands, greasy tourists, and queues for the elevator. But still, it’s a sight worth visiting. After all, such a compact, grey city, it’s not often that you get to see Paris twinkling in blues and pinks and oranges.

And, since most of us would go to the top of the Eiffel Tower before Montparnasse, it’s especially worth it for that rare view, looking down on the City’s remarkable icon.