Montparnasse luggage storage

About Montparnasse

The Left Bank of the River Seine is the south side of the water. This part of the city has long been known as a bohemian district devoted to artists, and many famous talents have lived in the area. Montparnasse, centered around where the Boulevard du Montparnasse and the Rue de Rennes meet, is generally regarded as one of the city's most fascinating neighborhoods.

The history of Montparnasse as an artistic hub goes back to the 17th century. Students recited poems in front of an artificial hill of rubble which they ironically named Mount Parnassus after the mountain celebrated by Greek poets. Away from the center of the city and the heart of government, Montparnasse remained a far cheaper place to live than the center of Paris. Over time, this drew both immigrants and artists in search of an affordable place to live.

At the start of the 20th century, Paris was the world capital of culture. And as rents climbed in the formerly Bohemian district of Montmartre, struggling artists moved south to Montparnasse and created a community that was home to some of the most famous painters, writers, and intellectuals of the 20th century.

Montparnasse is no longer the cheap place to live it once was, but it still retains much of its Bohemian spirit. And as a neighborhood rich with a variety of worthwhile attractions, you could spend days in this small area alone.

Things to do in Montparnasse

As the home of cultural icons of the 20th century, Montparnasse has plenty to see. But while this district has a fascinating history, it remains a vibrant and lively place to this day. 

• Go shopping on Rue Daguerre. Authentic markets in Paris seem to get harder to find with each passing year, which is part of what makes this one so special. Rub shoulders with local residents as they shop for food and get a taste of Paris away from the better-known tourist attractions.
• Pay respects to some of Montparnasse's most famous residents at Montparnasse Cemetery. The final resting place of Charles Baudelaire, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Guy du Maupassant, and Serge Gainsbourg, this peaceful cemetery is like a Who's Who of France's 20th century cultural elite.
• Take in one of the best views in Paris at the Montparnasse Tower. Opened in 1973, this 688-foot tower was France's tallest skyscraper until 2011. Its observation deck is still a great place to get a view over the city.
• Get creeped out at the Paris Catacombs. This endless network of tunnels beneath the city is filled with the skeletal remains of former Parisians. The entrance to this unique attraction is located just south of Montparnasse, and the artful arrangement of millions of skeletons is something that has to be seen to be believed.
• Learn more about an important chapter of Paris's history at the Musee de General Leclerc. This museum is dedicated to the French resistance and tells the story of Paris under Nazi occupation, along with its eventual liberation.
  

Transit options in Montparnasse

• Gare Montparnasse is one of Paris's six main railway stations and is located in the heart of the neighborhood. Trains from here serve southern French cities such as Bordeaux, Rennes, and Nantes.
• Montparnasse metro station is attached to the railway station and is served by Metro lines 4, 6, 12, and 13.
• Many bus routes use Montparnasse station as a stop, including 58, 92, and 96. This makes Montparnasse easy to reach from just about anywhere in the city.

Luggage storage in Montparnasse

As a small neighborhood rich in atmosphere, Montparnasse simply begs to be explored on foot. You'll make your trip much easier on yourself if you don't carry more than you need to. Drop off your heavy bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Montparnasse so you can explore freely. Your back will certainly thank you as you wander the vibrant streets of this fascinating district.

Activities and attractions near Montparnasse

• Jardin Luxembourg: Just to the north of Montparnasse, the Jardin Luxembourg offers a chance to escape the chaos of the city. This park goes all the way back to 1612 when it formed the gardens of Luxembourg Palace, built by the Queen of France. Nowadays, its lawns, pathways, and shady trees make it a fantastic place to wander. Grab a bench near the boat pond and watch kids launch toy sailboats across the water, or enjoy a picnic on the grass.
• Pantheon: Celebrate some of France’s greatest minds at the Pantheon. This impressive building was built in 1790 as a church, but by the time it was complete, the French Revolution had started. Instead of becoming a church, it was used as a mausoleum for some of France’s most notable citizens. Today, it is the final resting place of Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie, among other famous French people.
• Musee Rodin: Learn more about one of the world's greatest sculptors at the Musee Rodin. Located in the historic Hotel Biron, this gigantic collection contains some of Rodin's most famous work, including The Thinker and The Kiss. As well as being a great sculptor, Rodin was a collector of other artist's work, and these pieces are displayed alongside those of Rodin himself in this beautiful museum. Note that large bags are not allowed inside the museum, so be sure to leave yours at a Montparnasse luggage storage shop before visiting.