What to do in the 14th arrondissement of Paris? The complete neighbourhood guide
Monuments, museums, parks, markets and walks: a lively overview of things to see and do in the 14th, around Alesia, Montparnasse and Denfert-Rochereau.
The 14th arrondissement is best explored like a Parisian village: descend into the Catacombs at Denfert-Rochereau, visit the Fondation Cartier, climb the Montparnasse Tower for the best view over Paris, then relax in Parc Montsouris. For strolling, rue Daguerre and rue d'Alesia gather markets, shops and cafes. Plan a full day, with a lunch break in a local brasserie. Easy access via metro lines 4, 6 and 13 and RER B at Denfert.
A village within the city
The 14th arrondissement lives at its own pace: more residential, less crowded than central Paris, yet full of character, with a famous cemetery, an observatory, a tower over the whole city and old artists' studios.
It is really several villages: Alesia and its shopping avenue, Montparnasse and its nightlife, monumental Denfert-Rochereau, and the quieter Pernety and Plaisance.
This guide is about activities and sights, not restaurant lists: for food, we point you to dedicated selections at the right moment.
The must-sees
On a small footprint, the 14th packs a unique underground monument, a major contemporary-art venue, the highest viewpoint in Paris and one of its most moving cemeteries.
The Catacombs of Paris
At Denfert-Rochereau, the Catacombs open onto an underground maze of carefully stacked bones. Book a time slot, wear good shoes and warm clothing.
Fondation Cartier
On boulevard Raspail, Jean Nouvel's glass building hosts one of the most vibrant contemporary-art institutions in Paris. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
The Montparnasse Tower
The best view of Paris, simply because it is the one place you see the Eiffel Tower without the tower itself. Head to the 56th floor and the rooftop, ideally at sunset.
Montparnasse Cemetery
A vast stone garden where Baudelaire, Sartre, Beauvoir and Gainsbourg rest. A surprisingly peaceful, tree-lined walk in the heart of the district.
Parks and green spaces
Parc Montsouris
One of the great English-style gardens of Paris: rolling lawns, a lake, a cascade and a bandstand. The green lung of the 14th, loved by families, students and runners.
Cite Internationale Universitaire
Facing the park, this landscaped campus gathers about forty houses of national architecture, including a Le Corbusier pavilion. The alleys are open to the public by day.
Strolling and markets
Rue Daguerre, partly pedestrian, is the beating heart of the Denfert area: greengrocers, cheesemongers, fishmongers and florists in a village-like atmosphere.
Further west, rue d'Alesia is the shopping street of the district, known for its outlet stores and fashion shops, leading up to place Victor-Basch.
The 14th with kids
Parc Montsouris ticks every box: playground, wide lawns and puppet shows in season. The Cite universitaire next door offers plenty of safe open space.
For older children, the Catacombs are fascinating (warn the sensitive ones). A stroll on rue Daguerre or a stop below the Montparnasse Tower makes for easy, happy memories.
A typical day in the 14th
Morning
Start at Denfert with the Catacombs at opening time, then do your market shopping on rue Daguerre and enjoy a coffee on a terrace.
Midday
Head to the Alesia area for lunch in a brasserie on avenue du General Leclerc before moving on to Montparnasse.
Afternoon
Visit the Fondation Cartier, wander through Montparnasse Cemetery and finish with the Montparnasse Tower panorama at sunset.
Where to grab a bite between visits
Between visits, the 14th has plenty of spots to refuel: cafes and brasseries around Alesia for a relaxed lunch, a livelier scene near Montparnasse and good tables by the Catacombs at Denfert.
Rather than repeating a restaurant list here, we point you to our dedicated selections, ready to use depending on where you are.
Our 14th-district dining picks
Practical info: access and transport
By metro
Three lines cross the 14th: line 4 (Alesia, Denfert), the elevated line 6 (Denfert, Raspail) and line 13 (Gaite, Pernety). Most sights are a short walk from a station.
By RER and bus
RER B stops at Denfert-Rochereau, handy from the airports. Many bus lines run up avenue du General Leclerc and serve Montparnasse.
Best season
Spring and early autumn are ideal: soft light, open terraces and reasonable crowds. Book Catacombs and tower tickets online.
Frequently asked questions about the 14th
01What to see in the 14th arrondissement of Paris?
02What to do in the 14th with family?
03Where to walk in the 14th arrondissement?
04How to visit the 14th in one day?
05How to get around the 14th arrondissement?
06Is the 14th worth it compared with central Paris?
Going further
Start or end your day in the 14th with a break at Le Bouquet d'Alesia. Discover our restaurant alesia paris, at 75 avenue du General Leclerc, for a lunch break near Alesia between two visits, open 7 days a week.
Discover the restaurantLooking for lunch or dinner during your visit? Here are our dedicated guides, area by area.
Book your table
Call us to book or place your takeaway order.