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What to See and Do in Montparnasse

Come with me to find out what to see and do in Montparnasse. Montparnasse has not really been on my preferred list of places to stay whilst in Paris. But now, after a short visit one trip with children in tow and just recently a longer stay on my way through to the northwest countryside of Brittany, I found lots to see and do.

What to See and Do in Montparnasse

Here's my round up of what to see and do in Montparnasse - I'm sure you'll find lots to interest you whether you're there for a few hours or a few days. Mostly in the 14th arrondissement, Montparnasse has been called the bohemian centre of Paris.

The diverse range of restaurants, a legacy of art, historic streets, gardens and one of the largest cemeteries in Paris (home to some very famous people) plus the skyscraper of all Parisian skyscrapers, are waiting to be discovered in Montparnasse.

Montparnasse Cemetery

Montparnasse Cemetery is a huge cemetery in the 14th arrondissement of Paris that covers around 45 acres. It is one of the most visited sites in Montparnasse and is the burial ground of famous Parisian writers, artists, scientists and intellectuals. I was lucky enough to spend time wandering and exploring the cemetery the other week and share what I found in today's post.

A History of Montparnasse Cemetery

Going back in history to the Middle-Ages, the site of the cemetery was farmland and was occupied by market gardeners. In around 1825 the cemetery was created and was originally known as the Cimetière du Midi. It was at that time located outside of Paris.

Napoléon Bonaparte

France and Napoléon go hand in hand but with two French Napoléons, it can get tricky to know which Napoléon did what in Paris. This is especially so as they were even related. So just what did Napoléon Bonaparte do compared to Napoléon III? Who was the emperor and who was the architectural mastermind.

Napoléon Bonaparte vs Napoléon III

Paris has reminders of Napoléon everywhere, including the "N" engraved in bridges and on buildings, statues and even cafés named after these famous gentlemen. The café Le Bonaparte above is a perfect spot for my morning coffee after leaving my usual hotel on rue Vaneau, then heading down due de Babylone, rue de Sévres, rue de Four and then straight across Boulevard Saint-Germain to the cafe. It's a relaxed spot with plenty of pedestrian traffic to watch while taking a drink.

Paris the City of Light

Paris has the endearing nickname of The City of Light. Some say it's because of the inhabitants' enlightened thinking in terms of culture and learning. Others argue that it's because of the city's early adaption of street lighting.

Paris the City of Light

Ville Lumière or City of Enlightenment

The French translation of City of Light is Ville Lumière, meaning "city of enlightenment". This blog post pays homage to the most beautiful lighting in the world, the Parisian lamp posts. Many lamp posts are a story themselves heralding to a person, historical event or place and wandering the city, there is no shortage of their beauty.

Angelina – The Best Hot Chocolate in Paris

Angelina - The Best Hot Chocolate in Paris

Angelina café serves the world's finest hot chocolate and has been the essential gourmet and refined meeting place for Parisian aristocracy for over 120 years. Angelina is a space of calm that has seen the likes of Proust, Coco Chanel and the greatest French couturiers in the past and today welcomes Parisians, passing tourists and celebrities.

As well as the unforgettable hot chocolate known as "L 'African", Angelina is world famous for its famous dessert Mont-Blanc.

Advent Wreaths

Advent Wreath

Tradition and symbolism go hand in hand with Christmas and Advent. Advent in France is a time of waiting and preparing for Christmas. It starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and has traditions associated with the occasion. Some are the Advent wreath and Advent Calendars. To find out more about Advent calendars, read our full blog post on Advent Calendars, dedicated to the history of the calendar and how you can make one for yourself. To see our own Advent Calendar with 24 gorgeous snowy, twinkling photos from all over France go to AFC's Advent Calendar. In this post here I'll share everything you need to know about Advent Wreaths.

In France the period of Advent is very much welcomed as a happy time of waiting helping to make the lead up to Christmas fun and to bring joy during a season of long, dark and usually cold days.

Advent in France

What is Advent and How is it Celebrated in France?

As I've grown older, traditions have become more important to me including those surrounding Christmas. As a child, Christmas traditions were not really observed by my parents. But as a parent myself, I've loved adopting some traditional Christmas practices and decorating our home with pretty twinkling lights and, of course, a beautiful tree.

One of the more recent traditions I've embraced is celebrating Advent. This post will cover what Advent is, how it is celebrated in France and gift Advent calendars. I also share ideas on how to make your own calendar. In next week's post we will share everything you need to know about Advent Wreaths, what they are and how to make your own beautiful Advent wreath.

French Advent Calendar

Advent is derived from the Latin word for "coming" adventus, and is celebrated in the Christian church calendar. It celebrates the period of preparation for the birth of Jesus.

Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30, which is St Andrew's Day, and is the beginning of the liturgical year. However, counting down the days on an Advent calendar ignores the St Andrew tradition and rather than counting down from the nearest Sunday to November 30, the calendars start on 1 December and counts down to Christmas Day.

It's a tradition now that each year I share our own advent calendar on social channels including Facebook and Instagram. Our calendar has stunning Christmassy photos from across France and in case you've missed them or want to see them again - here's the photos in all their twinkling, decorative colour.

« Previous Page

What to See and Do in Montparnasse

What to See and Do in Montparnasse

Montparnasse Cemetery

A History of Montparnasse Cemetery

Napoléon Bonaparte

Napoléon Bonaparte vs Napoléon III

Paris the City of Light

Paris the City of Light

Ville Lumière or City of Enlightenment

Angelina – The Best Hot Chocolate in Paris

Angelina - The Best Hot Chocolate in Paris

Advent Wreaths

Advent Wreath

Advent in France

What is Advent and How is it Celebrated in France?

French Advent Calendar

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