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14th Arr
Paris -- 14th Arrondissement
Some think the 14th is the most exciting outer arrondissement in Paris. And for those who aren't dripping in jewels, or those who don't want to be part of the Montmartre village in the 18th, and for those who just want to be a part of the historical Montparnasse area, the 14th rules. Simone de Beauvoir, Jean Paul Sartre, Maupassant didn't only live and love her, but they're buried at the famous Montparnasse Cemetery (second only to Pere LeChaise). It is here in the 14th where you'll find three of Paris' most touristy restaurants: Le Dome (for it's exquisite fish); La Closerie des Lilas Cafe (for it's extraordinarily snooty waiters); and La Coupole Brasserie, which might just be one of the best dining rooms in all of France (the food is good, and there's also dancing!). For those who want to get down, and we mean down, head underground to the Catacombs to experience a creepy resting place for thousands of skulls; and the Vanves Flea Market is considered by many to be the most intoxicating. The spirit of Montparnasse, perhaps, came with the creativity of those who used to call these their stomping grounds -- Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, Henry Miller, Man Ray, Picasso, Klee, Chagall, de Beauvoir, Sartre and Maupassant, just to name a few -- but continues to thrive with the special Parisians who choose this area to be their home. For those who want to venture out from the very center of Paris, head here first.
Destinations in the 14th Arr
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Montparnasse La Coupole
Nothing says Montparnasse much as La Coupole, the art décor brasserie made famous by Hemmingway, Jean Cocteau and F. Scott Fitzgerald. -
The Catacombs
You don't have to be Goth to enjoy this Parisian ossuary near the famous Place Denfert-Rochereau (check out the statue of the lion!). Of course, not everybody enjoys seeing skulls and other bones pilled up to the top of these tunnels -- this labyrinth -- under Paris -- skulls and bones that had been taken from the Cemetery of the Innocents at Les Halles, and then later, from other cemeteries -- to make room for more burials. The areas in the Catacombs are labeled so that you can see from which cemetary area the bones had been removed. It might not be an attraction for everybody, but if you're looking for a little different tourist attraction, you might want to check out the Catacombs. If you feel safer with a flashlight on hand, you can bring one with you. There's enough light for you to see, but if you feel safer with your duracell powered light deep below the sunlight, feel free to shine your way through the path of these old French skeletons.
The Catacombs
Les Catacombes
1 avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, Paris, 75014
Telephone: 33 1 43 22 47 63Open:
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 -5:00Price:
7 euros; free for children under 13Extras:
A history presentation: The history of Catacombs is packed with stories, history of men, death… and life. Another way to find this place fascinating.
