The manager of Le Montparnasse hotel talks about its surrounding area: la Rive Gauche (Left Bank)
During my stays in Paris, I always get really excited as I get closer to the left bank and the Montparnasse district in particular. It is one of the oldest shopping areas in the capital. Steeped in history, it benefits from its ideal location just a short walk away from Notre Dame; the timelessly chic and ever-popular Saint Germain des Prés; the Luxembourg gardens; les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower.
It is served by all modes of public transport from the strategically placed Montparnasse Train station, the gateway to the west. Orly Airport is only 30 minutes away and the Air France Bus, which runs regularly to Roissy Charles de Gaulle, stops at the station.
I have great affection for this district which for me is one of the most complete in the capital, as a result of the many sides it unveils.
By day, it is a bustling hive of activity with its many boutiques where you can shop for hours on end around the famous Rue de Rennes and Bon Marché; its business district, the many international fairs and shows which take place at the Parc des Expositions at the Porte de Versaillles nearby, as well as its student life and its many tourist sites.
As well as the richness of the Latin quarter and the Eglise de Saint Germain, it offers the best viewpoint across Paris and even a famous cemetery where Charles Baudelaire, Simone de Beauvoir, Jean Paul Sartre and André Citroën are buried.
The area gets no calmer at night either, thanks to its many cafés, pubs and mythical restaurants such as the "Café De Flore" with its terraces well-loved by major figures from the worlds of fashion and literature, and also the long standing "Coupole" restaurant, which is listed as a historic monument and was once popular with Picasso, Giacometti and Hemingway.
Montparnasse is also a well known for its Breton community where many creperies and seafood restaurants continue to thrive… One in particular is the "Dôme" restaurant, which offers a wide range of seafood and shellfish. The most out-of-the-ordinary tastes and smells can all be enjoyed here.
The area surrounding the hotel has a wide range of entertainment venues where I like to hang out. Its many theatres, including the evergreen "Gaité Montparnasse"; its cinemas such as the "Arlequin" and the "Lucernaire" which specialise in Art-house and experimental films as well as obscure foreign productions; plus its cabarets, such as the famous "Bobino", the "Petit Journal" and more recently the "Ciel de Paris", offer lots of choice, where everyone can find a slice of culture to suit their tastes…
Formerly known as the "Home of the Muses", Montparnasse has kept its soul and a special style all its own. I always take so much pleasure in losing myself for a few hours after leaving the hotel
The Montparnasse Hotel, Paris and you
Sofia and Raoul have taken a romantic trip to Paris
"Firstly, we'll go to the Café de Flore, it's an absolute must my darling. Then I'll take you around the shops all afternoon along the rue de Rennes. In the evening we'll go to the cabaret, cinema or theatre, and a restaurant of course.
After that we'll go and visit the Cité Universitaire, where you would so love to teach.
We definitely have to recommend the hotel to your parents, as the staff speak Spanish and have been very friendly and helpful. "
Cathy is on a business trip
"It's great to be staying so close to the Parc des expositions. In just a few stops on the metro, we're there!"
"Therefore, I've had time to go for a wander. I jumped at the chance to go shopping along the rue de Rennes, with all its vast array of chic boutiques and shoe shops"
"The cemetery is great as well. I don't know if it's all the literature masters who create such a relaxing atmosphere here but after a packed day at the trade fair, there's no place better to unwind."
For dinner, deciding on a restaurant is not easy. Rather select spots steeped in history such as la Dôme, la Closerie des Lilas, la Coupole, le Parc au cerf or la Rotonde; seafood restaurants and creperies stamping the Bretons' mark on the area; and not to forget the marvellous La Tavola Di Gio Italian restaurant. Fortunately, the hotel's receptionist has decided for me.
Vincent is visiting friends
I arrived from Toulouse one Thursday. I remember as all the students were out, just like at home, after all, it's their night. That night, the whole group was waiting to take me out to eat. They had planned everything, so there was no way I was going to go back with all my preconceived ideas…
Camille, Joachim and Emma have made it to Paris. Their parents really wanted to show them around the capital, which is a world away from their village
Camille: "We went right to the top of the Montparnasse tower! 59 floors!"
Joachim: "Yeah, it was so quick with the lift"
Emma: "We saw the whole of Paris in one go!"
Mum: "The view was superb."
Dad: "And the restaurant that the hotel receptionist suggested didn't disappoint - it was very pleasant."
Mum: "Luckily everything was very close to the hotel - I could never see myself driving around here."
Georges often stops over in Paris. He works for a company which has offices in the Montparnasse Tower
By taking walks around the area, I've often tried to find the soul the district had around the start of the 20th century. There are easy ways to do this, like going to the Musée du Montparnasse (21 avenue du Maine) but it's really changed since the train station and the Tower was built. Traces of the Golden artistic era remain on building facades. I discover a new one each time I stop off at the Montparnasse hotel. Historic listed buildings, cafés, brasseries, and apartment buildings gently rekindle the roaring twenties. Whichever way you look at it this district is crazy. You see 1,000 sides to it which send you dizzy - there's never a dull moment.
