My husband and I will be going to Paris for the first time and have read conflicting views about the view from the Montparnasse Tower. Some books say the view at night is disappointing and some say it is spectacular. We were thinking about going at twilight to the Montparnasse tower instead of the Eiffel Tower so it wouldn't be so crowded and we could actually see the Eiffel Tower. What do you think?

Excellent idea (t'es d'accord Vincent?!) <BR>Yes, you can see the fabulous Eiffel Tower from the Montparnasse tower (and, therefore, won't see the Montparnasse,which is not so fabulous). It is a slightly more central view of Paris. It is less crowded--much less, and maybe even less expensive (though I can't remember). For the best view, though, IMHO, go to the top of the Samaritain department store. View : fabulous,with informative illustrations to tell you what you're looking at. location: dead center. Price: zero.

Diane, <BR>Why not do both? I'd vote for the top of the Eiffel Tower tho, if nothing else because it is the Eiffel Tower and such of symbol of Paris - the Montparnasse Tower is just an office bldg. - yes, the views are fantastic from the top of it, and yes it is less crowded, and yes I do believe it is less expensive, but it does not have the "feel" of Paris I don't think We've done both several times, but my favorite remains the Eiffel Tower. Incidentally, you can "see" the Eiffel Tower from many places in Paris and it is particularly lovely at night. Whatever you do I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience. Incidentally, this last time we were in Paris (this spring) we stayed on the top of the Eiffel Tower for about 2 hours and it was not horribly crowded at all. People came, looked and left .. we stayed and enjoyed, but then again it was not our first trip to Paris so we were not pressured to do alot of things anyway.

I bet I am d'accord ! Technically, Montparnasse wins hands down. But I can also understand that people feel they haven't really "been" to Paris before going up the Eiffel Tower. Let's say the Eiffel is more for the myth, and Montparnasse more for the quality of the view.

Going up the Eiffel Tower is a full day's work. The lines are impossible. In order of efficientcy of time:1) the top of Samaritaine department store - great view, not crowed and visual aids drawn on the viewing ledge.2) Montparnasse. 3) The top of the Arc de Triomphe. 4) Eiffel. <BR>Actually the best views of the tower are the oddest. Walk from the arc across the Alma Bridge and thru the small streets towards the Tower. The views of it averhead are great as you approach thru those streets. Then after giving up taking the elevator up (crowds), go across the bridge (Seine) to Chaillot palace fro a great view of the Tower and beyond.

We had no problem doing the Tour Eiffel at dusk (spectacular) when the lighting was positively breathtaking and the sights below were spectacular. Apparently everyone is off to dinner around that time. We stayed until after dark when the lights were turned on all over which was absolutely magical. Of course, it helps if you know what you're looking at below. The Tour Montparnasse was incredible as well. If you don't know what you're looking at, there are dioramas to indicate same. From here, of course, you can view the Tour Eiffel as well. The view from the roof of La Samaritaine is also breathaking! While there, be sure to have someone take your photo with the background of your choice (Tour Eiffel, Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame) - awesome for enlarging and framing. If you have time, do them all. Each has a different vantage point and all are positively worth the effort. None are "disappointing at night". Can't imagine that any book actually would describe that...

If I was you I wouldn't pick neither of them but do as one suggest: Visit the "Samaritaine". It's really the best view and it's free - you don't have to line up endlessly and you don't have to use your time among other "only" tourists. Do yourself a favour and visit "La Samaritaine"

Agree with above. Not only are there no queues at the Samiritaine, but its a great place to sit, relax and have a glass of wine (with a brilliant view) after a hard day. <BR>

The top of Samaritaine is a bunch of stuff rolled into one 1) great store for shopping 2) the view is free - and specatular and 3) you can munch and drink while viewing Paris. The Eiffel Tower at night is glorious - the lights from the bateaux as they glow under the bridges is fairytale-like - and we had no wait to get up to the top (something to be said for travelling in late September). Have not done Montparnasse Tower - it seems 'outoftheway' so I'll have to figure out what else to visit in the 'hood when I do the tower.