I had not been to the top of the Tour Montparnasse for at least 10 years, but yesterday I decided that it was time for a return trip. The weather was not great, but the air was clear and not at all hazy, so that was good enough for me. At 4pm Saturday, waiting time to buy the ticket was 5 minutes and waiting time for the elevator was 3 minutes. The elevator takes 38 seconds. I saw on the sign that at this time of year the tower is open until 11:30pm with the last tickets sold at 11pm (one hour earlier in the winter).

Anyway, I enjoyed my brief visit, and this is the sort of thing that certainly allows people to get a glimpse of places they won't have time to visit -- or else decide where they want to go ("hey, that looks cool!") when they see it from the top of the tower. And of course, just like on the Eiffel Tower, the view from above really impresses upon you how compact Paris is and all of the places that you can walk to.

So here are the photos I took up there on this sunless afternoon: http://tinyurl.com/tourtop

kerouac, we really enjoyed your photos! We were at the Tour in late December, in line, ready to purchase our tickets, even though it was overcast. As we were approaching the ticket window, the skies let loose, and quickly dashed any hopes of a view. So it's on our list for next time. Thanks for sharing your wonderful shots.

Is the restaurant renovation completed? Or, is the bar now open? Did you notice? Just curious. Thanks.

Stunning photos! Thanks for sharing this, which is now on our to do list for October.

Both the bar and the restaurant are still closed.

Beautiful images and photos! You are a very talented photographer! Congratulations!

Many thanks for sharing with us the fruits of your labor. I'm not a fan of the top view, i.e. I would not stand in line for 3 hours for Eiffel Tower, but for sure in my next trip to Paris will certainly go to the top of Montparnasse tower.
Again, many thanks.

Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos. I usually stay in Montparnasse when in Paris, and went up in the Tour once. Want to do this again after seeing your pictures. I love places where there aren't crowds!

The view is arguably even better in the evening. We've been up at sunset a couple of times and the view over towards the Eiffel Tower is spectacular.

When I saw your post, I was hoping for some great photos and wasn't disappointed.

The poster Tailsock just recently wrote about the wonderous views to be found atop the Tour Montparnasse. I see from your pictures that he was quite correct !

Kerouac your photos are fantastic. We were just discussing whether we should go up there in September. Once we saw your photos we know that we must go up. Quick question, what camera do you use? We are in the market to buy a good one. We have a digital point and shoot Canon and were thinking of a newer one with better features. Thanks for sharing.

great shots...we thought about going on our last trip but the bar was closed and we decided to skip it. Tailsock did post some great shots recently, as were yours! I always enjoy your posts and thanks for the great tour of Paris today! We will have to get there next trip.

Lovely photos!
From the top of the Tour Montparnasse Paris is laid out like a map so it's a good starting point for orientation at the beginning of a trip or at the end to spot places you've visited.

Wonderful photos. What camera are you using? Even your zoomed shots are sharp. I'm heading to Paris soon and Tour Montparnasse has been on my list. Now I'm sure I'll be going there, hopefully, on a clear day.

Kerouac, you keep us in touch with France when we can't be there. This one was a lot of fun for us. We usually don't go to Paris on our trips to France, but you are tempting us. One of these days they won't rent us a car anymore, and then we'll stay in Paris and choose from your list of places to see.

I also would like to know what camera you use to get such fantastic shots.

Thanks to your post/photos, kerouac, Montparnasse tower is now firmly on the list for our next trip!

Great shots as always. We were up before the renovation. It looks like it's worth a second visit.

I'm glad everyone liked the photos. It will either disappoint or relieve a number of you to know that I just use a digital point-and-shoot Lumix. I used to have really fancy cameras, but I just can't be bothered anymore, and the new digital cameras probably take better pictures than I was ever able to take in the past anyway.

It definitely relieves me to know that. You got some great distance shots, especially the one of Sacre Coeur showing everything for miles behind it.

Wow. Loved your photos. Thanks for sharing. Traveling to Paris next week with my kids. After seeing your photos, I will put it on our list for things to do. Love how they have holes in the glass for taking pictures.

I have been reading about the views from this tower. Your photos tell the perfect story of what is in store for those of us lucky enough to enjoy them. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful photos with us - a true delight. 16 more days (not that I am counting and annoying my husband) and this will definitely be on our "must see" list. I only hope my photos are half as lovely as your. Thank you Kerouac!