Montparnasse is a good base for visiting Paris as a family. The district is well connected, less crowded than the most touristy areas, and close to several child-friendly places: gardens, museums, markets, viewpoints and pleasant walks.
Around the 14th arrondissement, it is easy to alternate between cultural activities, green breaks and neighbourhood walks. This makes the area especially convenient for families who want to explore Paris without spending too much time on transport.
Here are a few ideas for family-friendly activities around Montparnasse and in the south of the Left Bank.
1. The Luxembourg Gardens, a classic with children
About a 25-minute walk from Montparnasse, the Luxembourg Gardens remain one of the best places in Paris to spend a few hours as a family.
Children will easily find plenty to enjoy: small sailing boats on the pond, the puppet theatre, pony rides, sunny chairs, shaded paths and playgrounds. It is also a pleasant place for parents, with enough space to take a real break.
2. The Jardin Atlantique, the hidden garden above the station
Still little known to visitors, the Jardin Atlantique is one of the most surprising places in the neighbourhood. It is located above the tracks of Montparnasse station, like a suspended garden above the trains.
There are lawns, play areas and quieter corners to sit down for a while. It is a good option for a quick break with children, without necessarily planning half a day there.
3. Parc Montsouris, for a real green escape
Further south in the 14th arrondissement, Parc Montsouris shows a very different side of Paris. Its large lawns, lake, trees and gently sloping paths make it a favourite spot for local families.
It is a good idea for a quieter moment, away from the tourist areas. Children can run around, watch the ducks, play in the dedicated areas or simply enjoy a large green space.
4. The Catacombs of Paris, for older children
Near Denfert-Rochereau, the Catacombs of Paris are one of the capital’s most unusual visits. They can be especially appealing to teenagers or older children who are curious about history and enjoy slightly different experiences.
The visit takes place underground, in narrow and dark galleries. There are also stairs to plan for, including more than a hundred steps. It is therefore not suitable for very young children, and not ideal with a stroller.
For families with older children, however, it is a memorable outing, provided you book in advance.
5. Rue Daguerre and the Edgar-Quinet market, to experience the neighbourhood
Montparnasse and the 14th arrondissement are not only about monuments. The neighbourhood is also best experienced through its shopping streets, markets and local addresses.
Rue Daguerre is one of the most pleasant streets in the area. You will find food shops, cafés, bakeries, greengrocers and a very Parisian neighbourhood atmosphere. It is a good place to pick up something for a simple meal with children.
The Edgar-Quinet market, usually held several times a week, is also a good way to shop in a local atmosphere. For families staying in an aparthotel, it is especially practical: you can buy a few fresh products and prepare a quiet dinner in your accommodation.
6. The Jardin des Plantes and the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution
Just a few metro stops away, the Jardin des Plantes is one of the best places in Paris for families. It brings together several activities in one place: large paths, greenhouses, museums, the palaeontology gallery, the zoo and the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution.
The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution is particularly suitable for children. The preserved animals, the scenography and the impressive scale of the building make the visit easy to follow, even for younger visitors.
Where to stay as a family in Montparnasse?
For a family stay on the Left Bank, Helzear Montparnasse offers a practical alternative to a traditional hotel. Located on Rue Liancourt, in the 14th arrondissement, the aparthotel is close to Denfert-Rochereau, Montparnasse station and Gaîté metro station.
The address is well suited to families looking for a quiet base while staying close to transport links and the main places to visit. Organised around a paved, shaded inner courtyard, the property offers suites and apartments equipped with a kitchenette, accommodating up to 6 people.
Why choose Montparnasse for a family stay in Paris?
Montparnasse is a good compromise for families who want to visit Paris without staying in an overly touristy area. The neighbourhood makes it easy to reach the main sights quickly, while enjoying a more local atmosphere.
From Helzear Montparnasse, it is easy to plan a balanced stay: a morning in a museum, a break in a garden, a walk around the neighbourhood, then a simple dinner in the apartment. The area is also well served by public transport, with metro lines 4, 6 and 13, Montparnasse station and Denfert-Rochereau nearby.
It is an interesting base for families who want to discover Paris at their own pace, with a little more space, calm and flexibility than a classic hotel stay.
Practical tips for visiting Montparnasse as a family
The area is easy to visit without a car. Most of the activities mentioned are accessible on foot, by metro or by bus. For families with a stroller, gardens such as the Luxembourg Gardens, Parc Montsouris and the Jardin Atlantique are among the easiest options.
For more popular visits, such as the Catacombs or the Montparnasse Tower, it is best to check opening times and book in advance, especially during school holidays.
Finally, if you are staying for several days, an aparthotel makes it easier to alternate between outings and quieter moments. This is often what makes a Paris stay more enjoyable with children.
FAQ: Family stay in Montparnasse
What family-friendly activities are there around Montparnasse?
Families can visit the Luxembourg Gardens, discover the Jardin Atlantique, walk through Parc Montsouris, visit the Catacombs with older children, or reach the Jardin des Plantes by metro.
Is the Montparnasse district suitable for families?
Yes. Montparnasse and the 14th arrondissement offer a good balance between calm, transport links, shops, green spaces and quick access to Paris’s main sights. It is a practical neighbourhood for a family stay on the Left Bank.
Is it easy to visit Paris from Montparnasse?
Yes. The district is well served by metro, bus and Montparnasse station. From Helzear Montparnasse, it is easy to reach central Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Luxembourg Gardens, Les Invalides or the Eiffel Tower.
What free activities can you do with children in the 14th arrondissement?
The Jardin Atlantique, Parc Montsouris, Rue Daguerre, some playgrounds in the Luxembourg Gardens and walks around the neighbourhood are good free or low-cost options.
Why choose an aparthotel as a family in Montparnasse?
An aparthotel gives you more freedom during your stay. At Helzear Montparnasse, the accommodation includes a kitchenette, which is useful for preparing children’s meals, enjoying a quiet breakfast or organising simple dinners on site.