Attractions 14th arrondissement

Sights in the 14th arrondissement

The 14th arrondissement, also known as Observatoire, is a quiet and local neighborhood with a unique atmosphere, far from the bustling boulevards and tourist crowds of central Paris. Here you’ll find the real everyday life of the city, with green oases, historic sites and artistic heritage in the streetscape.

The arrondissement is perhaps best known for the Paris Catacombs – an underground network of tunnels and tombs filled with skulls and bones that attracts visitors from around the world. Above ground, you’ll find a completely different vibe with quiet residential streets, small parks and cozy squares.

A highlight is the Montparnasse district, which in the early 20th century was the center of avant-garde artists and writers such as Picasso, Modigliani and Simone de Beauvoir. Today, the area is still filled with cafés and bistros where you can still feel the influence of history, including the legendary Café Le Dôme and La Coupole.

Further south you can relax in Parc Montsouris, one of the city’s most beautiful parks with large lawns, winding paths and viewpoints. Popular with students, families with children and runners alike, it offers a peaceful respite from the big city.

The 14th arrondissement is perfect for those who want to experience local Paris at a pace where you have time to breathe, explore hidden gems and take in the city’s historical and cultural layers. A district for the curious traveler looking for more than just the familiar sights.

map of Paris' 20 arrondissements
Paris' arrondissements spiral outwards from the city center, with the most popular being arrondissements 1-8 and number 18 with Sacre Coeur.

Sights in the 14th arrondissement