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Local Amenities Montparnasse in the 14th arrondissement, became the heart of intellectual and artistic life in Paris when artistic circles migrated from Montmartre at the turn of the 20th century. Local cafes and bars became a magnet for artists, writers and musicians from all over the world. Popular since those times with expatriate Americans and now particularly with academics, the area is steeped in history. When you stay in the Quartier Daguerre, all of Paris is on your doorstep. Nearby is the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg, and the lively Left Bank with its bistros and cafes just a short stroll further. The immediate area is a peaceful and unspoiled traditional Parisian neighbourhood – closed to traffic on Sundays, freeing the little streets for exclusive pedestrian use. There are many interesting places to visit within easy walking distance of the apartments, catering for a wide variety of interests. |
Fondation Henri Cartier Bresson. Intimate gallery of photography with visiting exhibitions. * The view across Paris on a clear day from the Tour Montparnasse is stunning, and access to the top is subject to much less tourist pressure than the Eiffel Tower, so queues are generally short. Recommended. * Paris Catacombs – The entrance to the Paris Catacombs is at 1 Place Denfert Rochereau, which is in the middle of the traffic island opposite the Metro entrance. Not recommended for the squeamish. * Cinema LeDenfert – 24 Place Denfert Rochereau. A small intimate cinema showing a selection of art films. If you buy a ticket with a friend, you win a discount, so if someone approaches you to suggest you become their friend whilst you are in the queue, dont be surprised!
Daguerre Maree Poissonerie – a wonderful fish shop with a “traiteur” (ready prepared meals) attached - Second to none. A complete list of all the shops in Rue Daguerrre can be found here   * If the local shops along Rue Daguerre and Rue Raymond Losserand do not suffice, there are branches of Galleries Lafayette and Habitat at the base of the Tour Montparnasse. * Or if you need an accordéon there is Paris Accordéon at 80 Rue Daguerre. For a taste of history, visit
one of the 14eme arrondissement's famous brasseries, the
meeting places of Parisian artists, writers and poets as well
as American ex-pats Hemmingway, Fitzgerald, Miller....
La Coupole, 102 Boulevard du Montparnasse Le Dome, 108 Boulevard du Montparnasse La Closerie des Lilas, 171 Boulevard du Montparnasse La Rotonde, on the corner of the Boulevard du Montparnasse and Boulevard Raspail
Rue Lalande itself boasts two restaurants: Au Bistro d'a Cote - 18 Rue Lalande, serves very generous portions in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere Les Petites Sorcieres on the corner of Rue Lalande and Rue Liancourt is more formal and is growing in popularity so book or risk being disappointed. Further afield, I like the restaurant Plan B at the Avenue de Maine end of Rue Daguerre, informal cafe atmosphere. The food is not gourmet standard, but always tasty. For a good value light lunch, try Midi Trente, at 56 Rue Daguerre where they serve a small selection of quiches with salad or vegetables, followed by compote or crumble. But you will also find Moroccan, Japanese, Ile de Reunion, Creperies and many others along the length of Rue Daguerre.
Twice weekly food market in the
square at the bottom of Rue Boulard near the Mairie - Tuesday
and Friday mornings
Boulevard Edouard Quinet - Sunday morning art and craft market
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