around Tour Montparnasse 1Musée Bourdelle The sculptor Antoine Bourdelle left master- pieces in many Parisian locations, includ- ing Grévin Paris, the Théâtre des Champs- Élysées and the Grand Palais. He lived and worked in this studio-home from 1885 until his death in 1929. Hundreds of statues, paintings, photographs and memorabilia are on display. Two charming sculpture gardens Tour are amongst the highlights of any visit.18 rue Antoine Bourdelle (15th). Montparnasse M Montparnasse – Bienvenüe.oDaily: 10am-6pm, except01 49 54 73 73. This 210-metre-high skyscraper has been a Mon and on certain public holidays. notable landmark in the capital since 1973. Permanent collections free. Charge for At night, it is enhanced with dynamic light- temporary exhibitions. www.bourdelle.paris.fr ing due to a LED installation that highlights its vertical edges, including ‘light pulsations’, varying according to the season. From the foot of the tower to the 56th floor, the jour- ney takes ... 38 seconds, thanks to one of the fastest lifts in Europe! Visitors arrive at the panoramic floor, from where they enjoy the view through the large bay windows. There are fun quizzes to try at the inter- active kiosk and for a relaxing break, the 360 Café. Then they climb a few steps to go 2Cimetière du Montparnasse out onto the outdoor terrace observation This green and leafy cemetery occupies deck on the roof of the building. This offers the site of three former farms, of which a a stunning spectacle, a remarkable 360° listed tower from one of the flour mills still view of the capital and its monuments — remains today. The cemetery is the final unforgettable, day or night. On a clear day, resting place of many figures from the you can see up to a distance of 40 kilo- world of art and literature: Charles Baude- metres. In summer, fans like to mark this laire, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, special moment with a glass of champagne. Serge Gainsbourg, Guy de Maupassant, etc. Those who wish to round off their visit in Numerous graves are decorated with orig- style can book a table for lunch or dinner at inal works, like the pot-bellied cat and the the Ciel de Paris restaurant. sparkling bird by Niki de Saint-Phalle. • MONTPARNASSE TOWER PANORAMIC 14th. M Edgar Quinet, Raspail.o OBSERVATION DECK: Rue de l’Arrivée (15th).M Montparnasse –o 3Fondation Cartier Bienvenüe. 01 45 38 52 56. pour l’Art Contemporain 1 Apr to 30 Sept: daily, 9.30am-11.30pm. 1 Oct Designed by Jean Nouvel, this glass building to 31 March: Sun to Thurs, 9.30am-10.30pm; Fri,welcomes large exhibitions of contempo- Sat, public holidays and on the eve of public rary art, debates and the Nomadic Nights. holidays, 9.30am-11pm. Full rate: €18. Alldomains of creation are represented: www.tourmontparnasse56.com photography, painting, video and installa- tion art, sculpture, etc. End your visit with an agreeable stroll in the garden. 68 IN AND AROUND MONTPARNASSE