The 14th arrondissement is also a many-faceted neighbourhood. The most well-known is of course Montparnasse with its sea air brought with them by the Bretons, who make up the majority of the population here.

But we mustn't forget the Quartier de Plaisance either, which has an appropriate name, as it is pleasant to wander down the streets of this still little known popular neighbourhood of Paris.

While Montparnasse has lost much of its charm with its redevelopment, there are still two other little neighbourhoods which have not been affected by modernism: Denfert-Rochereau, with a very provincial population and atmosphere, and Alésia, near the Parc Montsouris, very picturesque and bucolic.

Routes for everyone :

for lovers of leisurely walks :

Lovers of peaceful beauty, difficult to find in a big city like Paris, should choose the neighbourhoods of Alésia, Denfert-Rochereau and Plaisance.

The Plaisance neighbourhood is to the south-west of the arrondissement and will surprise you with its small buildings and its attractive, colourful architecture. Magnificent inner courtyards with little gardens and glass colonnades will convince you that classicism and the modern can be mixed with wonderful results.

At the centre of the 14th arrondissement can be found the neighbourhood of Denfert known by name thanks to its metro station and its square guarded by the Lion de Belfort (a superb sculpture). But few know its true wealth. This neighbourhood is more like a small bucolic village where you can admire the small villas and their gardens in flower. You mustn't miss going through the catacombs which were formerly used to relieve the big Parisian cemeteries and the famous La Santé prison that you can admire from outside, in complete freedom.