Things to do in the Denfert-Rochereau and Parc Montsouris neighborhood: Ideas for outings and great places to visit

Published by Manon de Sortiraparis · Photos by Margot de Sortiraparis · Updated on October 24, 2025 at 12:34 p.m. · Published on January 23, 2024 at 10:44 a.m.
For walking, eating, and learning, there's nothing like a stroll around Place Denfert-Rochereau, Rue Daguerre, and Parc Montsouris in Paris's 14th arrondissement!

The Denfert-Rochereau district takes its name from the square of the same name. The epicenter of the 14th arrondissement, Place Denfert-Rochereau is home to Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi's famous Lion of Belfort statue, commemorating the heroic resistance of the town of Belfort during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Until the 1950s, the Lion de Belfort funfair was held here, where roller coasters, lotteries, merry-go-rounds and circuses were legion.

On either side of this square, formerly known as Place d'Enfer until 1879, you'll find Parisian landmarks such as the unmissable Paris catacombs, the Montparnasse cemetery, where you'll find the graves of Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Charles Baudelaire and Serge Gainsbourg, and the Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain .

For a stroll to discover the local shops, cafés and restaurants, there's nothing like rue Daguerre, so loved by filmmaker Agnès Varda. But for even more relaxation, the Parc Montsouris is the place to be.

Designed in the 19th century, it's the ideal place to soak up the sun on its lawns and lakes, but also... to learn! Indeed, several times a year, the Cité Universitaire de Paris opens its doors to the public with a diverse, varied and free program.

So, here are the best addresses and tips for Denfert-Rochereau and Parc Montsouris!

What to do around Denfert-Rochereau and Parc Montsouris, our tips and best addresses:

  • To discover the history of the neighborhood  

Les Catacombes de ParisLes Catacombes de ParisLes Catacombes de ParisLes Catacombes de Paris The Catacombs of Paris, an unusual visit to the bowels of the capital
Have you ever ventured into the Catacombs of Paris? Let's go and discover this creepy brown place, known to all but where most have never been. A fascinating and historic site, a guided tour of the Catacombs is well worth the detour, as well as keeping you cool on hot days. [Read more]

Le saviez-vous ? Une piscine parisienne est chauffée grâce à la chaleur des égoutsLe saviez-vous ? Une piscine parisienne est chauffée grâce à la chaleur des égoutsLe saviez-vous ? Une piscine parisienne est chauffée grâce à la chaleur des égoutsLe saviez-vous ? Une piscine parisienne est chauffée grâce à la chaleur des égouts Did you know? A swimming pool in Paris is heated by heat from... sewage!
In Paris, a municipal swimming pool in the 14ᵉ arrondissement hides a well-kept secret: it's heated using heat... from the sewers! An ingenious example of urban ecology to discover without plugging your nose. [Read more]

Les Catacombes de ParisLes Catacombes de ParisLes Catacombes de ParisLes Catacombes de Paris Did you know? 3 unusual anecdotes about the Paris catacombs
The Catacombs of Paris are among the capital's most mysterious places. But how much do you really know about these ancient Parisian quarries? We reveal three unusual anecdotes about the Catacombs of Paris! [Read more]

Les Catacombes de Paris - visuels  - fotor 1749245976643Les Catacombes de Paris - visuels  - fotor 1749245976643Les Catacombes de Paris - visuels  - fotor 1749245976643Les Catacombes de Paris - visuels  - fotor 1749245976643 Catacombs special night: enjoy a last evening underground before the site closes
Before closing its doors for several months for renovations, the Catacombs are inviting Parisians to experience one last night underground, during a unique nocturne on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Reservations are now open. [Read more]

Exposition Chana Orloff Musée Zadkine - IMG 1837Exposition Chana Orloff Musée Zadkine - IMG 1837Exposition Chana Orloff Musée Zadkine - IMG 1837Exposition Chana Orloff Musée Zadkine - IMG 1837 Journées de l'Architecture 2025: visit to Auguste Perret's Chana Orloff workshops
Take advantage of the Journées Nationales de l'Architecture 2025 in Paris' 14th arrondissement, with a visit to the Atelier-Musée Chana Orloff, on October 18 and 19! [Read more]

  • For walking

Les charmants villages du 14e arrondissement Les charmants villages du 14e arrondissement Les charmants villages du 14e arrondissement Les charmants villages du 14e arrondissement The charming villages of the 14th arrondissement
Head for the 14th arrondissement to discover the Plaisance, Petit-Montrouge and Montsouris districts. All are home to a number of small villages, housing estates and villas that are great places to stroll. [Read more]

At the moment :

dictée écriredictée écriredictée écriredictée écrire The Judo Institute hosts a giant spelling bee and a gift giveaway in Paris
On Monday, December 22, 2025, the Judo Institute will turn into a classroom as it aims to break the world record for the largest dictation ever. This free, open event invites everyone to enjoy a fun-filled atmosphere, combining language challenges, sports introductions, and gift giveaways. [Read more]

  • For a tasty treat

Chez An - Au coin du Vietnam, restaurant vietnamien du 14e à Paris -  entréesChez An - Au coin du Vietnam, restaurant vietnamien du 14e à Paris -  entréesChez An - Au coin du Vietnam, restaurant vietnamien du 14e à Paris -  entréesChez An - Au coin du Vietnam, restaurant vietnamien du 14e à Paris -  entrées Restaurants in Denfert-Rochereau and Parc Montsouris: Where to eat in these neighborhoods in Paris?
Out and about in Denfert-Rochereau and Parc Montsouris? Take a look at our restaurant recommendations! [Read more]

Brunch Umami Burger - image00005Brunch Umami Burger - image00005Brunch Umami Burger - image00005Brunch Umami Burger - image00005 Brunch Paris 14: Where to have brunch in the 14th arrondissement? Our favorite spots and recommendations
A peaceful and charming neighborhood, the 14th arrondissement is full of great places to enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch, between Rue Daguerre, Montparnasse, and Parc Montsouris. It's the perfect spot to combine a stroll with a gourmet meal. [Read more]

Our latest discoveries:

Dat Viet -  MG 5880 copyDat Viet -  MG 5880 copyDat Viet -  MG 5880 copyDat Viet -  MG 5880 copy The Dat Viet restaurant in Paris: a culinary stopover with authentic Vietnamese flavours
Sponsored - Located at 59 Rue du Couëdic, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, close to Place Denfert-Rochereau, the Dat Viet restaurant has become a must for lovers of Vietnamese cuisine. It offers a true immersion in Vietnamese traditions, right in the heart of Paris. [Read more]

Chez An - Au coin du Vietnam, restaurant vietnamien du 14e à Paris -  pho Chez An - Au coin du Vietnam, restaurant vietnamien du 14e à Paris -  pho Chez An - Au coin du Vietnam, restaurant vietnamien du 14e à Paris -  pho Chez An - Au coin du Vietnam, restaurant vietnamien du 14e à Paris -  pho Chez An, the good Vietnamese restaurant in the 14th arrondissement that takes you to Au Coin du Vietnam
Chez An - Au coin du Vietnam is a charming family-run Vietnamese restaurant in the 14ᵉ arrondissement of Paris. With its typical dishes and excellent pho, this good address never gets crowded. We tell you all about it. [Read more]

Photos : Wonderland Pâtisserie Photos : Wonderland Pâtisserie Photos : Wonderland Pâtisserie Photos : Wonderland Pâtisserie Wonderland, the unusual patisserie - tea room
Direction Alesia and Rodolphe Groizard's Wonderland pastry shop. This former chef of a starred restaurant has a passion for trompe-l'oeil and dedicates his pastry shop-tea room to original creations that are as surprising visually as they are in taste. Cactus, armchair, merry-go-round or Moaï statue are part of his desserts that will ravage your table! [Read more]

Désiré, la patisserie-chocolaterie à l'esprit familialDésiré, la patisserie-chocolaterie à l'esprit familialDésiré, la patisserie-chocolaterie à l'esprit familialDésiré, la patisserie-chocolaterie à l'esprit familial Désiré, a pastry and chocolate shop with a family spirit
Désiré is both a patisserie and a chocolaterie, nestled in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. At the crossroads of modernity and tradition, it's the little address that brings the whole family together. [Read more]

Choco² : la nouvelle chocolaterie parisienne signée Jean-Pierre RodriguesChoco² : la nouvelle chocolaterie parisienne signée Jean-Pierre RodriguesChoco² : la nouvelle chocolaterie parisienne signée Jean-Pierre RodriguesChoco² : la nouvelle chocolaterie parisienne signée Jean-Pierre Rodrigues Choco au Carré: the new Parisian chocolate shop by Jean-Pierre Rodrigues
Addicted to cocoa? Discover quickly the very original Parisian chocolate factory of the artisan chocolate maker Jean-Pierre Rodrigues. Named Choco², this new gourmet address puts chocolate... in a square! [Read more]

A mi-chemin, la cuisine fusion franco tunisienne étonnante de Nordine LabiadhA mi-chemin, la cuisine fusion franco tunisienne étonnante de Nordine LabiadhA mi-chemin, la cuisine fusion franco tunisienne étonnante de Nordine LabiadhA mi-chemin, la cuisine fusion franco tunisienne étonnante de Nordine Labiadh A Mi-Chemin, surprising and generous Franco-Tunisian fusion cuisine
Located a stone's throw from rue daguerre in the 14th arrondissement, A Mi-Chemin takes us between Tunis and Paris to discover the cuisine of chef Nordine Labiadh and his wife Virginie. A beautiful story to discover. [Read more]

  • To relax

L’Hôtel Lenox Montparnasse rénové L’Hôtel Lenox Montparnasse rénové L’Hôtel Lenox Montparnasse rénové L’Hôtel Lenox Montparnasse rénové Hotel Paris 14: Where to stay in the 14th arrondissement? Hotels, hostels, and other accommodations
Find a place to stay in Paris's 14th arrondissement with these useful addresses for hotels, youth hostels and accommodation in the area. [Read more]

  • To learn something new

  • For entertainment 

Le Gaumont Alésia réouvre ses portesLe Gaumont Alésia réouvre ses portesLe Gaumont Alésia réouvre ses portesLe Gaumont Alésia réouvre ses portes Gaumont Alésia: a cinema with Dolby Atmos technology
The Gaumont Alésia cinema is one of the Pathé-Gaumont group cinemas to feature this technology. Enjoy your film during a special screening with Dolby Atmos sound. [Read more]

Right now:

Dame de Cœur  - IMG 4927Dame de Cœur  - IMG 4927Dame de Cœur  - IMG 4927Dame de Cœur  - IMG 4927 La Dame de Coeur: the cosy, family-friendly board game bar in Paris's 14th arrondissement
Near the Gare Montparnasse station, a friendly games bar awaits you for lively games with friends or family, while you enjoy pastries or an aperitif, depending on the time of day, just like at home! [Read more]

Urban Laser : le laser game immense à deux pas de Denfert-RochereauUrban Laser : le laser game immense à deux pas de Denfert-RochereauUrban Laser : le laser game immense à deux pas de Denfert-RochereauUrban Laser : le laser game immense à deux pas de Denfert-Rochereau Urban Laser: a huge laser game just a stone's throw from Denfert-Rochereau
Ready to take on your friends in a laser game? Just a stone's throw from Denfert-Rochereau, Urban Laser awaits you for fun with family and friends. It's the perfect opportunity to awaken your inner trigger-happy! [Read more]

  • For shopping

  • To stay in shape

  • For quality time with the family

  • For a good time with friends:

Bar Les Ombres : cocktails & tapas sur le rooftop du Musée du Quai Branly avec vue sur la tour Eiffel - IMG 8047 2Bar Les Ombres : cocktails & tapas sur le rooftop du Musée du Quai Branly avec vue sur la tour Eiffel - IMG 8047 2Bar Les Ombres : cocktails & tapas sur le rooftop du Musée du Quai Branly avec vue sur la tour Eiffel - IMG 8047 2Bar Les Ombres : cocktails & tapas sur le rooftop du Musée du Quai Branly avec vue sur la tour Eiffel - IMG 8047 2 Bar Paris 14: Where to have a drink in the 14th arrondissement? Our favorite spots and top picks
In the south of Paris, the 14th arrondissement combines a village atmosphere with urban life. Inventive cocktail bars, craft beer pubs, wine cellars... There are so many places to enjoy a good drink in a warm and welcoming setting. [Read more]

Discover all these great addresses on the map below!

visuel Musée de la Libération de Paris, les photosvisuel Musée de la Libération de Paris, les photosvisuel Musée de la Libération de Paris, les photosvisuel Musée de la Libération de Paris, les photos What to do in Paris's 14th arrondissement? Current ideas for outings and good addresses
This time you've decided to conquer the 14th arrondissement of Paris, and you're right! From the Montparnasse Tower to Alesia, via Denfert Rochereau, here are the best spots in this Parisian district, as well as the not-to-be-missed nights out. [Read more]

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