Paris Bomb Scares: Montparnasse Tower and Other Sites Evacuated
Multiple bomb scares triggered evacuations at several prominent locations across Paris on Friday, February 20, 2026, including the iconic Montparnasse Tower and the Institute of Political Studies. While initial reports indicated potential threats at five sites, including the Eiffel Tower and the Bataclan concert hall, evacuations were not required at all locations.
Evacuations and Alerts
According to French broadcaster Bfmtv, the reports of potential bombings began surfacing around 6:00 PM local time. The Montparnasse Tower and the Institute of Political Studies in Paris requested the evacuation of their premises as a precautionary measure while authorities investigated the validity of the threats.
Transportation Hub Unaffected
The SNCF railway company confirmed that the Montparnasse station, a major transportation hub connected to the tower, was not affected by the evacuation orders and continued to operate normally. SNCF Gares & Connexions provides real-time train schedules and information for the station.
Sites Reported, But Not Evacuated
FranceInfo reported that five sites were initially flagged as potential targets, including the Eiffel Tower and the Bataclan concert hall. However, these locations did not require evacuation, suggesting that the initial alerts were either false alarms or deemed not credible enough to warrant immediate action.
About the Montparnasse Tower
The Tour Montparnasse, completed in 1973, is a 210-meter (689 ft) office skyscraper located in the Montparnasse area of Paris. It was the tallest skyscraper in France until 2011, when the Tour First in La Défense surpassed it. The tower features an observation deck on the 56th floor and a restaurant called Ciel de Paris.
History of the Montparnasse Area
The Montparnasse area has a rich history as a cultural hub. Tour Montparnasse’s history traces back to 1934 with plans to redevelop the Gare Montparnasse train station area. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Montparnasse was known for its cabarets and cafés, attracting artists and writers from around the world.