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The Tour Montparnasse can be seen in the distance in the center of the photo. The construction of this building, the tallest in France, aroused much controversy. Towers have always been criticized and decried. The large tower was constructed in a single phase from the end of 1969 to the end of 1972. Out of the 58 floors, 52 are occupied by offices (working population - 5000), the useful area per floor being an average of 1,700 sq. m. Two floors are open to the public, the 56th, and the terrace on the 59th, three are reserved for technical installations. The electronical power equals that of a town of 30,000 inhabitants. On the 59th floor, the highest terrace in Paris has been constructed. On a clear day, the view covers a radius of 40 kms.; you can see the planes taking off from Orly Airport. Designed as a safety measure for visitors, the guard-rail can be removed in only 120 seconds to allow helicopters to land.
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Western Europe
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