10 winter terraces in Paris to try this season
Heated terraces, winter gardens, cosy outdoor areas: good places to have a drink outside in Paris this winter
In Paris, the weather starts turning cold in November as winter makes its gradual descent on the city. But you can still enjoy spending time outdoors, as the capital has many places with heated terraces and cheery seasonal decor.
From winter gardens to cosy outside areas, here is a round-up of our favourite spots to enjoy a drink when the weather turns chilly.
The Ice Cube Bar at the Galeries Lafayette
The must-see department store on Boulevard Haussmann greets winter in great style at its truly amazing heated terrace. Located on the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette, which offers a panoramic view over the city’s monuments, the Ice Cube Bar is a one-of-a-kind place to sip a drink under the Paris skies.
The Chocolate Bar at the Jardins du Marais
In search of a beautiful and enchanting spot? Head to the 1,500-m² terrace of the Jardins du Marais. Step through the traditional carriage porch into the hotel’s festive winter decor, where a tempting gourmet experience awaits. A winter chalet dubbed the ‘Chocolate Bar’ set up for the season offers hot beverages and sweet treats crafted from recipes by upscale pâtisserie Hugo & Victor. A good place to stop off and savour a sweet moment with friends or family.
The terrace of the Café de l’Homme
The superbly designed Café de l’Homme with its bird’s-eye view of the Eiffel Tower transforms into a winter garden in cold weather, and the beautiful vista can still be admired through the glass walls. It is the perfect place to sip a drink or sample a tempting dessert like Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée, vanilla-flavoured riz au lait (rice pudding) or ‘Finger choc’, the house speciality. Eiffel Tower enthusiasts take note!
Le Perchoir at the BHV Marais
Perched on the rooftop of the iconic BHV Marais department store in the heart of Paris, Le Perchoir is a terrace with a dazzling view. It has transformed into a ski chalet this winter. With warm decor featuring smooth leather and comfy cushions, this one-of-a-kind spot boasting a view of the Eiffel Tower is now even more popular with cocktail lovers. Things heat up later in the evening when the house DJs get into their stride. A chance to relax in a very unusual setting.
The Westin Paris-Vendôme
The patio of the Hotel Westin Paris-Vendôme across from the Jardin des Tuileries has been turned into a stylish winter garden evoking the bohemian feel of a nomad’s tent. A specially crafted wooden structure houses ethnic decor in shades of turquoise: dream catchers, floor cushions, woven rugs and soothing lamps. The menu features seasonal ingredients such as red kuri squash and mushrooms, with some mouth-watering pâtisserie delights by chef Florence Lesage. Just the place for brunch or dinner with friends.
The Terrass’ Hotel terrace
Step into the lift at the far end of the Terrass’ Hôtel lobby and go straight up to the rooftop of this must-visit Montmartre hotel to experience one of the most beautiful views of the city. In winter, cosy throws are provided for guests to cuddle up under, and the heating is adjusted to suit the number of people on the terrace. A large tent keeps the warmth in, protecting outdoor lovers from the cold. The seasonal tapas and cocktails (like ‘Shocking Chocolate’, made from chocolate liqueur) are well worth trying. Cheese lovers should know that the chef regularly organizes raclette parties: yummy!
The ‘Bulle’ at Novotel Paris les Halles
The ‘Bulle’, or ‘bubble’, is to be found within the premises of the Novotel Paris les Halles – inside the hotel’s private garden, to be precise. Guests and visitors can step into the heated dome-shaped structure, installed in the garden from autumn to spring, to enjoy cocktails created by the hotel’s own chef. This cosy ‘cocoon’ is the ideal place to meet up with friends on a cold winter evening and sample the signature pear dessert: Poires Belle-Hélène, a French classic.
The garden of the Hôtel du Collectionneur
The charming garden – one of the highlights of a stay at the 5-star Hôtel du Collectionneur – has been transformed into a picturesque winter garden for the cold dark months. Thanks to a tie-up with Beluga, a caviar bar has pride of place inside an unusual chalet hut in the middle of the garden, designed to resemble a cabinet of curiosities, all of which are all mouth-wateringly edible. What a delicious spot for a convivial get-together over lunch or tea. Allow yourself to relax into the warm, cosy surroundings and sample the fabulous dark chocolate Yule log featuring pine nut mousse and wild rose jelly.
The Café Richelieu
Nestled in the Richelieu wing of the Louvre, the prestigious Café Richelieu boasts a terrace giving onto the Cour Napoléon and the Pyramid. So you can feast your eyes on the famous glass creation while treating your palate to an array of comforting delights: cappuccino, old-fashioned hot chocolate, the mouth-watering signature ‘Richelieu’ hazelnut gâteau, a walnut caramel tart or crunchy hazelnut biscuits topped with milk chocolate Chantilly. In short, all you need to take the chill off a winter day.
The ‘Courchevel chalet’ at Fouquet’s
Now that’s what you call luxury. The famous brasserie Fouquet’s has marked the onset of winter by opening a ‘Courchevel chalet’ – an Alpine après-ski chalet that perfectly recreates the atmosphere of the mountains, down to the raclette. The menu features a selection of cheeses by the artisan cheesemaker Xavier Thuret, a winner of the prestigious ‘Meilleur Ouvrier de France’ contest, while epicureans will enjoy the risotto featuring ‘crozets’ (squares of buckwheat pasta, a speciality of Savoie) and truffles, to be savoured in a cosy wooden setting strewn with pine cones and lanterns.
