9 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 ‘Bulle Parisienne’ at the Eiffel Tower
A warm and snug spot with a breathtaking view of Paris? The place to be is the Eiffel Tower’s winter terrace. A transparent dome with 80 seats has sprung up on the first floor of the Iron Lady and invites visitors to enjoy a meal, sweet tarts, Thierry Marx's pastries or indulge in some wine tasting. Just next to the dome is a temporary wine cellar, in partnership with the Winerie Parisienne. An invitation for wine lovers to discover the winemaking of the first wine estate in the Paris region.
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.
Royal Market at the Royal Monceau
Why not enjoy a bit of magic in the most Parisian of palaces? For the Christmas festivities, the Royal Monceau's terrace turns into a funfair with rides, ferris wheel, bumper cars ... Step into the magical world of the palace's ephemeral terrace, and enjoy snow-covered chalets, tasting of champagne and tapas, sweet foods, and the famous Agapé Christmas log.
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
Opposite the Tuileries Gardens, the patio of the Westin Paris-Vendôme hotel is decked out for the season with a Scandinavian winter garden. The scenic decor transports visitors to a chalet on the edge of a fjord to brave the winter in a warm and cosy cocoon. The seasonal menu is by Florence Lesage and features a new winter snack time. 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, the terrace welcomes visitors with plaid blankets and heating adapted to the number of guests. A veritable mountain chalet welcomes visitors with fake fur, cable cars, sledges, skis ... 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. And this year, it is an enchanted forest that occupies the hotel's outdoor space. The Art Deco spirit gives way to a colourful atmosphere full of tasty goodies including an exceptional Christmas log with black tea mousse, orange marmalade and madeleine biscuit.
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.
