The best terraces in Paris

When the weather is good, Parisian terraces are some of the most popular places in the capital! So, what are the top spots? Where should you go for some tranquillity? To admire Paris’s great sights? To enjoy time with the family? Or on the water? Every Parisian terrace is unique and an invitation to enjoy a special moment and relax in the sun before continuing a leisurely walk in the capital. Follow the guide to find a lovely place in the sun.

Terraces to admire Parisian monuments

There is so much choice when it comes to picking the right terrace to have a breathtaking view of famous monuments of Paris or the famous Parisian rooftops and enjoy a relaxing break! Head to the Georges on the roof of the centre Pompidou for a panoramic view of the capital. After visiting the national museum of modern art, this terrace is the ideal spot to watch a beautiful sunset!

Another possibility is the rooftop terrace of the musée du quai Branly. The terrace of the restaurant Les Ombres offers a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower, just a dozen or so metres away, while savouring contemporary cuisine with world flavours. For another grandiose view of the Iron Lady and a romantic setting, sit back on the luxurious roof-top terrace of the Girafe restaurant, which specializes in seafood.

Perched atop the théâtre des Champs-Élysées, the restaurant Maison Blanche (reopening in 2021) overlooks Paris, offering a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, Invalides and the Seine.

The grand monuments have attractive terraces too! CoCo Paris below the Palais Garnier boasts one of the most spacious terraces in Paris with a surface area of 1,500 m². Take a seat in the sunshine and enjoy dishes made from fresh and seasonal products. To escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and journey to somewhere exotic, La Grande Mosquée de Paris has plenty of surprises including an unusual, very intimate terrace with pastel colours and cooking with oriental flavours.

The Loulou Restaurant at the musée des Arts décoratifs is housed within the Palais du Louvre. Enjoy seasonal cuisine inspired by French and Italian Riviera dishes as well as classic favourites while admiring the magnificent view from the terrace. At the heart of the Petit Palais, the  Jardin du Petit Palais is a delightful contemporary cafe that opens out onto an interior courtyard full of lush vegetation. It is open for lunch or a drink until 7pm.

Finally on the butte Montmartre, the Terrass’’ Hotel has a rooftop terrace with a spectacular view of Paris.

Famous mythical Parisian terraces

Some of Paris’s famous mythical terraces are revered worldwide. Sitting on a cafe or restaurant terrace in fine weather is a must when in the capital. In the 6th arrondissement of Paris, the mythical and elegant Closerie des Lilas welcomes customers for a good meal in its conservatory or on the famous terrace. The establishment was frequented by numerous artists such as Verlaine, Hemingway, Picasso, and Gide.

In the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, the cafe terrace of Les Deux Magots (cafe established in 1885) was also frequented by numerous artists including Elsa Triolet, Louis Aragon or Picasso. In the same neighbourhood, you can drop in at the Café de Flore, the haunt of Parisian writers Simone de Beauvoir, Guillaume Apollinaire, Jacques Prévert and Yves Montant. This cafe is still a veritable institution and one of the most famous cafes in the world.

Another mythical terrace is the terrace of Fouquet’s, ideally situated on the Champs-Élysées. It attracts visitors from all over the world and affords a wonderful view of the famous avenue. Finally, close to Les Halles and the Louvre, the brasserie Au pied de cochon, created in 1947, is open all hours 24/24, 7days/7 and has a timeless terrace.

Tucked away terraces in Paris

Paris is packed with hidden terraces in unusual and surprising places. Secret terraces, known only to local Parisians. Hunting out these beautiful spots is not always easy, but worth the effort to enjoy a meal or a snack in fine weather. This is the case, for example, for the discretely situated Café A, just a stone's throw from the Gare de l'Est train station, in the former convent of Les Récollets.

In the 19th arrondissement of Paris, the Centquatre, an art and cultural centre, houses  Le Café Caché, which translates as ‘hidden cafe’. This completely atypical place has a magnificent, paved courtyard covered with synthetic grass.

In the 11th arrondissement of Paris, the Laïla restaurant has a hidden terrace tucked away at the end of a garden, a perfect place to unwind. The cosmopolitan cuisine is made from fresh products from the vegetable garden installed on the restaurant’s roof!

In a ‘house & chill’ musical atmosphere, the hidden and temporary terrace of the Patio Vendôme is situated within the Maison Albar Hotels Le Vendôme. Enjoy refreshing cocktails, wines and champagne along with summer cuisine on this hidden and intimate terrace in Paris.

In the 2nd arrondissement, on a small square, the restaurant Edgar has an ample secret terrace full of charm, with soft armchairs and Scandinavian decor. Popular with Parisians, this terrace is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the capital and serves world cuisine full of flavours, as well as that of the Thai restaurant Bambou in the same neighbourhood.

On a stroll around the  Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, difficult to resist stopping off at the Palette’s pleasant and leafy terrace.

Finally, more to the West, in a former train station of the Petite Ceinture, whose original structure it has retained, the restaurant Andia is an institution in the 16th arrondissement.

Gourmet Parisian terraces

In good weather, nothing is more enjoyable than eating out or having a drink on a cafe or restaurant terrace in Paris.

In a luxury setting and friendly atmosphere, the Hotel Brach (16th arr.) serves colourful and delicately fragrant cooking with Asian touches on its gourmet terrace on the 1st floor. The hotel also offers a BBQ on its 5th floor terrace with a view of the Eiffel Tower, or a delicious picnic on its rooftop vegetable garden terrace.

The Institut Suédois is a delightful haven of tranquillity in the  Marais and has a pretty paved courtyard terrace cafe serving Swedish specialities from 12 noon to 6pm (except Monday). A welcoming and vibrant atmosphere with Scandinavian decor can also be found on the gourmet terrace of the restaurant Flora Danica on the Champs-Élysées. This Danish brasserie serves Danish and French gourmet cuisine on a terrace on the ‘most beautiful avenue in the world’. Also on the famous Champs-Elysées is the Alsace restaurant terrace.

Another place to discover, in the Marais, the brasserie Grand Cœur has a huge gourmet terrace, in a paved and heritage-listed courtyard. Enjoy gourmet and refined cuisine made from seasonal products in an intimate atmosphere. The restaurant COYA (7th arr.) takes you on a journey through Latin American culture in music and decor. Enjoy the sun and Peruvian cuisine mixed with Japanese, Chinese and Spanish flavours, on its beautiful garden terrace.

Situated in the Palais de Tokyo, close to the Seine and opposite the majestic  Eiffel Tower, Monsieur Bleu is a restaurant designed by architect Joseph Dirand. The place is purposed to have lunch, a snack, dance ... everything is possible! On sunny days, the huge, elegant, and contemporary Azulito terrace is ideal for a drink under the stars. From 7pm until 2am, it hosts the Nuits Bleues evenings, with aperitifs, DJs, concerts, and a tapas menu.

And now to the 10th arrondissement and a venue with a pleasant terrace open  all year round: the Bellanger, typically Parisian.

Romantic Parisian terraces

Spend a moment with your sweetheart on a romantic terrace in the capital. Paris, capital of love, gives you the opportunity to spend unforgettable moments on terraces with poetic, intimate and warm vibes.

A the top of the Butte de Montmartre, La Bonne Franquette restaurant serves traditional French cuisine to savour in a convivial and romantic atmosphere, in picturesque old Montmartre.

In the Chaillot district, with its palace, the jardins du Trocadéro, the parvis des Droits de l'homme … There are so many things to see! Need a break? We have a great selection of addresses for you! La Terrasse Kléber at the palace Peninsula where you can sip a cocktail or have something to eat throughout the day … under the superb glass roof. Nearby, the Renaissance Paris Nobel tour Eiffel has a lovely summery garden-like terrace away from the hubbub of the city.

A meal at Le Chalet des Iles (16th arr.) also offers a bucolic and romantic interlude. Friendly and informal in atmosphere, this restaurant has several terraces to enjoy in fine weather in a natural setting. The Shed's chic and romantic terrace is perched on the roof of the Hotel des Grands Boulevards in central Paris. Entirely surrounded by lavender and lemon trees, it is a great place from which to admire the sunset while sipping a cocktail.

More information on the best romantic terraces in Paris.

Green terraces in Paris

If you are looking for a relaxing leafy terrace to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a break, stop off at the terrace of the Hôtel Amour nestled in the heart of the Pigalle district.  With its exotic vegetation, this terrace enables you to enjoy a quiet lunch, dinner, brunch or simply a cocktail.

After strolling around the secret streets of the Montmartre district, drop in at the restaurant Le Très Particulier  for a bucolic break in a quiet street overlooking the capital. The establishment serves a gourmet brunch, delicious cocktails, and has an irresistible menu. The leafy intimate and romantic garden of the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is a must!

Looking for a terrace with greenery after a visit to the musée du Luxembourg or a stroll around Saint-Germain-des-Prés? Relax on La Terrasse de Madame. A guaranteed change of scenery to enjoy a good meal on a magnificent green and tranquil terrace.

In a bucolic atmosphere, the 500 m² Perruche terrace, on the 9th floor of the Printemps de l’Homme, offers you the opportunity to enjoy a good meal or an aperitif on the Paris rooftops while enjoying a touch of nature and a breathtaking view.

The leafy garden of the bistronomic restaurant Le Faubourg (8th arr.) also gives you the chance to enjoy a meal composed of seasonal products on the terrace. The conservatory and the garden in the heart of the hotel are a gateway to peace and greenery in the centre of Paris. A tranquil and intimate atmosphere and exotic plants, Japanese bamboos, and flowering shrubs amidst which to enjoy gourmet and refined cuisine in Paris.

Unusual Parisian terraces

In the parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the Pavillon Puebla  has a restaurant and two terraces furnished with Moroccan armchairs. Enjoy pizza, a cocktail, or a beer on these atypical terraces in the shade of chestnut trees. By the same group, the terrace of the Perchoir de l'Est, under the Eiffel rose window of the Gare de l'Est train station is a good place to enjoy a snack and a cocktail in an industrial and romantic setting. A pleasant interlude amid flowered arches while waiting for your next journey!

The small terrace of the Bontemps tearoom (3rd arr.) offers an unusual and timeless terrace to enjoy excellent pastries while in the sun. This unusual terrace, decorated with bouquets of flowers, is in an interior courtyard that seems wonderfully private.

The restaurant Froufrou at the théâtre Edouard VII in the 9th arrondissement of Paris proposes a singular terrace. You can eat or have a drink while rubbing shoulders with the artists. The friendly and popular atmosphere of old Paris, and good traditional French cuisine served on the terrace.

On the Champs-Élysées, drop in for breakfast, lunch, a snack, or dinner at the terrace of Le Drugstore restaurant. This eatery offers a menu created by chef Eric Frechon featuring sandwiches, pastries, or more refined dishes according to your tastes to enjoy the pleasure of sitting on the terrace of the most beautiful avenue in the world.

In the 18th arrondissement of Paris, La REcyclerie, an eco-responsible ‘third place’, has an unusual terrace open from 12 noon to 10.45 pm. Tuck into healthy, sustainable and homemade cooking at brunch, lunch or dinner time in this unusual place and then check out one of the many gardening workshops at its urban farm.

Terraces for some great family time in Paris

Some Parisian terraces provide activities and entertainment for kids and grown-ups so you can make the most of the good weather with the family. Among these fun and family terraces, Ground Control in the 12th arrondissement of Paris offers many activities for children: introduction to music, workshops for young chemists, artists or philosophers. Adults will also appreciate art exhibitions, eco-responsible workshops, and culinary tastings.

The Brasserie Longchamp, at the racecourse in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, offers a green change of scene.  This convivial terrace is ideal for enjoying a moment in the open air and has a dedicated and fun children's area. The Rotonde Stalingrad terrace is perfect for families. You can enjoy a good pizza on a terrace enlivened by lots of activities including a playground with bouncy castle that enables kids to have fun and adults to relax in the sun.

Parisian terraces for partying

To party outside on a terrace, head to the Rosa Bonheur guinguettes! These two guinguettes situated respectively in parc des Buttes Chaumont and on the  berges sur Seine, are a must for party-loving Parisians. You can sit out on these festive terraces to enjoy tapas and Camargue wine or dance during the many dance events organized there.

Along the Petite Ceinture, the Gare Jazz is a welcoming and authentic place. People come here to enjoy the terrace with its party vibe, the catchy jazz music and have a drink. Ground Control (12th Arr.) is one of the liveliest terraces in the capital right now. More than just a terrace for partying, it has a cultural offering including artists' exhibitions, eco-responsible workshops, and culinary tastings

Two other top addresses to note in less central but equally Parisian districts: the Bellevilloise in the lively 20th arrondissement and Les Docks – Cité de la Mode et du Design in the 12th arrondissement by the Seine.

Laid back terraces in Paris

Looking for a relaxing informal restaurant terrace to take a break after a long walk in Paris? No problem, Paris has simple and discreet terraces that serve good food. In the Folie-Méricourt district, you will find the tapas bar Les Deux Amis.  Popular with Parisian filmmakers and artists, this bar offers a delicious wine list and tapas that will amaze your taste buds and that you can savour on the terrace.

If you’re out walking in the Haut-Marais, stop off for a foodie break at the Enfants du Marché and enjoy Franco-Japanese cooking on the terrace right in the middle of the  Marché des Enfants Rouges.  Much less well-known than others, the Petit Bouillon Pharamond is nevertheless one of the capital’s historical restaurants. Here, you can (re)discover traditional dishes at unbeatable prices on a sunny terrace!

The fountains of Niki de Saint Phalle are an integral part of the capital’s cultural heritage, and the Fontaines terrace offers a privileged view of this artwork in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. This popular terrace has a young Parisian arty clientele.

Waterside terraces in Paris

Summer rhymes with good weather and the desire to dip your feet in the water. So, what could be better than relaxing on a terrace by the water to cool off! The terrace of the Péniche l’Antipode, on the canal de l’Ourcq, offers a discrete and ideal setting for a break after a walk along the canal. This barge serves delicious salads at affordable prices, made from 100% fair trade products and is a great place to sit and watch the sunset on summer evenings.

The restaurant Les Maquereaux has extended its space for summer with a 250 m² terrace below its barge on the Seine, close to the Hôtel de Ville.  Enjoy the holiday atmosphere of this terrace while tucking into seafood, fish or a burger accompanied by good wine, or a cocktail. Also, along the Seine quaysides, Polpo Brasserie is an atypical place on a moored barge. This brasserie terrace is ideal for drinking a gin and tonic, sharing a platter of charcuterie, or eating a fish dish in a friendly atmosphere on the water.

In the 19th arrondissement of Paris, the Paname Brewing Company finally has a lovely waterside terrace where you can eat pizzas and street food or drink a few beers brewed on the premises.

Pop-up terraces in Paris

Some waterside terraces are only in situ during the summer period.  This is the case for the Scilicet’s 175 m² terrace with its friendly and fun beach garden vibe on the Seine riverbanks in the 1st arrondissement. Similarly, many unusual terraces only exist during the summer, like the unusual terrace of the restaurant Créatures on the roof of Galeries Lafayette.

Many terraces for partying pop up in Paris during the summer; the terrace of Faust (closed until further notice) under the pont Alexandre III serves platters and bistro dishes in a musical ambience. Another party atmosphere can be found at Hasard Ludique, on the Petite Ceinture, where party evenings with DJ sets are programmed all summer.

For going out with the family, think about pop-up terraces! Ideal for family time outdoors, these terraces have lots of activities for children. See, for example, the Poisson Lune situated on the forecourt of the palais de la Porte Dorée, or the one at the Cité Fertile. For an informal meal, the 800 m² pop-up terrace of the Petite Mutinerie in the west of Paris has street food and music by Bon Entendeur.

More information on terraces for summer only in Paris  and the best rooftops in the capital.