One does not always think about it, but many hotels have terraces and indoor gardens, ideal for getting some fresh air and greenery in the very heart of the capital, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. For a drink, lunch or dinner … these often up-scale establishments stand apart due to the enchanting settings that they offer and their inimitable service.
Close to the Parc Monceau, in the 8th arrondissement, L’Hotel du Collectionneur has one of the largest hotel gardens in Paris. Comfortably seated on its beautiful terrace surrounded by exotic vegetation, this is a peaceful spot to dine, the only noise being the relaxing tinkle of a fountain. Ideal for a Zen break!
Two 5-star establishments offer a delightful interlude in the middle of the city. The Mandarin Oriental palace, a short distance from Place Vendôme, has an interior garden, a place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Camélia restaurant*,* whose menu is signed by chef Thierry Marx, or just have a drink in the Bar 8. The Prince de Galles, situated just a few minutes from the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, invites guests into its leafy Patio, where you can admire the famous mosaic signed Gentil and Bourdet.
In the middle of the Marais, the very private Cours des Vosges with interiors by Yann Le Coadic and Alessandro Scotto has a terrace under the arcades of Place des Vosges, one of the most emblematic squares in Paris.
In Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it is worth noting two fine 3-star establishments with a garden and a conservatory which serve as a setting for a tea room for the Hotel des Marronniers and an adorable patio for the Clos Médicis.
Close to the Champs-Élysées, the Hôtel Lancaster puts tables and chairs on its green patio as soon as the weather is fine. You can have a drink at the bar here, or dine in an impressive setting. Surrounded by tortuous oaks, waterfalls, jasmine in flower, a Japanese-style flowerbed with pebbles and a fountain, you will feel as though you are in another world*.*
A few steps from the Champs-Élysées is one of the district’s loveliest secret gardens. The Hôtel Atala has a surprising patio garden decorated with unusual sculptures and works of art. A key feature is the comfortable designer yurts – an invitation to relax. There is a choice of brunch, lunch and apero.
In the bustling 10th arrondissement, the Grand Quartier is organized around a huge central garden a pleasant place for a drink, to unwind, relax or simply read. For a little more height, head towards the establishment’s rooftop terrace for a view over the rooftops of Paris and the lovely 10th arrondissement town hall.
In the 11th arrondissement, Les Jardins du Marais have one of the largest private paved gardens in Paris. With a surface area of 1,500 m², this atypical space comprises flowerbeds filled with Mediterranean plants, small courtyards and a lounge area surrounded by palm trees. In fine weather, there are outdoor bar and restaurant facilities.
In the heart of the ‘golden triangle’, the Maison Champs-Élysées is quite a special kind of hotel, designed by the Belgian designer Martin Margiela. Minimalist and avant-gardist decor with which the plants are perfectly associated, thanks to the interior garden, designed by René Quendo. Here nature reasserts itself: box shrubs, tree ferns, a 500-year-old olive tree, a 2-metre-high fence with climbing jasmin … A very special setting for a lunch or dinner at La Table du Huit (reopening soon).
Housed in a superb 19th-century hôtel particulier, a few steps from Avenue Foch, the classy Saint James is a 4-star establishment with a 5,000 m² park. Its superb 300 m² terrace decorated with hot air balloons is in itself worth a visit. Note however, the Saint James is only open to the public from Monday to Saturday from 7pm, and on Sunday for brunch from 12 noon to 4pm.
On the heights of the Butte Montmartre, L’Hôtel Particulier offers an idyllic and unique setting in Paris with a 900 m² garden of flowers and shrubs. The perfect place to sample delicious cocktails prepared at the hotel bar, the well-named Le Très Particulier.
Below the Sacré-Cœur, the Hôtel Amour has a well-kept secret. Who would guess that behind this ordinary-looking facade lies one of the most delightful little interior terraces in South Pigalle (‘SoPi’ for those in the know). Non-stop pleasure for lunch, a drink, or dinner …
Four of the Marriott Bonvoy group's Paris and Ile-de-France establishments welcome visitors in a bucolic setting to take full advantage of the fine weather: the hotels Renaissance Paris Nobel Tour Eiffel and Paris République, the Marriott Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport and lastly, the very Anglo-Norman Renaissance Paris Hippodrome de Saint-Cloud a few minutes from the French capital.
Finally, two hotels of the Accor Live Limitless group are worth mentioning for their terrace. The aptly named Le Jardin restaurant of the Mercure Paris Centre tour Eiffel and the Le B restaurant of the Ibis Styles Paris Bercy, opposite the park of the same name.
