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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.
Mythical monuments, famous zinc roofs, the Seine... Why not treat yourself to the most beautiful views of Paris while taking a break on a terrace?
Head to the Grand Café or the Réséda Café by Thierry Marx at the Grand Palais. Here, Parisians and tourists alike gather under the arcades, surrounded by magnificent statues, to enjoy an elegant break.
Another option is to head to the terrace of Café Jacques or the roof terrace of the Les Ombres restaurant at the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, which stands just a few dozen metres away, while sampling contemporary cuisine inspired by 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.
The grand monuments have attractive terraces too! BeauCoCo Paris below the Palais Garnier boasts one of the most spacious terraces in Paris. 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.
Loulou Restaurant is the restaurant of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in the heart of the Palais du Louvre. In the heart of the Petit Palais museum, Le Jardin du Petit Palais is home to Café 1902, a warm, contemporary restaurant opening onto a superb interior garden with exotic vegetation.
Plus, don’t miss the terraces of the various restaurants at the Palais de Tokyo, Monsieur Bleu and Bambini, for a breathtaking view of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.
There are some excellent places to enjoy a bird's-eye view of Paris. Whether you want to have a drink, lunch or party, there is a rooftop for every occasion.
To offer their guests – and visitors – a timeless setting with breathtaking views, more and more hotels are investing in their rooftops. This is the case at the Terrass” Hotel and the Rochechouard hotel in Montmartre, the Cheval Blanc hotel in the Samaritaine, the SO/Paris and its bar-restaurant Bonnie, the charming hotel La Fantaisie with its green terrace, the hotel Dame des Arts with its magnificent view of the Left Bank, and Sequoia at the Kimpton St Honoré hotel. Although most are open all day, the best time to visit is at sunset.
When it comes to bars and restaurants, don't miss Terraza Mikuna, the rooftop bar at BHV Marais, and the 500 m² terrace at Perruche, located on the 9th floor of Printemps de l'Homme. The rooftop of La Bellevilloise, the Bar à Bulles at La Machine du Moulin Rouge and the Perchoir Ménilmontant are perfect for unforgettable evenings.
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, which has seen many artists such as Verlaine, Hemingway, Picasso and Gide pass through its doors, welcomes customers for a good meal in its conservatory or on the famous terrace.
In Saint-Germain-des-Prés, two iconic cafés face each other: Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore. Their large terraces have welcomed everyone from Louis Aragon to Picasso, Simone de Beauvoir, Guillaume Apollinaire, Jacques Prévert and Yves Montand... They are true institutions! A little further away, in Les Halles, the brasserie Au Pied de Cochon has been open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since it opened in 1947!
In a different style, but attracting travellers from all over the world, the terrace of Fouquet's is ideally located on the Champs-Élysées. It's the perfect spot to watch people stroll by on the most beautiful avenue in the world! Housed in a stunning 18th-century Art Deco building in the galleries of the Palais Royal, the Grand Véfour has been one of the most renowned gastronomic restaurants in Paris for 200 years. Victor Hugo, Georges Sand and even Napoleon Bonaparte were regulars here.
A few terraces tucked away in less-visited museums are particularly worth a visit, both for their menus and their confidential setting.
Such is the case of the restaurant Le Camondo in the Musée Nissim de Camondo, the Jardins d’Olympe at the Musée Carnavalet, the ice cream kiosk at the Musée Guimet, cafes at the Musée de Montmartre - Jardins Renoir, Jacquemart-André, Rodin and the Vie romantique.
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. Examples include the hidden terrace of Café A, just a stone's throw from Gare de l'Est station, in the former Récollets convent.
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. A little further on, in the 20th arrondissement, subtly hidden away in the charming Villa Riberolle, the Restaurant Caché has a mini terrace with incomparable charm where you can enjoy the chef's excellent cuisine.
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. 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. Just a stone's throw from the Galerie Vivienne, the Drouant restaurant, a century-old institution, boasts a peaceful terrace surrounded by greenery. You could almost forget you're in Paris!
On a stroll around the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, difficult to resist stopping off at La Palette’s pleasant and leafy terrace.
Finally, more to the West, in a former train station of La Petite Ceinture, whose original structure it has retained, the restaurant Andia is an institution in the 16th arrondissement.
In good weather, nothing is more enjoyable than eating out or having a drink on a cafe or restaurant terrace in Paris.
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. In the same district, rue des Archives is packed with terraces where you can stroll under the chestnut trees (Les Marronniers, Caffe Vitto, Le Pain Quotidien...).
In the Golden Triangle, head to Le Laurent or Pavyllon Paris near the Champs-Élysées gardens to enjoy haute cuisine in a sheltered setting just a stone's throw from the most beautiful avenue in the world. Meanwhile, the new restaurant Baronne, in the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild, offers a 4,000 m² garden. The restaurant Dos Almas invites you to immerse yourself in Spanish cuisine on its small, very Parisian terrace. For a friendly and lively atmosphere with a Scandinavian twist, enjoy the gourmet terrace of the Danish brasserie Flora Danica on the Champs-Élysées. Also on the famous Champs-Elysées is the Alsace restaurant terrace. And to finish on a sweet note, don't miss Ladurée's flower-filled terrace!
Now head to the 10th arrondissement to the typically Parisian Brasserie Bellanger, with a pleasant terrace to enjoy all year round. The Petites Écuries courtyard is full of great addresses with lively and attractive terraces, whether for a drink with friends at O P’tit Paris or for a pizza with a loved one at Lucky Luciano.
The Left Bank is not lacking in good places to visit, notably the restaurant and cocktail bar Vesper, the Kinugawa Rive Gauche at the top of the Hôtel Sax, and the very elegant and fashionable Ralph's.
In Montmartre, the Café de Luce promises some wonderful culinary discoveries, as does the brasserie Chez Eugène, whose terrace on the Place du Tertre is a pleasant surprise in this neighbourhood. Not far away, the terrace of Café Aristide is also a great place to relax.
Located on Place Gaillon, the Drouant restaurant offers a leafy terrace sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the neighbourhood, in the heart of the Opéra district. This historic venue hosts the deliberations for the Goncourt and Renaudot literary prizes in a cosy, Parisian atmosphere.
The chef offers seasonal cuisine, ideal for a quiet lunch. You can settle in for the afternoon to enjoy an ice cream or at the end of the day to sip a unique cocktail!
Need to get away? Some restaurants from around the world offer you the chance to enjoy their delightful terraces as well as their international dishes. So, while enjoying the relaxed pace of life in Paris, you can sit down for a lunch or dinner that will take you on a journey. On the programme: direction the Lebanon at Liza Paris (2nd), Greece at the Grand Café d’Athènes (10th), Nordic countries in the Kaviari Delikatessen (several addresses in Paris), California at Cali Sisters (2nd), the Mediterranean at Auteuil Brasserie (16th), China at Petit Bao (2nd) or Japan at the Prince de Galles Summer Patio (8e). And you won’t need a passport!
In addition to rooftops, the most beautiful hotels in Paris are creating oases of calm in their courtyards and gardens. The terraces of the Hôtel Belleval, the Bristol, the Saint James, the Ritz and the Edgar et Achille hotel are still considered must-visit destinations.
The same goes for the Patio de la Pagode de Cos and the Gaspard bar at La Réserve for its magnificent decor, the hidden terrace of the Maison Albar - Le Vendôme for its ‘house & chill’ atmosphere, the terrace with a view of the Eiffel Tower and the urban vegetable garden at the Hôtel Brach or the secret courtyard adorned with legendary red geraniums at the Plaza Athénée and the rural setting of the Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle. Also, the Comestibles de Paul Pairet counter at the Crillon is worth a visit for its unforgettable cuisine, while its charming atmosphere will make you want to come (and come back) to the Amour hotel.
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.
In the heart of the capital, the terrace of Le Shed – completely surrounded by lavender and lemon trees – is perched on the roof of the Hôtel des Grands Boulevards.
A meal at Le Chalet des Iles (16th arr.) also offers a bucolic and romantic interlude.
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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.
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.
The bistronomic restaurant Le Faubourg (8th arrondissement) offers a menu featuring seasonal produce in a lush garden surrounded by exotic plants, Japanese bamboo and flowering shrubs.
The Bontemps tea room (3rd arrondissement) offers an unusual terrace decorated with bouquets of flowers where you can enjoy excellent pastries while soaking up the sun. On the most beautiful avenue in the world, the terrace of the Drugstore combines a menu created by chef Éric Frechon with entertainment throughout the summer, such as DJ sets, food pairing and tasting experiences.
In the 18th arrondissement, the eco-friendly third place La REcyclerie has an unusual terrace, as does Hasard Ludique and Jardin 21 in the 19th arrondissement. Here, you can enjoy delicious, well-thought-out dishes, have a drink with friends or family, or take part in a range of workshops and activities.
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.
The Brasserie Longchamp, located in the heart of the racecourse in Paris's 16th arrondissement, also offers the perfect rural escape for families. The Rotonde Stalingrad is a great place to spend time with the family on its XXL terrace overlooking the canal.
Discover also the restaurants in the Mon Coco group, perfect for family moments on their magnificent terraces: P'tit Coco at Place d'Italie, P'tit Coco Levallois with its shady and peaceful terrace, and Mon Coco at Place de la République with its breathtaking view, each offering a warm and friendly atmosphere for all. The Café de la Mairie, with its sunny terrace facing the church of Saint-Sulpice, is a haven of peace in the heart of Paris, where you can enjoy fresh dishes and refined drinks in an authentic, relaxed atmosphere.
To party outside on a terrace, head to the Rosa Bonheur guinguettes! These must-see terraces are located respectively in the Buttes Chaumont Park and on the banks of the Seine, in Asnières and Vincennes.
Along the Petite Ceinture is the Gare Jazz - Le Gore, a warm and authentic venue that hosts numerous concerts and events. Two other places with unmissable terraces are worth mentioning in more outlying but equally Parisian neighbourhoods: the Bellevilloise in the bustling 20th arrondissement and the various bars and clubs of Les Docks - Cité de la Mode et du Design in the 13th arrondissement, on the banks of the Seine.
Just opposite Île Saint-Louis, the Péniche Le Marcounet hosts events throughout the year with DJ sets and jazz, groove, funk and pop concerts! In the same vein, the Bateau Phare, a must-see venue on the Paris night scene, made its comeback in 2025 - after six years of closure - with a new line-up but still with the same party spirit!
Looking for a relaxing informal restaurant terrace to take a break after a long walk in Paris? In the Folie-Méricourt district, you will find the tapas bar Aux Deux Amis, popular with Parisian filmmakers and artists.. Not far away, don't miss the cheerful terraces at the intersection of Rue Jacquart and Rue Ternaux. There, you can sit down at the gluten-free bakery Chambelland, the excellent Indian canteen Paris-Féni or the Brazilian restaurant Ave Maria.
During your stroll through the Haut Marais, stop for a bite to eat at an unusual place, Les Enfants du Marché, right in the middle of the Marché des Enfants Rouges. You can also sit down and sample the small dishes offered by the various canteens in this market, the oldest in Paris.
In the centre is the little-known Petit Bouillon Pharamond (1st arrondissement), a historic restaurant in the capital with a large sunny terrace where you can enjoy delicious traditional dishes at unbeatable prices. In the same vein, the Brasserie Dubillot, with its terrace on the pedestrianised Rue Saint-Denis, is a delightful place to enjoy a delicious club sandwich or a Paris-Brest, as is the Bouillon Pigalle, in the neighbourhood of the same name.
The fountains by Niki de Saint Phalle are an integral part of the capital's cultural heritage, and the terrace of Les Fontaines, popular with young artists, is the ideal place to enjoy an exceptional view of these statues in Paris's 4th arrondissement. And if you're passing through the 20th arrondissement, don't miss the Darsy bistro!
Summertime means 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? On the Ourcq Canal, there are several options: the terrace on the Péniche Antipode, the terrace of the amazing Pavillon des Canaux house opposite, the restaurant Maison Becquey a little further on, or the Paname Brewing Company, which brews its own beer on site.
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.
Right in the heart of Paris, Le Grand Bleu brings an air of holiday to the city. Located in the Port de l'Arsenal, just below the Place de la Bastille, this restaurant serves simple cuisine with a view of the boats moored there. It feels like you're in the harbour of a seaside town!
Between Paris, Bobigny and Pantin, the travelling cultural barge Le Barboteur offers a programme of summer events and an open-air terrace where you can enjoy a glass of wine on a sunny day. And if you want more terraces right by the water, stroll along the banks of the Seine, both on the right bank and the left bank! Along the way, you'll come across numerous bars, restaurants, open-air cafés and simple stalls with deckchairs. Our favourites? The Quai de la Photo, the Petit Bain, Noti Plage, l'Instant sur Seine, and OFF Paris Seine.
After a drink on a terrace by the water, why not continue your stroll with a cruise on the Seine? It's a unique way to (re)discover Paris from a different angle, between legendary bridges and iconic monuments.
During the day or at sunset, cruises, lunch cruises and dinner cruises offer the perfect opportunity to relax, whether you are with your partner, family or friends.
