Outdoors

The best terraces in Paris

After time spent seeing the sights, nothing beats relaxing on a terrace.

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.

SPOT24 Café and terrace

Open until 31 December 2024, SPOT24 is a new exhibition space, tourist information point, souvenir shop, ticketing service and cafe opened by Paris je t'aime at 101 quai Jacques Chirac, Paris 15th, near to the Eiffel Tower. The immersive exhibition ‘SPOT24 – the Olympic Exhibition, sport and urban cultures’ puts the spotlight on the six new Olympic disciplines at the Paris 2024 Games, namely BMX Freestyle, skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing and 3x3 basketball (all introduced in 2020 in Tokyo), joined by breaking, a new discipline at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. The exhibition will showcase the many objects, locations and reconstructed settings associated with these sports, as well as their place in urban culture and life.

SPOT24 is also a Café open to all, where visitors can take a break and enjoy Parisian recipes made locally using short distribution channels. With its warm atmosphere and a menu by chef Jose Ribeiro, the SPOT24 Café offers a blend of traditional and modern dishes.
In summer, its terrace and food truck, opposite the upper quaysides of the Seine welcome you!

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Terraces to admire Parisian monuments

© Jean-Pierre Salle

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 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! 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.

Loulou Restaurant is the restaurant of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in the heart of the Palais du Louvre. Enjoy seasonal cuisine inspired by French and Italian Riviera dishes, as well as must-try classics, while admiring the magnificent view from the terrace. 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. You can enjoy lunch or a drink on its unusual terrace until 6pm (Tuesday to Sunday) or 8pm (Friday and Saturday).

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

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. And get some height at Tout-Paris, the terrace of the hotel Le Cheval Blanc at the Samaritaine.

Famous mythical Parisian terraces

© Marc Berenguer

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

© Elior Frédéric Lipzyc

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, or the Terrasse des Roses at the Westin Paris-Vendôme, a peaceful setting with delicious pastries.

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 Restaurant 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 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.

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.

Gourmet Parisian terraces

© Guillaume Aubier

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.

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. 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...).

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.

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.

Terraces to take you travelling

© Magnapresse

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!

Romantic Parisian terraces

© Antonio Saba

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

© Perruche Printemps

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. The same is true of the Restaurant du Palais-Royal (1st), set in the idyllic gardens of the Palais-Royal. Right in the heart of historic, artistic, and creative Paris, this is the place to come to enjoy French cuisine that focuses on flavours, textures, and fragrances.

Unusual Parisian terraces

© La Recyclerie

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.

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. It also offers entertainment throughout the summer, including DJ sets, food pairings and refined tasting experiences.

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.

In the 12th arrondissement, the cinema is coming to the terrace, and more particularly to the rooftop of the Hôtel Paradiso. In fine weather, this hotel dedicated to the 7th art offers open-air screenings and festive evenings at its rooftop bar.

Terraces for some great family time in Paris

© Paris Icons

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. If you're looking for simple, traditional cuisine, come to Café Léonard, located in the heart of the 3rd arrondissement, and enjoy its large, pleasant terrace.

Discover 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.

Parisian terraces for partying

© Bertille Maffre

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.

Just opposite the Île Saint-Louis, the Péniche Le Marcounet offers entertainment all year round with DJ Sets, Jazz, Groove, Funk and Pop concerts! While you're enjoying yourself, you can sip cocktails and sample gourmet French cuisine.

Laid back terraces in Paris

© Studio TTG

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 Aux 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

© OTCP DR

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.

Opposite on the canal, Le Pavillon des Canaux is also a great place to stop for a drink or lunch by the water, in the original setting of a restored house with a magnificent glass roof. In Paris's 19th arrondissement, the Paname Brewing Company has a superb waterside terrace where you can eat pizzas and street food or drink a few beers brewed directly on the premises.

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.

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. A change of scenery guaranteed!

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.

Pop-up terraces in Paris

© Fleas Pictures

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.

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.

Every summer, new addresses come on the scene in Paris, and others are always eagerly awaited after their summer closure.

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

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