5 Best Best Terraces in Paris
Updated April 2024
The 5 Best Terraces in Paris
When the sun shines on the city Parisians have one thing in mind: getting outside to the terraces in Paris and staying there as long as possible. The long summer days and the citywide initiatives, such as Paris Plage (unfortunately not taking place this year due to the Olympic Games) and the over 400 parks and gardens that make Paris green, allow for ample opportunities to pull up a chair and soak up some sun. If you’re looking to combine some apรฉro time with your sunbathing, Paris has got you covered as well. Restaurants and cafรฉs set up elaborate or impromptu terraces at the sign of the season’s first rays of the sun, attracting thirsty, Vitamin D-seeking city dwellers. However, not all terraces are created equally and to really take advantage of this summer Parisian pastime, it’s worth researching to find the best outdoor sunny day sipping. Here are a few favorites to get you started:
Le Perchoir
Rooftop real estate is sorely unexploited in Paris, despite the majestic views it offers of the city. Luckily, Le Perchoir offers a rare opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of the city, while enjoying a cocktail. Sunset sipping is highly recommended at this bar, which sits atop a 7 floor building in the Mรฉnilmontant neighborhood. Expect lines to get on the elevator that will take you to this buzzing rooftop address, which is worth the wait on a clear day just for the 360ยฐ view of Paris alone.
Le Perchoir, 14 rue Crespin du Gast 75011, Mรฉtro: Mรฉnilmontant (line 2) Open: Mon-Fri 6pm-2am, Sat 4pm-2am
Rosa Bonheur
Located in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont this guinguette (drinking hole) style cafรฉ is another crowd pleaser, thanks to its classic Parisian cafรฉ charm mixed with the outdoor dancehall style of yesteryear. On warm summer evenings crowds flock to Rosa Bonheur early to grab an outdoor table and a bottle of cheap rosรฉ. The scene quickly becomes a social mixer, with tables and chairs being shared and happy Parisians taking advantage of the bucolic scene, which almost feels like a slice of country living in the city. For the same Rosa Bonheur vibe waterside check out their sister bar Rosa Bonheur sur Seine.
Rosa Bonheur, Parc des Buttes Chaumont 2 avenue de la Cascade 75019, Mรฉtro Botzaris (Line 7bis) Open: Every day Noon-Midnight
Rosa Bonheur sur Seine, Port des Invalides, Quai d’Orsay 75007, Mรฉtro: Invalides (Line 8) Open: Every day Noon-Midnight
Chez Prune
While the scale of this terrace doesn’t set it apart, the front seat to Canal St Martin that it offers makes Chez Prune a much sought after spot. A few simple rows of classic bistro tables make up this corner cafรฉ’s terrace, which is perfect for people watching and enjoying the energy of the bustling canal in the summertime. The happy hour prices at this favorite neighborhood watering hole make it an affordable option for a night out. Sip on a glass of wine or half pint while you watch Paris go by and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your skin- everything you need for a perfect Paris evening.
Chez Prune, 36 rue Beaurepaire, 75010 Mรฉtro: Jacques Bonsergent (Line 5), Open: Every day 10am-2am
Paname Brewing Company
A newbie on the Paris outdoor drinking scene, Paname Brewing Company made a splash when it opened its brew pub on the Bassin de la Villette. In addition to a wide selection of home-brewed and guest craft beers on tap, Paname Brewing Company also has one of the city’s most treasured terraces: an expansive wooden extension of the bar that provides impeccable views of the canal and its nautical activity. Sip a refreshing biรจre blanche while watching the canal’s iconic electric boats putter by or get there just in time for sunset to enjoy the color show that is the Parisian sky at dusk.
Paname Brewing Company, 41 bis Quai de la Loire 75019, Mรฉtro: Riquet (Line 7) Open: Every day 11am-2am
L’Hotel Particulier Montmartre
While the village of Montmartre has long been absorbed by the city of Paris, this charming neighborhood has retained its countryside origins despite the passing of time. From the remaining grapevines that make up Les Vignes de Montmartre to the lush parks tucked away from the city streets, Montmartre is full of hidden away spots for some calm and a refreshing drink. L’Hotel Particulier Montmartre is home to one of the more delightful terraces of the quartier. From the cosy courtyard to the sun room that sets the scene for the hotel’s bar Le Trรจs Particulier, this high end hotel offers a breath of fresh air that makes you almost forget you’re still in the city. The frequent events hosted by the hotel and bar offer the perfect occasion to discover this urban oasis.
L’Hotel Particulier Montmartre, Pavillon D, 23 avenue Junot 75018, Mรฉtro: Lamarck/Caulaincourt (Line 12), Open: Every day until midnight
Of course, sitting on a Terrace isn’t the only way to make the most of Paris in warmer weather. A more budget friendly option is to head to the perfect Paris parks , secret gardens and find a moment to enjoy a picnic in Paris!
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