My Paris dream was like many others; a small balcony with a cocktail in hand and a view of a Haussmanian boulevard extending off into the sunset. The Eiffel Tower or Sacré Coeur would pop up on the horizon reminding me each day how lucky I was to live in such a city. 

My Paris reality is an uncomfortably close vis-à-vis of what my neighbors are eating for dinner. Thanks, but no thanks.

Luckily for me—and my neighbors—the latest import on the long list of New York-inspired trends is the Rooftop Cocktail Bar. In 2012, Le Perchoir opened in the cool and off-the-beaten-track neighborhood of Ménilmontant  These days, you can find hip rooftop bars sprinkled all throughout the capital. 

**The Original Rooftops**

A woman taking a picture of a Paris view (left). The view of the Eiffel tower and the trees nearby from a table at the Terrass Hotel rooftop bar in Montmartre (right).
Top: Creatures/ Above: Terrass Hôtel

Terrass” Hôtel Bar 

On the ridge of Montmartre, this 4-star hotel offers the most romantic and breathtaking panorama of Paris. Order a pair of Mai Tais and sip in the view. The drink prices hurt a little, I know (17€). But the view is well worth it. 

Terrass Hotel – 12-14 rue Joseph-de-Maistre, 75018 Paris.

The view of the Eiffel Tower from the top of the barge boat bar Mademoiselle Mouche.
Mademoiselle Mouche

Le Perchoir Marais

Ornate lanterns, a covered tent area, and house cocktails, Le Perchoir opened this sort of bobo refuge on the rooftop of the BHV back in 2015. Paris’ landscape has never been the same. It’s a Parisian favorite for their Moscow Mules and sweeping views of Hôtel De Ville and beyond.

Le Perchoir (Marais) – 14 rue Crespin du Gast, 75003 Paris.

A cocktail and chocolate mousse dessert served by white deckchairs on the Molitor Hotel terrace in Paris (left) and the barman making a cocktail by lighting the top (right).
Hôtel Molitor

Hôtel Molitor

The legendary 16ème pool, Piscine Molitor, or the birthplace of the bikini, reopened its doors in 2014 to a resounding success. Completely restored, the hotel and pool now have a rooftop cocktail bar with a phenomenal Eiffel Tower view. Live DJ sets accompanied by the languid, crystalline Piscine Molitor make this an ideal summer hangout.

Hôtel Molitor – 6 Avenue de la Porte Molitor, 75016 Paris.

The view of the outdoor retro lido pool from the rooftop terrace at the Molitor Hotel (left) and a cocktail at the hotel served in a tin cup with the hotel logo (right).
Hôtel Molitor

**The 2019 Rooftops**

Mademoiselle Mouche

The Gatsby-themed rooftop from the Bateaux Mouche team, has become this summer’s place for Parisians to take in a view of the Eiffel Tower with a cocktail. Located on the Seine, the waterfront views and schmoozing are unparalleled. Come sporting your best.

Mademoiselle Mouche – Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris.

The fabulous pink flowery trees on the leafy green deck of the Mademoiselle Mouche bar, which floats on the river Seine.
Mademoiselle Mouche

Creatures

Relax on the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette after a long day of shopping. This oasis, named Creatures, specializes in botanical cocktails infused with exotic spices and herbs. Order a Calypso, a fresh riff on a Dirty Martini, and look out at the iconic Opera Garnier.

Creatures – 25 rue de la Chaussée d’Antin, 75009 Paris.

New rooftop bar in Paris, Creatures, has a great view of the Eiffel Tower.
Creatures

Le Jardin Défendu

Neighboring the Arc de la Défense, Le Jardin Défendu is the perfect after-work rooftop. This pop-up bar and restaurant opened in June and has quickly become the place Parisians convene to loosen up with a couple of G&Ts in the middle of Paris’ business district. 

Le Jardin Défendu – Place du Dôme, 92800 La Défense.

Le Jardin Défendu

Related Links

Creatures

Written by Alexander Gittleman for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long-term or buy in France or Italy? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates.

WRITTEN BY

Alexander Gittleman

An editor and writer from the United States, Alex has published two literary journals on business and history, and also writes about lifestyle subjects. When he isn’t delving into the realms of literature both fiction and non-fiction, he can be found trying out Paris’ latest bars and restaurants, which he reviews for HiP Paris.

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