After months of shuttered closure, Parisians are thrilled about the recent opening of terraces, cafés, and museums. Café terraces are an essential to life in Paris, whether it’s for a solo coffee in the morning or apéro among friends in the evening. With new rules allowing eateries to set up tables in the spaces in front of their establishments, terrace mania has spread across the city. In order to help you choose the best one for you, we’ve brought together a selection of the best Paris terraces for summer.
Best New Terrace – Rosa Bonheur de la Porte Jaune
Eastern Paris is about to get hipper with the arrival of the latest Rosa Bonheur. The modern guinguette spirit of its other three locations will be replicated at this new location, found on an island in the Bois de Vincennes and boasting a vast outdoor terrace.
Best Historic Terrace – Les Deux Magots
The debate over which of the two legendary cafés of Saint-Germain is best could go on forever. Nevertheless, when it comes to the terrace, Les Deux Magot wins over Café de Flore. If you’re going to spend six euros on a coffee, at least it comes with a much larger terrace and a view of the Saint-Germain-des-Pres church.
Best Quintessentially Parisian Terrace – Le Nemours
Overlooking the alluring Place Colette, this effortlessly chic café, with a long terrace with chairs facing outwards, is the archetypal Parisian café experience and is perfect for sitting back and watching Paris pass you by.
Best Terrace on the Seine – Maison Maison
Paris has really been upping its game with its river-side terraces, and while the ones in the 13th and on Les Berges are great, it’s hard to beat the views and central location of this laidback venue with views of the Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts, and Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Best Hidden Terrace – Café A
This cool terrace is located within the courtyard of a 17th-century convent near the Canal Saint-Martin. Although it’s a tranquil oasis within the city, the ambiance is fun and festive, especially on weekends.
Best Under-the-Radar Terrace – Café de l’Odéon
Although it’s only a few paces from the Luxembourg Gardens, the large terrace of the Odéon Theatre remains for those in the know. Not only does it get a lot of sunshine, but you also have the pretty backdrop of the historic theater and very little traffic noise.
Greenest Terrace – Jardin21
Nestled within a vast vegetable garden in the Parc de la Villette is this eco-forward café. It serves local artisanal beverages and food made from ingredients from its very own garden, the ideal break after a stroll along the Canal de l’Ourcq.
Addresses:
Rosa Bonheur de la Porte Jaune – Avenue de Nogent, 75012 Paris
Les Deux Magots – 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
Le Nemours – 2 place Colette, 75001 Paris
Maison Maison – access via stairs below 16 Quai du Louvre, 75001 Paris
Café A – 148 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris
Café de l’Odéon – Place de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris
Jardin21 – 12/A Rue Ella Fitzgerald, 75019 Paris
Related Links
- If you can’t get a seat on the terraces mentioned above, here’s more for the summer!
- How about chilling in a confidential setting this summer 2021?
- Check out The Best Terraces in Paris for an Apéro!
Written by Lily Heise 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 or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person (when possible)? Check out new marketplace shop and experiences.
