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. Parisian terraces have evolved extensively in the past few years including an increasing number of rooftop bars and reimagined courtyard terraces. Here are our picks for the best terraces across the capital.
Paris Terraces
Best Frenchie Ambiance: La Brasserie des Prés
After the success of Brasserie Bellanger and Brasserie Dubillot, La Nouvelle Garde Groupe returned with another neo-brasserie. Tucked away down the quiet Cour de Commerce-Saint-André the hip eatery is flanked by a long terrace facing the picturesque cobbled lane. Here, you can enjoy their reasonably priced menu of French classics like oeuf mimosa, pâté en croûte and saucisse purée–all made with excellent quality ingredients sourced directly from producers.
The interiors are also delightful, and there is a secret bar hidden on the top floor. If you’re simply passing by, you can also get an artisanal ice-cream to go from its glacier.
Best Cool Vibes & Music: Superflu
The labor of love of music-loving friends, this hip bar and restaurant in the 18th district has a fabulous courtyard terrace. Start your evening in this verdant oasis, sharing a selection of creative small plates, great natural wines and craft cocktails. Before long, the living ambiance will draw you inside where you can groove to the beats of Paris’s most cutting-edge DJs, who spin from 10 to 2 pm Friday and Saturday evenings.
Best for a Romantic Meal: Bellefeuille
The regal Saint James Hotel in the 16th has unveiled an enchanting garden terrace for summer. This sublime verdant setting of Bellefeuille, or ‘beautiful leaf’ in French, is perfectly complemented by talented chef Julien Dumas’s succulent Michelin-starred creations, which beautifully highlight seasonal vegetables.
Best Views: Hotel Dames des Arts Rooftop
Located steps from Place Saint-Michel, this stylish boutique hotel has a rooftop terrace with sweeping views over the city. On one of its cozy sofa sitting areas, you can savor bespoke cocktails, eco-responsible cuisine and stupendous views over the city, including the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre.
Best Along the Seine: Sena
If you’re taking a stroll along the Right Bank’s Parc Rives de Seine, stop in at this peniche houseboat dedicated to la Bella Italia. Overlooking elegant Île-Saint-Louis, you can sample inventive spritzes, pastas, pizzas and typical Italian aperitivo snacks.
Best Laid-Back Atmosphere: Living Kitchen
You’ll feel like you’re in a friend’s backyard at this relaxed rooftop perched atop the Zuko Apartment Hotel in the 17th arrondissement. Attracting a mix of travelers, remote workers and sunseekers, the huge terrace has lounge seating, swings and plenty of greenery. Come for drinks and stay for a meal of contemporary cuisine using fresh ingredients grown right on the rooftop garden.
Chicest Setting: La Chambre Bleue
Nestled in the courtyard of the posh new Maison Delano Paris is this stylish restaurant. Chef Dani García’s menu showcases Franco-Andalusian dishes with a seafood focus. Dishes include marinated tuna croquettes with tuna belly sashimi and smoked eel paella with nori. These are paired with craft cocktails from the hotel’s swank bar.
Most Whimsical: Bar Sur Le Toit
Enter a magical Garden of Eden by journeying to the rooftop bar of the Fantaisie Hotel. Situated in the Faubourg Montmartre area, the whole venue evokes gardens, through floral decor, plants throughout and its rooftop. Here you can have excellent cocktails as well as healthy cuisine which, of course, are made of garden ingredients.
Tried and True Classics
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 might win 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 Hip 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 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 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 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 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.
More Paris Terraces
Le Louis Philippe, 66 Quai de l’Hôtel de ville, 75004 Paris
Nestled along the Seine, Le Louis Philippe is a charming restaurant that combines traditional cuisine with modern touches. Its terrace is an ideal spot for a relaxing drink while watching the sunset over the river. The menu features classic French cocktails and a selection of beers and wines that perfectly complement the serene setting.
Vins des Pyrénées, 25 rue Beautreillis Paris, 75004 Paris
Vins des Pyrénées is a historic wine bar that dates back to 1905. Located in the Marais, this bar has been revitalized with a modern flair while maintaining its old-world charm. The extensive wine list focuses on wines from the Pyrénées region, paired with a delightful menu of French tapas. The cozy terrace is a favorite among locals for an intimate evening out.
L’Atelier Saisonnier, 15 Rue de Charonne, 75011
L’Atelier Saisonnier is vibrant setting that celebrates seasonal produce and servies creative cocktails along with small plates. It has three locations – in the 9th, 13th and the bustling 11th arrondissement. There is a lively atmosphere with a rustic-chic interior and a quaint terrace at the 11th arrondissement location, perfect for people-watching. All you can eat weekend brunch, charcuterie and cheese plates, and raclette are just some of what’s on offer at this unpretentious establishment.
Le Relais Odéon, 132 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France
Le Relais Odéon is a quintessential Parisian café-bar on the beloved Boulevard Saint-Germain, dating back to 1938. Its relaxed vibe is perfect for people-watching on its spacious terrace. Get there early because it fills up quickly, especially during happy hour.
Le Saint André, 2 Rue Danton, Latin quarter, 75004
Le Saint André is wonderful bistro comgining French and Italian cuisine in the Latin Quarter. Known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent service, it features a terrace that is perfect for soaking the lively ambiance and people watching. The bar offers a variety of drinks and light meals, makes it a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
Les Philosophes, 28 rue Vieille du Temple, 75004
Les Philosophes is a beloved Marais bistro known for classic French cuisine made with organic and local ingredients. The inviting terrace is perfect for enjoying their delicious French cuisine, whether it’s a hearty brunch or a relaxing dinner. The café’s prime location and cozy ambiance make it a popular spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
Brasserie des Arts, 28 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006
Brasserie des Arts offers culinary excellence in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, serving food morning to night. This stylish restaurant is becoming a beloved neighborhood institution, honoring no nonsense traditional French food. Its art-nouveau inspired interior and innovative menu, which features both classic and contemporary dishes. The terrace provides a cozy and elegant outdoor space to enjoy the prix fixe lunch, à la carte dinner or a simple drink in a lively part of Paris.
L’Osteria Del Passe Partout, 20 Rue de l’Hirondelle, 75006
In an area with loads of tourist traps, L’Osteria Del Passe Partout offers an authentic Italian experience in the heart of Paris. The restaurant has a delightful, quiet terrace perfect for a relaxed meal. The menu highlights traditional Italian dishes with generous portions and a fine selection of wines. Perfect when you want a break from French food and an authentic taste of Italy in Paris.
Café de Flore, 172 boulevard St Germain, 75006
Café de Flore needs no introduction as one of Paris’s most iconic cafes. Soak up its literary and artistic heritage and enviable location on Boulevard Saint-Germain. The extensive terrace is worth a visit for both tourists and locals wanting to grab breakfast, a light bite, coffee or an apéro.
Addresses:
La Brasserie des Prés, Cours de Commerce-Saint-André, 75006
Superflu, 227 bis Rue Marcadet, 75018 Paris
Bellefeuille, 5, place du Chancelier-Adenauer, 75016
Hotel Dames des Arts Rooftop, 4 Rue Danton 75006
Sena, Port de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004
Living Kitchen, Zoku Paris, 48 Av. de la Porte de Clichy, 75017
La Chambre Bleue, Maison Delano Paris, 4 Rue d’Anjou, 75008
Bar Sur Le Toit, La Fantaisie Hôtel, 24 Rue Cadet 75009
Les Deux Magots, 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
Rosa Bonheur de la Porte Jaune, Avenue de Nogent, 75012 Paris
Le Nemours, 2 place Colette, 75001 Paris
Café A, 148 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris
Maison Maison, access via stairs below 16 Quai du Louvre, 75001 Paris
Café de l’Odéon, Place de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris
Jardin21, 12/A Rue Ella Fitzgerald, 75019 Paris
Le Louis Philippe, 66 Quai de l’Hôtel de ville, 75004 Paris
Vins des Pyrénées, 25 rue Beautreillis Paris, 75004 Paris
L’Atelier Saisonnier, 15 Rue de Charonne, 75011
Brasserie Des Prés, 6 Cour du Commerce St-André, 6th arrondissement, Paris
Le Relais Odéon, 132 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France
Brasserie des Arts, 28 Rue Saint-André des Arts 75006
L’Osteria Del Passe Partout, 20 Rue de l’Hirondelle. 75006
Café de Flore 172 boulevard St Germain, 75006
Le Saint André, 2 Rue Danton, Latin quarter, 75004
Les Philosophes, 28, rue Vieille du Temple 75004
Related Links
- Beat the heat or lap up some exercise on your stay in Paris at a hotel with a pool!
- Looking for a place to call your own moments from many of these terraces? Check out our latest fractional Marais apartment sale or this luxury St Germain des Pres apartment for sale.
- Looking for a break from Paris crowds? Check out these places to escape – whether during tourist season or anytime.
- Before taking a break on one of Paris’ Terraces, stop by Messy Nessy’s Cabinet – a new shop in the 5th arrondissement from the beloved blogger.
Written by Lily Heise. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? 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? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.
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