When the weather is nice in Paris, the only place Parisians want to be is en terrasse. The city has hundreds of terraces, however, some stand out above the rest. We previously shared Paris’ best rooftop bars, and here is a selection of our favorite (mostly) ground-level hangouts across the capital, from picturesque locations along the Seine to other truly unique settings.
Maison Maison
It’s hard to beat the Right Bank Seine placement of this bar-restaurant along the Parc Rives de Seine. Bask in the late afternoon sunshine—glass of natural wine or craft beer in hand—with the backdrop of the Pont Neuf, the tip of Île de la Cité and the Pont des Arts. If you time your departure right, you can walk along the Seine towards the twinkling Eiffel Tower.
Water level at 16 Quai du Louvre, 75001 Paris
With nothing blocking its perspective over the Tuileries Garden, the fashionable restaurant of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs has one of the sunniest terraces in all of Paris. So delightful, your afternoon apéro might morph into a chic dinner under the stars.
107 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
The most reasonably priced of the terraces along Les Berges on le Port des Invalides, this Seine outpost of Rosa Bonheur is bustling most evenings and weekends with a hip Parisian crowd. Grab a bottle of rosé, some tapenade, a seat on their communal picnic tables and you’ll be perfectly placed for the sun setting behind the glittering Pont Alexandre III bridge.
Port des Invalides, Quai d’Orsay, 75007 Paris
This former pop-up venue has become a permanent fixture of the east end of Paris and features what could be the largest terrace in the whole city—albeit a non-conventional one. Occupying old buildings of the SNCF train company, its outdoor seating includes a disused city bus, a train car, and vintage transit seats. If hunger calls, you can order great pizzas and a variety of street food at the stands inside.
All year round you can get a drink on the upper deck of this authentic Chinese ship moored at the foot of the Bibliothèque Nationale in the 13th arrondissement, however, in summer this spills out onto the quai. From May to September this vast space features cool beach vibe seating as well as concerts, DJ sets, and other lively outdoor events.
Port de la Gare, 75013 Paris
Le Lieu Secret
Formerly called L’Entrepot, this historic cultural venue—home to a cinema, concert space and café—was opened in 1975 in an old warehouse (entrepot in French). Last year it was renamed and refurbished, including its wonderful secret courtyard terrace, a peaceful oasis for lunch or a drink in southern Paris.
7 Rue Francis de Pressensé, 75014 Paris
Possibly one of the most unique terraces in Paris, this more “local” hangout section of the Moulin Rouge is reached via a hidden passageway next to the world-famous cabaret. Open during the week from 6pm, but all afternoon on weekends, you can take in the sunshine sipping good-value drinks in its rooftop garden or enter the world of Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! on the terrace behind the legendary red windmill.
90, bvd de Clichy, 75018 Paris
Set back from the street on Place des Abbesses, this tiny café makes up for its size with its large terrace. With sunshine most of the afternoon, it’s the perfect no-fuss terrace for un petit café or apéro in Montmartre.
16 Place des Abbesses, 75018 Paris
For a more alternative outdoor drink in the 18th district, venture over to this eclectic venue located above and next to the tracks of the defunct Petite Ceinture rail line. Enjoy a pint of Parisian brewery beer on its long line seating next to the old tracks before extending your stay over a workshop, a meal prepared by the refugee chefs, or live music in the concert hall.
128, avenue de Saint-Ouen, 75018 Paris
This large west-facing terrace is the perfect place to start, and perhaps finish, your night off in the Belleville area. The low-key hip crowd is firmly camped out on the terrace, yet some drift inside for some dancing on weekend nights.
44 Boulevard de la Villette, 75019 Paris
You can bypass the crowds at uber-popular Rosa Bonheur by making your way to this lesser-known and somewhat chicer café from the team behind Le Perchoir, found on the other side of the Buttes-Chaumont park. Nestled on a ledge within the trees, the faux grass-laden terrace has social wooden bench seating as well as intimate tables pour deux. Come early if you want to score one of these on Friday and Saturday nights, when a fun vibe picks up over the course of the evening.
Parc des Buttes Chaumont, Avenue Darcel, 75019 Paris
Save for rooftops, few terraces can boast such an impressive panorama over Paris than this bar in the heights of the Parc de Belleville. Perfectly emblematic of the chill, artsy vibe the neighborhood, you can rub shoulders with the locals all the while enjoying a sunset view of Eiffel Tower.
1 Rue des Envierges, 75020 Paris
Related Links
- Check out some more Paris hangouts for summer.
- Want to get a tan? Here are our top Paris spots for tanning.
- For more Parisian terraces, head over to Vogue.
Written by Lily Heise for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation, or long term, rental in Paris, Italy, France or elsewhere in Europe.
WRITTEN BY
Lily Heise
Lily Heise has been living in Paris for more than 10 years. When she’s not getting into romantic mischief, she writes on dating, travel, and culture. Her writing has been featured in Frommer’s Guides, the Huffington Post, Conde Nast Traveler, City Secrets, DK Eyewitness Guides, and other local and international publications. She is the author of Je T’Aime, Me Neither, and Je T’Aime… Maybe? lively novelized memoirs on her romantic misadventures, and continues to share dating tips, stories and travel features on her blog www.jetaimemeneither.com.
Would be great if some of these were non-smoking.
It would. It’s frustrating for non-smokers that the terraces are, mostly, all smoking.