This hidden terrace, just a stone’s throw from the Galerie Vivienne, makes you forget you’re in Paris
On sunny days, Paris’s outdoor cafes are among the capital’s most popular spots. Each spot offers a unique atmosphere, from iconic landmarks to hidden gardens and the bustling banks of the Seine. This guide lists the best options for enjoying the sunshine, depending on the vibe you’re looking for.
Terraces with views of major landmarks
To admire the Eiffel Tower from your table, the rooftop terrace of Les Ombres restaurant at the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac offers a direct panoramic view of the Iron Lady. Similarly, the restaurant Girafe, which specializes in fish and seafood, also offers a spectacular view of this landmark from its rooftop.
At the Grand Palais, the Grand Café and the Réséda Café by Thierry Marx welcome Parisians and tourists alike under the arcades lined with statues. Meanwhile, BeauCoCo Paris, at the foot of the Palais Garnier, offers one of the most spacious terraces in the capital.
Le Loulou Restaurant, located within the Museum of Decorative Arts in the Louvre Palace, serves seasonal Mediterranean cuisine with a magnificent view. At the Palais de Tokyo, the restaurants Monsieur Bleu and Bambini also offer breathtaking views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.
Museum terraces: an intimate setting
Tucked away inside museums, some of these spots are worth a visit as much for their menus as for their intimate atmosphere. This is true of Le Camondo restaurant in the Nissim de Camondo Museum, the Jardins d’Olympe at the Carnavalet Museum, and the ice cream kiosk at the Guimet Museum.
The cafés at the Jacquemart-André, Rodin, and Musée de la Vie Romantique museums, as well as the Musée de Montmartre—Jardins Renoir, are also worth a visit. These hidden-gem terraces are among the best Parisian getaways for anyone seeking tranquility in the heart of the city.
“After the exertion of a sightseeing trip, the most popular way to unwind is still to relax on a restaurant terrace.”
Legendary Rooftops and Terraces: The Best of Paris’s Highest Spots
To gain a bird’s-eye view, more and more hotels are making the most of their rooftops. The Terrass” Hotel and the Rochechouard Hotel in Montmartre, the Cheval Blanc Hotel at La Samaritaine, the SO/Paris with its Bonnie bar-restaurant, and Sequoia at the Kimpton St. Honoré Hotel are among the must-visit spots. Most are open all day, but sunset is still the best time to visit.
When it comes to bars and restaurants, the 500 m² terrace at Perruche, located on the 9th floor of Printemps de l’Homme, stands out as a must-visit spot. The BHV Marais Rooftop, the Bar à Bulles at the Machine du Moulin Rouge, and the Perchoir Ménilmontant are, for their part, perfect for lively evenings.
Among the legendary terraces, Les Deux Magots and the Café de Flore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés have welcomed the cream of Parisian society, from Louis Aragon to Simone de Beauvoir, including Picasso, Guillaume Apollinaire, and Yves Montand. The brasserie Au Pied de Cochon, in Les Halles, has been open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ever since it opened in 1947.
Le Grand Véfour, located in an 18th-century Art Deco building in the galleries of the Palais Royal, has been one of Paris’s most renowned gourmet restaurants for 200 years. Victor Hugo, Georges Sand, and Napoleon Bonaparte were regulars there.
- View of the Eiffel Tower: *Les Ombres* (Quai Branly Museum), *Girafe*, *Monsieur Bleu*, and *Bambini*
Written by zaccharie touboul, on 19 June 2026Share on
