Gray roofs and white stone, the gilded tops of local landmarks and the Eiffel Tower lurking somewhere in the background…there are few skylines as iconic as that of Paris.
Following in the steps of New York or Berlin, Paris offers a wealth of terraces where you can admire the view while nursing a cocktail or a chilled glass of wine. From the laid back to the trendy, the off the beaten path to the touristy, here are some of our favorite rooftop bars in Paris.
1. Terrass” Hôtel
Located in the heart of Montmartre, the rooftop bar and restaurant on the seventh floor of the trendy Terrass” Hôtel is open to all from morning (it’s one of the few places in Paris to offer a full breakfast) to late into the night. The sprawling view is, of course, the star of the show, but the bar also proposes a selection of 16 craft cocktails to discover.
The terrace can be enjoyed year-round and is heated during the cooler months. You can make reservations for the indoor restaurant, but the outdoor patio is on a first come, first served basis.
2. Le Jardin Suspendu
You can find the largest rooftop bar in Paris on top of a parking garage slightly off the beaten track, looking over Porte de Versailles. The Jardin Suspendu is a relative newcomer on the scene. It is open seasonally, but if you find yourself in Paris during the summer, it is well worth the detour.
The first version in 2018 included 3,500 square meters of restaurants, bars, boutiques and even an urban farm tucked among a sea of olive trees, lemon trees and cacti. The upcoming editions should be even more spectacular.
3. Point Ephemere
Le Top, the seasonal rooftop bar located above one of the coolest art venues in Paris, would not be out of place in Berlin. Overlooking the Canal Saint-Martin, it offers affordable cocktails and street food-inspired fare all summer long, but also outdoor movie projections and yoga classes.
Look for the green flag that indicates when the Top is open. You will need reservations to access the terrace, and the entrance is through an unmarked door on the other side of the building.
4. Mama Shelter
The Mama Shelter concept hotel has been a cool kids’ haunt since its opening in the up-and-coming 20th arrondissement. The view may not be nearly as impressive as some of the other rooftop bars on this list, but the Mama’s seasonal beach-inspired rooftop terrace was named the best in Paris by Vogue in 2017.
The colorful space features the chic and slightly regressive style that is the Mama Shelter’s signature: think foosball and ping pong table while sipping on craft cocktails and munching on rotisserie chicken. Reservations are required for lunch and dinner.
5. Le Perchoir
Le Perchoir (also known as The Perch) in Menilmontant was one of the rooftop bar scene’s pioneers in Paris. You can access through an unmarked door (look for the long line spreading on the sidewalk) in an industrial-looking building. There are no reservations.
If you can get in, you will be rewarded by the stunning view, especially at sunset, and delicious food and drinks. The Perchoir has since opened two equally cool locations in the Marais above the BHV department store and on the roof of Gare de l’Est.
6. Le Molitor
When it opened in 1929, the Molitor swimming pool in the elegant 16th arrondissement was the playground of the rich and beautiful. After it closed in 1989, it became one of the temples of street art in the French capital city. It reopened in 2014 as a very exclusive private club and luxury hotel, but the bar and rooftop are open to all.
Enjoy the elegant art deco architecture in this green oasis while sipping on high-end cocktails paired with the light summer menu.
