Paris has no reason to envy Berlin or New York when it comes to rooftop views. For a few years now, rooftops have started to open up as restaurants, hotels, clubs or just coffee shops with beautiful views and a new perspective of the city.
Our lovely in-residence expert and native of Paris, Laurence, owner of Paris-Toujours, a specialised travel agency based in the city of Love, shares her best kept secrets across the city. This time, she tells us about 5 rooftop bars in Paris that you must experience on your next visit.
1. Mama Shelter
Located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, near the Buttes Chaumont, the Mama Shelter is a hotel decorated by Philippe Starck, one of the most famous French designers.
The atmosphere of its rooftop is cozy and relaxed: hammocks, deckchairs and ping pong tables give you a feeling of being on holiday. The wooden decoration and the green plants add to the charm of the place and even if the view is nice, the atmosphere is the reason to visit.
This year the famous French chef Guy Savoy became the new Chef of the Mama Shelter restaurant, making it a little more special. You’d better make a reservation!
2. Le Perchoir du BHV
Located in Le Marais, 33 rue de la Verrerie, Le Perchoir BHV is currently the trendiest rooftop bar in Paris. At the top of the BHV (a famous Parisian department store), Le Perchoir opens when the BHV (Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville) closes, at around 8:15pm until 2am.
The first thing that will blow your mind is the view over some of the most famous monuments in Paris. You can have a drink facing the Eiffel Tower and almost touch Notre-Dame.
The atmosphere is trendy and relaxed, with palm trees and wood everywhere and a touch of neo-colonial style. They serve good cocktails and finger food plates to the sound of a live DJ.
3. Le Terrass Hotel
The Terrass Hotel, was built in 1911 in the 18th arrondissement of Paris on the Butte Montmartre.
On the 7th floor of the hotel you will find a rooftop which is both a restaurant and a bar. Of all the rooftop bars in Paris, the Terrass Hotel has the most magical one. As you are on the Butte and on the 7th floor of a hotel, the view is panoramic with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The terrace is a haven of peace surrounded by hedges, which gives the feeling of being in a hidden garden at the top of Paris.
As the secret was spilled out long ago, you are advised to come before 8pm.
4. Le Delicieux
Le Delicieux is a self-serve restaurant located on the last floor of the famous “Printemps” department store, on Boulevard Haussmann, close to the Garnier Opera.
The restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh food for reasonable prices and you can admire a very nice view over Paris, especially on the magnificent opera house.
A very nice spot to have a break during your shopping session at the ‘Grands Magasins’!
Le Delicieux is open from 9:35am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday. To access it, you need to take the lift up to the 8th floor and then take the stairs to the top.
5. The Terrace of the Raphael hotel
Last but not least, the terrace of the Raphael is surely the most luxurious address on this list. Located on 17 avenue Kleber in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, close to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées, the Terrace of the Raphael is on the last floor of the famous 5-star hotel. The 16th arrondissement also has one of the best bistros in Paris, La Garconnière, if you’ve had enough of the rooftops.
The hotel has been the residence of choice of various celebrities, French and international, including the famous French singer Serge Gainsbourg who lived there for a year.
The atmosphere is calm, discreet and intimate. Cocktail in hand, you will find yourself relaxed. Moreover, the view of the Arc de Triomphe is definitely breathtaking! The restaurant offers French haute cuisine.