In Paris, when the mercury rises, Parisians and visitors alike seek to cool off and escape without leaving the capital. The quest for the ideal terrace becomes a sport in its own right, far from the hustle and bustle of the boulevards and overcrowded venues. In addition to a breath of fresh air or some shade, it offers a luxury that has become rare: privacy. While rooftops dominate the trend with their panoramic views and festive atmosphere, hidden terraces appeal for their discretion, greenery, and intimate atmosphere. Far from the hustle and bustle, they offer a rare respite in the city.
Secret terraces have a unique charm: nestled in courtyards, hotel gardens or behind nondescript facades, they offer discreet and hushed luxury. People come here for lunch in the shade of a hundred-year-old tree, a quiet drink, or to read in the sun, as if sheltered from the world. The French garden in the courtyard of the Bristol Paris hotel, the leafy terrace of the Frida at the Maison Vendôme Barrière, and the terrace at the Maison Bréguet are just some of the terraces that invite you to disconnect. Here, there is no loud music or crowds, just the rustling of leaves and the pleasure of a moment stolen from the Parisian rhythm.
In contrast, Parisian rooftops play the view and spectacle card. Perched atop hotels or converted buildings, they offer spectacular panoramas of the city, from the Sacré-Cœur to the Eiffel Tower. More festive and “Instagrammable,” they attract a clientele in search of visual and social experiences. The Eylau rooftops at the Hilton Canopy, the Villa M Paris and Han at the Guimet Museum are examples of this new vertical scene. Between green introspection and urban thrills, Paris now offers two complementary visions of summer luxury.
Between panoramic views and intimacy, urban fiesta or bucolic escape, there’s a terrace for everyone. What if true Parisian chic was all about knowing how to alternate between the two?
Luxus Magazine presents its selection.
Hidden Terraces
FRIDA – MAISON BARRIÈRE VENDÔME – 1st arrondissement
A secret address, La Frida is home to a green terrace in the heart of the Maison Barrière hotel. Chef Claudia Rivera offers sunny cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Ideal for a chic lunch or romantic dinner in a bohemian and cozy atmosphere.
CHARLES PATIO – HÔTEL LE BURGUNDY – 1st arrondissement
Le Charles restaurant boasts an elegant and cozy open-air patio. Chef Mylo Levin, formerly of Le Meurice, serves up precise and poetic gourmet cuisine. A peaceful interlude in the heart of bustling Paris.
BAMBOU – 2nd arrondissement
Nestled in the heart of the Sentier district, BAMBOU charms with its vast green terrace and chic Thai charm. The chef revisits classic Southeast Asian dishes with precision and freshness. A secret refuge, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the city, ideal for an exotic getaway in the heart of Paris.
CHEZ JULIEN – 4th arrondissement
Opposite the Saint-Gervais church, Chez Julien offers one of the most charming terraces in the capital. Traditional French cuisine is elegantly executed by chef Helmi Derbal. A timeless address, combining heritage and gourmet delights.
IZAKAYA DASSAI – 7th arrondissement
On the Left Bank, Izakaya Dassai boasts a sleek, contemporary terrace. Chef Ryuji Teshima (formerly of Passage 53) serves up high-end Japanese cuisine, enhanced by the famous Dassai sake. An elegant immersion in Japanese culinary art, al fresco.
LES TERRASSES DE L’HÔTEL DE CRILLON – 8th arrondissement
On the Place de la Concorde, the terraces of the Hôtel de Crillon offer spectacular views. Chefs Boris Campanella and Matthieu Carlin orchestrate refined cuisine, combining classic dishes with contemporary inspiration.
TERRASSE JOY at FOUQUET’S – 8th arrondissement
On the Champs-Élysées, the Joy terrace opens onto the first floor of the legendary Fouquet’s. Chef Pierre Gagnaire offers a fresh and elegant menu in a hanging garden, sheltered from the hustle and bustle. Discreet luxury and Parisian art de vivre.
LE JARDIN FRANÇAIS DU BRISTOL – 8th arrondissement
In the heart of the Le Bristol hotel, the Jardin Français is a haven of peace in the city. Chef Éric Frechon orchestrates a gourmet, seasonal cuisine. The terrace, between fountains and rose gardens, makes every meal a moment suspended in time.
MAISON BRÉGUET – 11th arrondissement
The Maison Bréguet hotel reveals a bucolic setting with its shaded terrace. Chef Adrien Milliand offers a creative, locally sourced menu inspired by the Mediterranean. A hidden gem where you can enjoy seasonal cuisine in an atmosphere that is both urban and peaceful.
THE JARDIN DUCASSE BACCARAT – 16th arrondissement
In the enchanting setting of the Maison Baccarat, the Jardin Ducasse offers a lush and poetic terrace. Alain Ducasse presents elegant and sensory vegetable-based cuisine, served in a magical setting. An exceptional gastronomic experience, between crystal and greenery.
LA BARONNE – 16th arrondissement
A discreet and elegant address, La Baronne reveals a flower-filled terrace in the courtyard of a private mansion. In the kitchen, the chef showcases contemporary French cuisine that is refined and generous. Perfect for a chic lunch in a peaceful setting or a dinner by lantern light in an intimate setting.
Versus Trendy rooftops
MADAME RÊVE – 1st arrondissement
On the rooftops of the former Louvre Post Office, Madame Rêve offers a spectacular 360° terrace. Chef Stéphanie Le Quellec serves bright, Mediterranean and elegant cuisine. The perfect place for a dinner at the top, in the heart of historic Paris.
CHEVAL BLANC’S JARDIN – 1st arrondissement
In the prestigious Cheval Blanc Paris, the Jardin suspendu offers a rare green interlude in the heart of Paris. Three-star chef Arnaud Donckele orchestrates a subtle, light cuisine deeply rooted in the French terroir. An exceptional restaurant in a green setting.
KIMPTON SAINT-HONORÉ – 2nd arrondissement
Located in the center of Paris, the Kimpton Saint-Honoré hotel features an arty rooftop with panoramic views. In the kitchen, chefs Philippine Jaillet and Charles Neyers create festive, creative, and light cuisine that perfectly matches the relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere of the place.
THE TOUR D’ARGENT – 5th arrondissement
A legendary Parisian institution, La Tour d’Argent unveils a secret rooftop with a magical view of Notre-Dame. Chef Yannick Franques, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, revisits classic dishes with virtuosity. A discreet terrace for insiders, combining tradition and exceptional views.
HILTON CANOPY – 15th arrondissement
The Canopy by Hilton unveils its rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower. Chef Rémy Ribeaucourt offers refined seasonal cuisine, combining modern grilled dishes and vegetarian options. A secret address, perfect for a chic dinner under the stars.
VILLA M – 15th arrondissement
La Villa M, designed by Philippe Starck, features a lush rooftop with views over the rooftops of Paris. Chef Michel Portos offers healthy, locally sourced and socially responsible cuisine. A hybrid venue combining health, design, and contemporary lifestyle.
HAN ROOFTOP AT THE GUIMET MUSEUM – 16th arrondissement
On the roof of the Guimet Museum, HAN offers a spectacular panoramic terrace. Michelin-starred chef Young-Kyung LEE celebrates contemporary Korean cuisine, combining refinement and authenticity. A unique gastronomic and cultural experience between sky and heritage.
THE BRACH – 16th arrondissement
Perched at the top of Le Brach, this rooftop restaurant with an urban vegetable garden vibe offers spectacular views of Paris. Chef Adam Bentalha creates bold and fragrant Mediterranean cuisine. Surrounded by olive and lemon trees, guests can enjoy a warm and gourmet moment suspended in time.
BONUS – THE PICNIC BY VEUVE CLICQUOT AT PRINTEMPS HAUSSMANN – 9th arrondissement
On the rooftop of Printemps Haussmann, Veuve Clicquot has set up its chic and summery Parisian picnic concept. With a refined basket, breathtaking views over the rooftops and a sunny atmosphere, this gourmet getaway created by a resident chef is available to discover all summer long.
Read also > Open-air escape: when chic terraces and picnics redefine the art of living around Paris
Featured photo: From left to right, the terrace at BAMBOU (Paris, 2nd arrondissement) © Bambou Paris and Villa Minuty, rooftop of Le Brach (Paris, 16th arrondissement) © Canon Expériences/Chloé Maitrerobert
