The 6 Best Rooftop Bars in Paris

Le Perchoir

This favorite after-work hangout for boho professionals from the hip 11th arrondissement is coveted for good reason: it boasts a sprawling, leafy 6th-floor terrace that affords remarkable views of much of the capital. Large wooden tables and abundant greenery add a warm touch to the architect's house design. The full bar menu includes a whole stable of classic and creative cocktails, as well as extensive wine and beer choices. 

The restaurant (reserve ahead) has seasonal menus that are firmly in the mid-price range. 

43 Up On The Roof (At Holiday Inn Notre Dame)

Situated in the heart of the Latin Quarter, this sublime terrace bar on the 9th floor of the Holiday Inn Notre Dame hotel is prized for its full-range panoramic views, as well as for its well-thought-out and innovative selection of cocktails, from classics like cosmos to in-house specials. You can also nibble on cheese or charcuterie plates while you take in unforgettable perspectives of the whole city.

Especially breathtaking at dusk, the rooftop bar area gives you exquisite views over the picture book-pretty Latin Quarter, as well as many of the city's most iconic monuments. 

The Rooftop Bar at Mama Shelter

Designed by renowned architect Philip Starck, Mama Shelter is one of the capital's oddest—and most endearing—concept hotels. In addition to their onsite restaurant and casual pizzeria, the rooftop bar here is well worth a visit. Featuring soft string lighting, whimsical, warm colors, and big, comfy sofa seating areas, the ambiance is chic but decidedly laid back. 

Come here for a drink pre or post-concert at La Flèche d'Or, a popular indie venue just across the street on Rue de Bagnolet. The bar serves an assortment of cocktails, as well as a variety of soups and hot dogs. 

Sadly, the rooftop area is only open on Sunday evening, and then only when the weather permits. But it makes for a great lazy Sunday thing to do in the French capital. 

Le Perchoir Marais (at BHV Department Store)

Like its sister bar in Menilmontant, this more central location of Le Perchoir is adored by locals and visitors alike for its relaxed terrace with views of sights including the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. It's open year-round, even in the winter, making it a good refuge from the cold and a reminder of more clement seasons to come. 

Featuring mini palm trees, heat lamps, and cozy cream and green beach furniture more reminiscent of Florida than France, patrons can enjoy a drink or snack here after an afternoon of shopping at the BHV department store, enjoying views of the store's historic Belle-Epoque dome at the top. It's also a good choice for dusky libations before a night out in the popular and ever-stylish Marais district. 

Le Terrass' Hotel Bar

The 7th floor of this classic old hotel in Montmartre near the cemetery has been entirely renovated to add a gorgeous, colorful rooftop bar that's fast become a neighborhood favorite. Offering panoramic views of the city, the bar offers a full menu of drinks and snacks. Wood, glass, and colorful furniture abound, creating a setting that's at once modern and unpretentious. You can also enjoy brunch here on the weekends. 

Rooftop Cafe at Printemps Department Store

Admittedly more of a cafe than a bar (only beer and wine are available here), no list of rooftop terraces in Paris would be complete without the Déli-cieux cafe-restaurant on the top floor of Printemps department store (Home building). Enjoy a simple lunch on the terrace and enjoy sweeping panoramic views over the Gallic capital—you can see most of the city's key places and monuments from up here. This is the perfect spot for a pre or post-shopping spree break—and photo ops, of course.