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Are these the 13 best cafe terraces in Paris?

The Local France
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Are these the 13 best cafe terraces in Paris?
Hotel Grand Amour. Photo: Hotel Grand Amour

Taking some time out to watch the world go by at a cafe terrace in Paris is one of life's great pleasures. Here are 13 places you shouldn't miss out on -- but are they the best?

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1. La Terrasse des Galeries Lafayette

Paris is a busy city, but for a quiet oasis spend an afternoon at La Terrasse des Galeries Lafayette. The rooftop terrace in the 9th arrondissement has both a breathtaking view of the French capital and a virtual reality telescope, which gives you a view of the city as it would have been in 1912.

2. Shangri-La Hotel terrace

If you’re seeking ultimate luxury and a close-up view of the Eiffel Tower, spend the evening on the candlelit terrace at Shangri-La Hotel.  

3. Le Quarante Trois

Le Quarante Trois is in the heart of Paris in the city's 6th arrondissement. Sit on a romantic terrace just across the Seine from Notre-Dame with a cocktail and enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night.

4. Le Bistrot des Dames

For a more low-key terrace, try Le Bistrot des Dames. During the summer everyone wants to soak up the sun, so it can be a challenge to find a free spot outside a cafe. However, Le Bistrot des Dames is tucked away the 17th arrondissement and offers a colorful, low-key and friendly environment.

5. Mama Shelter

For a tropical evening filled with games, cocktails and Japanese poke bowls pull up a pew at Mama Shelter. Located in the 20th arrondissement, Mama Shelter is a vibrant watering hole for those who want to take a break from the rush of the city.

6. Mon Coeur Belleville

Whether you’re looking for brunch, dinner or just a nice drink find your way up to Mon Coeur Belleville. This cafe, bar and restaurant has a terrace with a spectacular view of the city.

7. Paname Brewing Company

Or take a stroll down the Bassin de la Villette canal and find yourself at the laidback Paname Brewing Company. The pontoon bar offers a sunny spot on the water with variety of craft beers and specialized pizzas.

8. Le Pavillon Puebla

Tucked in the hills of the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement is Le Pavillon Puebla. Just next to this Napolean style house is a large terrace hidden behind the green foliage, with a host of cocktails, Italian cuisine and even yoga classes and creative workshops during the day.

9. Hotel Grand Amour

The decor alone sets the mood at Hotel Grand Amour, with a pink and white design covered with climbing green vines. Though it’s a popular spot, it’s easy to feel secluded when you find a spot on the winding terrace.

10. The Ritz

For a classic French garden with a brasserie menu, check out the stunning Ritz terrace. The five-star hotel is located in the 1st arrondissement not far from the Louvre museum. And if you’re looking for luxury in Paris, this is unmissable. 

11. Le Jardin du Petit Palais Café

Le Petit Palais is a museum in the 1st arrondissement of Paris and the cafe lies the heart of the museum. When the weather is nice, you can sit out on the terrace which opens onto a beautiful garden with pools, greenery and colonnades.

12. Le Carillon

Le Carrion in the 10th arrondissement which fell victim to the terrorist attacks of November 2015. Now back on its feet, it offers a typical lively Parisian terrace ambiance with a happy hours from 6 pm to 8 pm, with decently priced beers and a selection of snacks.

13. Le Bonaparte

Le Bonaparte situated in the 6th district of Paris in the Saint-Germain-des-Près neighborhood is a cafe with a famously atmospheric terrace.

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Anonymous 2021/11/08 00:52
I absolutely love Union Square terrace in St Michel.

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