Summertime in Paris, could there be anything better? If you’re like me then you’ve been waiting for most of the year to enjoy some fresh rosé outside on the terraces – or even better, from a rooftop with a spectacular view. You know they exist, but where do you find these summer wonderlands? Continue reading and I’ll fill you in on the best rooftop bars in Paris that you need to check out this summer.
The one on top of Moulin Rouge
This rooftop feels like a secret garden behind the famous red windmill. The entrance is a bit secret, off on a small side street like the old burlesque days. Anything that can make me believe I am in a film or another time is a special experience, so this is why I particularly like this rooftop. Enjoy delicious cocktails and specialty tonic drinks for only 7,50€. They even serve weekend brunch which I will definitely be doing asap.
Best of all, this summer they will host free outdoor cinema showings every Wednesday beginning July 10th until September 11th 2019. As if you didn’t already have a great reason to check this place out!
Le Bar à Bulles – Moulin Rouge
Entrance: 4Bis Cité Véron, 75018 Paris (the side street to the left of Moulin Rouge)
Hours: 6pm – Midnight Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Open until 1am Thursdays, and 2am Friday/Saturday
Noon – 7pm Sunday
*Brunch Saturday & Sunday 12 – 3:30pm
The best after a day exploring Montmartre
Overlooking the Montmartre cemetery with a glorious view of the Eiffel Tower is the rooftop bar of the Terrass Hotel in the 18th arrondissement. The building itself is gorgeous and sits on a corner showing off the Haussmann architecture. If you look closely, you’ll see that they have a large rooftop which I highly recommend going up to take in the view and have a drink (or two).
The entire rooftop boasts several gorgeous views, split between an outdoor bar and indoor restaurant. Cocktails run at 17€, wines between 7-10€ and beers at 8€ – higher prices than your average bar in Paris, but you pay the pretty penny for the spectacular view. This is the perfect spot after a long day climbing the winding hills of Montmartre.
Terrass Hotel
Address: 12-14 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris
The fancy one off of the Champs-Elysées
If money isn’t an objection when searching for the best rooftop in Paris, head over to the Peninsula hotel. If you know anything about 5-star hotels in Paris, it’s that they do not disappoint with the real estate. Some of the best views come from the famous Shangri-La and the Peninsula. I personally love the Peninsula because there is a very large outdoor seating area as well as a lovely indoor intimate setting with large glass windows overlooking a breathtaking side of Paris. An old style plane is displayed outside as a tribute to heritage of French aviation. It’s definitely worth going to at least once!
L’Oiseau Blanc Rooftop – Peninsula Hotel
Address: 19 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris
Hours: Daily 12 – 2:30pm and 7pm – 10:30pm
The summer hangout with games
You don’t have to hit up the glamorous 5-star hotels to get a rooftop in Paris.. believe it or not, you can find a fun and lively rooftop bar and restaurant at a 2-star hotel. Yes, you heard me correctly. I normally shy away from hotels that have less than a 3-star rating, but let me tell you now that you’d never guess Mama Shelter only has 2 stars. You may also be surprised to know that I’ve actually stayed here (and loved it).
Situated near the outskirts of Paris in the 20th arrondissement, far from the touristy hype and clichés, you may not even feel like you are in Paris once atop this hotel. It’s decorated with bright umbrellas and chairs, foosball tables, tropical lights, and fun prints everywhere. At this rooftop you come to play and drink outside, not for a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. The high wooden fencing makes you feel as if you are in a friend’s backyard which is why I think it’s worthy to check out this summer.
Mama Shelter Rooftop
Address: 109 Rue de Bagnolet, 75020 Paris
Hours: Everyday 11am – 11:30pm (Closed during rain or bad weather)
For Cocktails at Notre Dame
If a view of the Eiffel Tower is what you’re after, Le 43 rooftop bar on top of the Holiday Inn Notre Dame has one of the best views of the city. From the 9th floor you’ll see famous monuments such as Invalides and of course the Eiffel Tower. Catch this view around sunset for en even more special cocktail hour. Open to the public without reservation from the months of May until September only – so check it out this summer before you have to wait until next year!
Le 43 Rooftop
Address: 4 Rue Danton, 75006 Paris (roof of the Holiday Inn)
Hours: 5pm – 10:30pm (From May until September 1)
The one with a view from every angle
For a panoramic view of Paris, head to the rooftop of Hotel National Des Arts et Metiers. Located in the 3rd arrondissement and next to the Metiers Art Museum, you’ll be in an area that is bustling full of life. I wonder, could there even be a better location to get a 360° view of Paris?
Cocktails run from 15€ – 20€ but are of the upmost quality.
National On (The) Top
Address: 243 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris
Hours: 5pm – Midnight. Opens at 3pm on weekends.
The one at a hostel
You thought it was surprising to see a rooftop on a 2-star hotel, but I bet you didn’t think we’d have one for you at a 1-star hotel (aka a hostel). The Generator hostel is located in the 10th arrondissement, just near the Canal Saint Martin where many locals go to hangout near the water. This summer when you’re in the area, pop up to the Khayma Rooftop for a drink atop the 9th floor to get a unique view of the city and Sacré Coeur.
Khayma Rooftop
Address: 9-11 Place du Colonel Fabien, 75010 Paris (9th floor of Generator Hostel)
Hours: 4pm – 10pm daily
The ones on top of shopping malls
Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are popular attractions for locals and tourists alike for their shopping and stunning indoor architecture – Printemps more notably famous for their extravagant window displays throughout the year. You might have been to either of these luxury shopping malls before, but perhaps you didn’t know that on the roofs of these glorious shopping malls are bar/restaurants where you can soak in views of major monuments of Paris, such as Palais Garnier, Madeline, and the Eiffel Tower from Boulevard Haussmann.
Créatures at La Terrasse – Galeries Lafayette
This summer the restaurant on the rooftop terrace of Galeries Lafayette is serving up innovative vegetarian food along with refreshing signature cocktails and your standard beers and wines.
Address: 25 rue de la Chaussée d’Antin 75009 Paris (8th floor of Galeries Lafayette mall)
Hours: 10am – 1am every day
Perruche – Printemps de L’Homme
Sit down at the restaurant or simply have a cocktail and enjoy the view and music. Cocktails are 16€ and main dishes around 30€.
Address: 2 Rue du Havre, 75008 Paris (9th floor of Printemps for men)
Hours: Every day from 9:35am – 2am
The low-key one on the left bank
The right bank has a reputation of being more crowded and loud, so without surprise comes a calmer version of a rooftop bar on the left bank. On the 7th floor of the Novotel in the 15th arrondissement of Paris is where you can take in a great view of the Eiffel Tower without being flashy about it. The cocktails are a bit more affordable, and amenities are basic, but don’t let that shy you away from the view it has to offer.
They offer a rooftop brunch on Sundays which is an all-you-can-eat buffet for 29€. The rooftop at the Novotel is only open from May – September so make this a destination for this summer.
Lounge Bar Rooftop
Address: 257 Rue de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris (7th floor of Novotel)
Hours: 5pm – midnight (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
The most popular
The first rooftop recommendation you might get from a friend or from an internet search is Le Perchoir. There are a few of them inside Paris, but the most popular is in Le Marais on top of the BHV shopping mall. Here you’ll get everything you could ask for, great view of central Paris, cozy decor, drinks, and music.
Be prepared to hang out for awhile in the line which is on the back street behind the BHV mall. It does not open until later in the evening, so getting the timing right is everything. Not to worry! You now have several other rooftops to try out!
Le Perchoir Marais
Address: 33 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris (Entry at backside of BHV)
Hours: Everyday 8:15pm – 1:30am (best to line up 30 min before opening hours)
The one on top of a museum
For the sophisticated bunch who spend their time in Paris at museums, you’re in for a treat! After a day at Centre George Pompidou checking out the modern art and riding the outside escalators, head up to the 6th floor of this huge museum for a fancy cocktail or dinner. Reservations are required here so best to plan ahead.
Georges – Centre Pompidou
Address: Palais Beaubourg Place Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris (6th floor)
Hours: 12pm – 2am (last order at midnight)
Closed Tuesdays
Up, up, and away!
We are in the middle of a heatwave in Paris this week with the temperatures climbing higher and higher until the weekend. It’s important to stay cool and hydrated these days, so I write this in the comfort of a café with AC, with the anticipation for more steady summer days so that I can spend them at these rooftops.
For more Paris nightlife ideas, check out this post!
How many of these have you been to? Count and tell me in the comments!
Stay cool friends,
xox Tamara ♡
Olivier
Already tried 5 of them and I hope more very soon. 😎