Our Top Picks for the Most Beautiful Terraces in Paris

© Vincent Leroux

For a leisurely lunch or a romantic drink, it's difficult to choose among the dozens of terraces that claim to be the most beautiful in Paris. Our editorial team presents its true surefire favorites that will never disappoint, offering the epitome of chic where good taste reigns supreme. Get ready to book your spot in the sun!

The venue : Without a doubt, the garden at Le Bristol (the most exquisite palace garden in the capital) embodies French elegance in a highly relaxing atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Paris. It was already stunning. Now it has been further enhanced from the entrance to the chairs by the American fabric editor Schumacher. For Le Jardin Français, Schumacher selected its most beautiful adornments, featuring cottage-inspired floral tapestries and striped cushions reminiscent of the room awnings, further highlighting its great beauty and simultaneously inspiring us with wonderful decorating ideas.

On the menu: Eric Frechon is out, long live Arnaud Faye! The new chef at the Bristol unveils a new menu at Café Antonia: experience the best Caesar salad of your life" (€52), hand-cut beef tartare with French fries (€59), a generous lobster roll with perfect fries (€75), lobster rigatoni with tomatoes in thyme jus (€49), and the unforgettable grilled bacon club sandwich (€59). Sweet tooths will be tempted by the Bourbon vanilla crème brûlée (€27) or a roasted vanilla mille-feuille paired with rich salted butter caramel (€30).

Café Antonia at the Bristol is open for lunch from 12:00 to 15:30, for afternoon tea from 15:00 to 18:00, and for dinner from 18:00 to 22:30. 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8th.

© Vincent Leroux

The venue: The townhouse of Ralph Lauren's flagship store offers the most elegant terrace in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. With its sublime cobblestone courtyard, fountain, parasols, striped banquettes, and rose bushes, the Instagram-worthy decor (to speak like the Americans) is set, exuding Hamptons vibes that give a taste of vacation and contrast with the interior, which is decorated in a hunting lodge style with a grand fireplace and tartan prints.

On the menu: One always enjoys rediscovering the great classics of chic American cuisine, starting with the Maryland Crab Cake with a delicate crust and mustard-pepper sauce (€37), the iconic Caesar Salad with grilled chicken (€32), or the legendary Ralph's Burger: tomato, lettuce, onion, pickles, cheddar, crispy bacon, Ralph's sauce, and most importantly, garnished with meat straight from Ralph Lauren's own ranch in Colorado (€33). For dessert, indulge in the fabulous vanilla ice cream sundae with caramel popcorn, whipped cream, and hot chocolate sauce (€17), yum!

Ralph's is open every day from 12pm to 4pm and from 7pm to 11pm. Located at 173 boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 6th.

The venue : Attention, a magical terrace awaits. Just behind the Élysée Palace, the 5-star hotel Les Jardins du Faubourg has been attracting big names from the entertainment industry since its opening (all fans of the friendly director Jennifer Boccara!), as well as fashion editors and the coolest stars of French cinema. Surprise: its restaurant, now named Il Giardino, welcomes the new chef Davide Pecorella (formerly of Le George), a Neapolitan passionate about Italian produce.

The menu: Starting with the crispy egg, served with Parmesan cream and broccoli (€21) and the octopus carpaccio with dill and Granny Smith apple (€24). Next, indulge in a beautiful beef fillet served with celeriac purée and escarole (€40), tagliolini with burrata cream, braised beef cheek and coffee (€30), or the tomato and aubergine risotto with Parmesan cream (€32). But the ultimate delight comes in the form of divine round gnocchi, as soft as a kiss, with clams and broccolini rave friarielli sauce (€33). Finally, accompany your apple and lemon meringue tart (€15) with a true caffe latte, creamy just like in Italy.

Les Jardins du Faubourg  is open every day from 12pm to 1:30pm for lunch, from 2pm to 7pm for snacks, and from 7pm to 9pm for dinner. 9 rue d'Aguesseau, Paris 8th.  

© Yann Deret and © Julien Salaneuve

The venue: Head to the Tuileries Gardens, right next to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Monsieur Bleu's team has created the Parisian rendezvous that this stunning wing of the Louvre deserves: a breathtaking decor by Joseph Dirand featuring marble, Saarinen chairs, 60s touches, and Art Deco details, with an incredible view of Paris. You'll encounter the fashionable Parisian crowd and the neo-cocottes who love to see and be seen. It's also a favorite spot for the fashion elite and is often mentioned as the most frequented place during upcoming fashion weeks!

On the menu : Truly delicious high-society fare by Benoît Dargère, catering to all appetites, from dainty eaters to hearty diners. Specifically: calamari fritti (€29) or Sicilian tomato soup  with melon, watermelon, raspberries and Taggiasca olives  (€27), raw violet artichokes with aged parmesan and virgin olive oil (€29), a truffle pizza (€52), or the fabulous veal Milanese alla saltimbocca (€45). For dessert, we love the vanilla cream-filled chouquettes to dip in chocolate (€18) or a large red berry pavlova to share (€59).

Loulou is open every day from 12pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 11pm. Located at 107 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1st.

The venue: The Saint James is one of Paris’s best-kept secrets—an imposing mansion nestled in a quiet square in the prestigious 16th arrondissement. At lunchtime, its magnificent hidden garden and restaurant are strictly reserved for members of its ultra-private gentlemen's club (politicians, business tycoons, actors...). But come 7:00 PM, this authentic hidden chateau in the heart of Paris opens its doors to the general public. You just have to know the secret! What we absolutely love is settling down on the terrace facing the pergola with a fabulous cocktail from the bar, which itself is housed in a sublime library worthy of Beauty and the Beast.

On the menu : For an elegant drink that is bound to impress your significant other, we highly recommend the White Almond cocktail (lemon-infused vodka, yogurt ice cream, homemade almond milk, white amaretto, and italicus, €28) or the smooth and indulgent Strawberry cocktail (pepper-infused rum, Kampot red pepper, Gariguette strawberry cordial, and lemon verbena essence, €28). Pair your drinks with Iberian ham croquetas topped with aioli sauce (€26) and a traditional artisan sausage (saucisse au couteau) served with creamy mashed potatoes (€39).

Saint James  is open to the public for dinner from Monday to Saturday, 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm (reservation required). The bar is open from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm. 5 place du Chancelier Adenauer, Paris 16th.

The venue: Attention lovers of affordable luxury! Have you always dreamed of trying the legendary duck from La Tour d’Argent? You will love La Rôtisserie, the "little brother" bistro of the Michelin-starred icon. Here, they serve the same exceptional ingredients that inspired the movie Ratatouille, but in a much more accessible format. The highlight? Its riverside terrace that feels like it’s floating right over the Seine, positioned right by the bridge facing Île Saint-Louis. Complete with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, it retains a wonderfully picturesque, retro Parisian charm.

On the menu : The menu proudly embraces traditional French comfort food (cuisine canaille), making it not very vegetarian-friendly. For starters, kick things off with Burgundy snails with parsley and Pastis butter (€15 for 6 pieces). Follow it up with the free-range roasted chicken with rich pan juices, unpeeled garlic, and potato purée (€32), the aged ribeye steak with pepper sauce and homemade fries (€46), or the crispy duck leg confit accompanied by baby potatoes (€34). Saved room for dessert? The red berry pavlova is pure magic (€12), as is the classic Bourbon vanilla crème brûlée (€13).

La Rôtisserie de la Tour d’Argent is  open daily from 12:00 pm to 2:15 pm and 7:00 pm to 10:15 pm. 19 Quai de la Tournelle, Paris 5th.  

Also discover new Parisian terraces and three exquisite spots from the East.