Live Like a Local: Best Paris Outdoor Cafés and Terraces

Chez Julien
Chez Julien

Summertime in Paris and the café living is easy. Thousands of outdoor terraces spill onto the streets and boulevards with residents and tourists soaking up the sun, people and sites. 

Here is our list of some of our favorites. 

Café Les Nemours

Located on the Place Colette, named after the legendary writer who wrote Gigi, Café Les Nemours is as classic Parisian café as they come. The rattan chairs are lined up military style, placed horizontally next to each other, facing out, so one can best people watch as they enjoy their espresso or café au lait. The plaza in front of café houses the Comedie Francaise, one of the oldest theater troupes in France, dating back to the 1600s. In mixing the antique with the modern, one also faces the Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre metro entrance made of colored Venetian glass bulbs designed by Jean Michel Othoniel in 2000. 

2 Place Colette, 75001

Hotel Rafael Paris

A true insider secret, the rooftop terrace on the seventh floor at Hotel Raphael has some of the most magnificent views in Paris. The elegant manicured garden surrounding makes you feel as though you are in a private garden on top of the city. The Champagne Bar by Lanson offers guests one of the premiere brands of Champagne plus creative cocktails such as a white Mojito and non-alcoholic Cucumberry with pureed cucumber, raspberry, and lemon. The Raphael restaurant serves lunch and dinner with imaginative cuisine by Chef Maxime Molinier

17 Avenue Kleber, 75116

Chez Julien

Chez Julien is the ideal place to unwind with a drink or meal in the popular Marais area. Ideally situated in a medieval cobblestone plaza with a view of the gothic 16th century St. Gervais, it’s away from the noise and bustle. Chef Jean-Philippe Leboeuf  prepares typical French dishes at their best, including house made foie gras, steak tartare, roasted chicken with buttery mashed potatoes, and crème brulee. In between lunch and dinner wine, beer, soft drinks and tea service are offered along with a snack menu. 

1 rue du Pont Philippe, 75004

Le Village Royal
Le Village Royal

Mini-Palais

The Grand Palais, the mammoth Art Nouveau exhibition space built for the 1900 World’s Fair, is the setting for one of the most beautiful terraces in Paris, Mini Palais

The soaring Roman columns, stunning mosaic reliefs and floors and exquisite carved stone statues are the backdrop to enjoy a summer cocktail or savory small plates. Mixmaster Alexandre Chialva will conjure up some of his surprising specialties such as his signature drink, Minipalais (vodka, bitters, cranberry juice and orange slices); Cold Blood (tequila, lime juice, and hibiscus infusion); or the exotic Goji Power (cachaca, lemon juice, egg white and Goji berries). Mini Palais also serves a full lunch and dinner menu. 

Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 

Le Village Royal

A luxurious café and restaurant, Le Village Royal is tucked away on a peaceful passageway off the Rue Royale, near Place Madeleine. Pamper yourself on their wrought iron club chairs covered plush white canvas cushions in this chic watering hole owned by the Costes brothers, whose restaurants are known for the best people watching in Paris. 

Le Village Royal- 7 Cité Berryer, 75008