Richard Nahem, an ex-New Yorker living in Paris, leads private insider tours showing visitors the Paris most of them never see on their own (www.eyepreferparistours.com), and also writes a popular insider's blog at www.eyepreferparis.com.
It’s summer in the city and the outdoor terraces are flourishing with Parisians and tourists savoring the beautiful weather. There are a handful of rooftop terraces overlooking the city with spectacular views while dining or drinking to make the Paris experience even more special.
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| Photo courtesy of the author |
Jardins Plein Ciel
The distinguished four-star Hotel Raphael has a hidden secret: An undiscovered rooftop garden and restaurant. The intimate Jardins Plein Ciel has a lush setting on 7th floor of the hotel with panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees. The design of a giant chessboard with teak furniture is an homage to Leonard Tauber, the founder of the Chess Club of France. A simple menu of grilled dishes and a buffet of cold summer salads is offered.
17 Ave. Kleber, 75116
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 64 32 00
www.raphael-hotel.com/uk/navigation.php
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| Photo courtesy of the author |
Georges
Sitting atop the Pompidou Center, the modern museum of Paris, is Georges, named after the former French president. The chic eatery and watering hole with an expansive outdoor and indoor space in a modern setting has some of the best and unobstructed views of the city, including Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur, high above in Montmartre. Georges is part of the Costes brothers restaurant and hotel dynasty, which caters to the well heeled see and be seen crowd.
An eclectic menu of French delicacies, Asian fusion, and American classics pleases everyone. Steak tartare, cheeseburgers, club sandwiches, foie gras, and California rolls are some of the delectable dishes you can enjoy while the views sweep you off your feet.
Centre Pompidou
Place Georges, 75004
Reservations +33 (0)144 78 47 99
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| Photo courtesy of the author |
Terrace Montaigne at Maison Blanche
Overhanging the elegant designer shopping street Ave. Montaigne and housed in the same building as the famed Théâtre des Champs-Elysée, sits Terrace Montaigne, the new open terrace restaurant that is part of the celebrated Maison Blanche. Started by the Purcell brothers, Maison Blanche has long been an important staple of luxury dining in Paris with its modern and innovative haut cuisine. Sylvain Ruffenach, a young and upcoming chef, has created a relaxed menu of Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the Purcell brothers. The postcard views include Invalides, the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.
15 Ave. Montaigne, 75008
Tel. +33 (0) 147 23 5599
www.maison-blanche.fr/en/index.html