Visiting the City of Love for a few days also means taking the time to appreciate French culture. People living in the French capital or in big cities love to sit on a terrace with friends, read the journals or watch people pass by.
But how to find the best bars with outdoor seating? Continue to read to find out!
Bars with outdoor seating in Paris
There are about 15,000 cafés, bistros and bars with a terrace across the capital. The majority of terraces are located on the pavement and feature traditional woven chairs with small round tables facing the street. During summer time, some cafés and bars expand their outdoor seating onto the street and add extra chairs and tables for people to enjoy a nice view or the city’s nightlife scene.
Many bars operate as cafés or restaurants during the day then as bars by night. That’s why we recommend that, if possible, you visit the venues at different times of the day and the week: your experience may be totally different!
Terrasse culture is very important in cities like Paris; try it: you might love it and stay longer than expected.
How to find a nice terrace?
You might be wondering, “How do I find a nice terrace in Paris?” Well, it depends what type of venue you are looking for.
Classic bars with terrace
The best way to find a nice terrace in Paris is to search the internet, look on social media or… wander across the city. There is plenty of beautiful outdoor seating in the French capital. Some bars only offer a few tables, while others have large private terraces.
Rooftops
Visit large shopping centres or luxury hotels to find the best rooftop bars with a stunning view. Note that these venues are often more expensive if you can watch the Eiffel Tower from your seat.
Instagram is your go to if you desperately want to find the best rooftop terraces in Paris. Search for terms like “rooftop with a view” or “rooftop terrace in Paris”.
Hidden courtyards and gardens
The City of Love is full of surprises! Did you know that there were bars with private outdoor seating in the centre of Paris? These hidden courtyards and gardens are often tucked behind old stone walls or historic buildings. They offer tranquillity and peace, away from the buzzing traffic.
Barge terraces
Mostly opened during summer, the bars with a terrace along the Seine or the canal – sometimes called guingettes – are more seasonal. To find them, it’s easy: walk along the barge.
Our pick
Our team has selected two of the best outdoor bars in Paris just for you: a terrace with a view in Paris 12e, and a chic bar near the Champs-Élysées with a heated outdoor seating area and a surprise.
Terrace with a view in Bastille
Once you are in Bastille, you can’t miss O’Sullivans Bar Bastille: its terrace is huge! This bar restaurant in Paris 12e offers 250 seats, a bright winter garden… and a large terrace with a direct view of Place de la Bastille.
The outdoor seating is perfect for meeting friends every day of the week, by day or by night, or for people watching.
Because the venue is located near historic operas, loving couples like enjoying a glass of champagne before heading to the show. It’s also a perfect spot to enjoy the nice weather and take in as much vitamin D as possible.
The venue is open 7 days a week and is accessible by metro (if your legs are too sore from walking). Take the metro lines 1, 5 or 8 and stop at the Bastille station to admire the view from the terrace.
Elegant bar with outdoor seating near Champs-Élysées
Previously, we mentioned hidden courtyards and gardens. Well, you must visit this second best bar with a terrace from our list: O’Sullivans Champs-Élysées.
Once you arrive at this bar in Paris 12e, you are welcomed by a stunning terrace, decorated with lights and flowers. You directly feel like you are somewhere else, away from the buzzing traffic, even if you are just 5 minutes away from the famous Champs-Élysées.
This elegant terrace is heated during the cold months and during the fresh summer nights, and will protect you from the rain.
But wait a minute! Didn’t we mention a surprise?
Come inside: you’ll be transported to an elegant bar full of hidden rooms. Tucked between stone walls and accessible through a speakeasy room, you’ll finally find it: a hidden courtyard patio. This secret seating area is full of light and decorated with great taste.
So, what are you waiting for?
Now, head to the bar!
Now that you know how and where to find the best bars with a terrace and an outdoor seating area in Paris, it’s time to head to the bar!
O’Sullivans Bastille: located in Paris 12e, just across Place de la Bastille, this bar offers a great view from the terrace.
O’Sullivans Champs-Élysées: this bar with not one, but two outdoor seating areas, is located at 63 avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt.