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The best terraces in Paris where you can (almost) be sure to get a seat

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The Editor

© Jagoda Bartus / Le Bonbon

It's the big worry of Parisians: sitting outside on a terrace and wandering around for 40 minutes, only to end up standing with your drink. Not ideal. Good news: we've found the spots where seating is (almost) guaranteed.

Griffon Paris

In the 4th district, this lovely tucked-away restaurant knows how to welcome you. The terrace at Griffon is the perfect choice when you want to eat well, in a neat setting, without feeling cramped next to your table neighbor. With market-fresh cuisine, a relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, and plenty of space, lunch here feels just like it should: a true moment to enjoy.

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Griffon Paris 
55, bis rue des Francs-Bourgeois — Paris 4e
Tuesday to Sunday 
More info 

The Swedish Institute

It's one of the most beautiful hidden terraces in Paris, and yet hardly anyone thinks of it. In the heart of the Marais, the Swedish Institute opens its inner courtyard with the first rays of sunshine. With a soft ambiance, stone walls, and overflowing greenery, you might feel like you're in a Nordic capital on a summer evening. Calm, beautiful, and there's always room for more.

Swedish Institute
11, rue Payenne – Paris 3rd
From Tuesday to Sunday 
More info 

 

Café Renoir

Montmartre without the crowd is possible, you just need to know where to go. The Café Renoir, in the 18th, has all the charm of a neighborhood café that we dream of having right outside our windows: a large sunny terrace, wicker tables, a simple menu that does the job, and regulars who still take the time to enjoy life. No scavenging for seats here, just the good life.

Café Renoir
12, rue Cortot — Paris 18th
Open Monday to Sunday 
More info 

 

The Café of Dreams

In the 5th arrondissement, this café has it all figured out. Spacious terrace, relaxing atmosphere, and that rare feeling of being able to stay for two hours without anyone giving you the side eye. It’s the place where you come with a book, an old friend, or both at the same time. Dreams, captured in a sunny Parisian terrace.

Café des Rêves 
47, rue du Cardinal-Lemoine — Paris 5th
More info 


Plat/form

The 13th has its secrets, and Plat/form is one of them. This hidden gem attracts locals in the know but remains under the radar for the general public, which means: plenty of space, a laid-back vibe, and a terrace where you can relax before everyone else.

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Plat / form 
14, Port de la Gare — Paris 13e 
From Monday to Sunday 
More info 

 

Ground Control

Already a legend in the 12th, Ground Control returns every spring with its 1,500 m² terrace and an array of street-food counters that will seriously make your mouth water. Here, space is not an issue; that’s actually the idea! You choose your stand, settle down at the large outdoor tables, and enjoy!

Ground Control
81, rue du Charolais — Paris 12th
From Wednesday to Sunday
More info 

 

Summer on the Gentle Slope

Tucked away behind the alleys of Montmartre, this lovely terrace café is a gem for those in the know. Summer on the Gentle Slope cascades down the little hill of Butte with its colorful umbrellas, twinkling lights, and a festive vibe hanging above Paris. Plenty of space, affordable prices, and a view that beats all the trendy rooftops around!

Summer at Pente Douce
23, rue Muller — Paris 18e
From Monday to Sunday
More info 

 

La Démesure sur Seine

The name says it all. La Démesure sur Seine joins the ranks of great waterfront terraces, with a capacity that means you never have to wait long. Enjoy views of the Seine, a relaxed vibe, and that unique feeling of sipping a drink with your feet (almost) in the water. 

Démesure on the Seine
69, Port de la Rapée — Paris 12th
From Monday to Sunday 
More info 

 

Culture Rapide

Belleville has its codes, and Culture Rapide embodies them perfectly. This terrace in East Paris brings together artists, neighbors, and curious souls in a vibe that belongs exclusively to this part of Paris. Spacious, laid-back, with an added cultural program, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon that naturally flows into the evening.

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Culture Rapide
103, rue Julien-Lacroix – Paris 20e 
Open Monday to Sunday 
More info 

 

 À la Folie

In the heart of the Villette Park, À la Folie truly lives up to its name. Under the linden trees, the 900 m² wooden terrace unfolds around a giant wood-fired barbecue, pétanque courts, lounge chairs, and a cozy bar. Here, you completely forget you’re in Paris and that’s exactly why we come here.

À la Folie 
26, avenue Corentin — Paris 19e
Wednesday to Sunday 
more info 

 

La Sardine

On the small place Sainte-Marthe, just a stone's throw from Belleville, it’s a bit like the countryside in the city, without the noise of cars. La Sardine spreads its colorful terrace on this pedestrian square that makes you dream, with tapas, a wine list that changes every week, and sometimes even local concerts as a bonus. It’s the perfect spot to hang out until night falls.

La Sardine
32, place Sainte-Marthe — Paris 10th
Monday to Sunday 
More info 

Moncœur Belleville

Perched at the belvedere of the Belleville Park, it's definitely worth the detour and even the climb. The terrace at Moncoeur offers a stunning 180° view over the rooftops of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Featuring market cuisine, Sunday brunch, board games on the terrace, and jazz concerts: it's an intergenerational gathering spot that welcomes everyone, at any time.

Moncœur Belleville 
1, rue des Envierges — Paris 20e
Open Monday to Sunday 
more info 

 
Les Maquereaux

Facing Île Saint-Louis, under the plane trees by the Hôtel de Ville quay, the barge Les Maquereaux sets up its terrace on two levels starting from spring. On the menu : Brittany oysters, mayo whelks, smoked fish from Île d’Yeu, nice chilled rosés, and DJ sets on the weekends. It’s the seaside vibe right in the heart of Paris, no train needed!

Les Maquereaux Rive Droite
Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville — Paris 4th
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 
More info 

 

Noti Plage

Ephemeral guinguette set up, the Noti Plage is the green terrace we dream of having all summer long. Sun loungers, fine sand, spritz-style cocktails and gourmet croque sandwiches, all with the Iron Lady as a backdrop. On Thursday evenings, a DJ sets the mood until 1:30 AM. Charming, accessible, and with plenty of space so you won't have to elbow your way through.

Noti Plage
6, port de Suffren — Paris 15th
More info 


Plantation 

Perched at 15 meters high on the rooftops of the 18th, Plantation Paris is possibly the most amazing terrace in the capital. Spanning 7,000 m² of urban farm , there’s a panoramic terrace of 1,000 m² offering a breathtaking view of the Sacré-Cœur. People come to enjoy a beer, snack on delicious plant-based dishes straight from the garden, and take part in a summer program.

Plantation 
37, rue des Cheminots — Paris 18th
Friday to Sunday 
more info