So you want a view of Paris, huh? And, for some reason, you want it from five different rooftops in one day.
Tough ask, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s how to spend a whole day hopping between the best rooftop terraces in Paris. Starting with a morning coffee and ending with a discotheque on the river.
Now, I got into more detail and listener emails in the podcast version of this story below (subscribe!). The full list of rooftops and addresses are below.
1. Morning coffee at Terrass Hotel
This is a spectacular view and maybe the best on the list. You get a 180 degree view from the perch of Montmartre and unspoilt views of the Eiffel Tower. If you head up in the morning you will almost certainly have it to yourself.
Address: 12-14 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris. Website.
2. Culture fix at Tour Saint Jacques
The opportunity to climb the Notre Dame has passed, for now, but that’s OK because you can check out the Tour Saint Jacques instead. It’s only open three days a week, so plan accordingly. The video below will tell you everything you need to know (and even features yours truly!).
Address: Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques, 75004 Paris. Website.
3. Tasty lunch at elegant Perruche
This recently-renovated restaurant above the Printemps department store will take your breath away. If you’re on a budget, the menu prices may just take your breath away too. But that’s OK, how often are you going to get a chance to dine above Paris?
Address: Printemps de l’Homme, 2 Rue du Havre, 75008 Paris. Website.
4. Rooftops and cocktails at Le Perchoir
This is one of my favourite bars in Paris. There are several in the Perchoir chain, but I’d point you towards the slightly hidden one in the residential 11th arrondissement. Grab a cheese platter to share and a cocktail to see in the sunset.
Address: 14 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris. Website.
5. Down a couple of beers at Cafe Oz
When the sun has set and you’re feeling like the night hasn’t quite finished, why not get your dancing shoes on and boogie to one of the rooftop bars overlooking the Seine River. Cafe Oz has a wonderful terrace, but beware, this one is best suited to the younger crowds and the backpackers 🙂
Address: 34 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris. Website.
6. Bonus: Tea making at BHV
Yes, the BHV department store grows plants on its rooftop and offer tea making courses. I did it with a team of Patreon supporters:
That’s it! If you like these tips, be sure to check out The Earful Tower’s Guide to Paris.
Support the Earful Tower on Patreon here.
If you liked this story, you’d certainly enjoy my list of the best free thing to find in every arrondissement.
Great post, Oliver, thanks for sharing! I know how I’m going to spend a day next time I’m in Paris.
Thanks Oliver! Planning a trip with my daughter at the end of August. We are staying one block from Tour Saint Jacques. We will definitely check that out and have lunch at Perruche!