Our selection of premium rooftops in Paris has something to fulfil your every wish. Listening to a set from some of the best DJs in Paris over a cocktail at the Mama Shelter after a day’s shopping in the capital ? Keeping your eye on the Eiffel Tower while sampling caviar at the Peninsula? Let us walk you through them and then take your pick. You’ll finally understand why Paris’s 7th arrondissement is such a popular district.
The party Perchoirs offered by Perchoir Group
Drawing inspiration from the array of rooftops in Hong-Kong and Mexico, the group came up with the idea of taking over the Paris rooftops that are usually the preserve of luxury hotels.
The first Perchoir opened in 2012 and it went on to become a well-known brand whose essence is about feelgood settings, high-quality, short supply chains and artisan production of the alcoholic drinks that it serves, such as gin.
The group has been buying its supplies from Europe’s biggest rooftop farm, at Porte de Versailles, since opening a Perchoir there. Some of the rooftop bars and restaurants are only open in the summer. One such place is Perchoir de l’Est, atop the Gare de l’Est, overlooking the semicircular Eiffel window. And also Perchoir Marais, on the roof of the BHV in the 4th arrondissement of Paris.
Perchoir Ménilmontant, the most typically Parisian one in the heart of the 11th arrondissement, is available for private hire all year round. It’s a hit with young couples who have “just married”.
Booking your table is a must for groups of more than six people.
Those Mama Shelter rooftops that we know so well
The concept is famous the world over, and the brand’s hallmarks can be observed here in Paris too. An apartment block, a pop chic hotel, restaurants and a rooftop bar, all in a cosy lounge atmosphere.
You can count on Mama Shelter to bring you the best music line-up in the capital and get you dancing the night away (the nearest you can get to flying), on Parisian rooftops.
Even from the inside, the view from Paris West is as impressive as the one from a helicopter, but the rooftop terrace is only open in the summer.
You can enjoy refined cuisine on the ground floor. Paris East has a rooftop too, where you can take in the view over the Père Lachaise and artists’ studios while drinking one of their out-of-the-ordinary cocktails. Booking is easy thanks to the website, and in any case the staff call you to confirm your slot.
Terrasse Les Ombres, musée du Quai Branly, 7th arrondissement of Paris
This entirely glass-panelled restaurant gives you access to an absolutely incredible panoramic terrace, a hanging garden with views over the rooftops and the Eiffel Tower, which is at very close quarters.
The Iron Lady stands just a few metres away, casting a shadow over your table. Is that why it’s called Les Ombres? Well no, it’s because in the evening, the ceiling of the restaurant turns into an ever-changing starry firmament.
Alain Ducasse heads up the kitchen crew. On the rooftop terrace you will only be served drinks, including cocktails specially created as a tribute to the museum’s collections.
If you want to enjoy the dizzy heights of one of the most exclusive arrondissements of Paris, note that the cuisine served at Les Ombres is Mediterranean. Book your table.
Le Molitor rooftop, hôtel Molitor, 16th arrondissement of Paris
Le Molitor is the exception in our selection. Its environment is unique, if only because it is located in the refined 16th arrondissement.
The panorama offers unobstructed views of the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, which is a rare thing in the capital, and also of the Eiffel Tower.
All without even turning your head. Le Solarium is the name of the bar, while Le Molitor is the restaurant with a terrace. The cuisine is inventive, and vegetarians are (really) welcome. Booking your table is a must, of course, and the place is only open in summer.
Customers think it’s a summer must-do in Paris.
Le rooftop at Hôtel Raphael, avenue Kléber, 16th arrondissement of Paris
We advise against going up to this rooftop if you have a stiff neck. Since you have to turn your head to enjoy the 360° panoramic view. You can see all of the capital’s great historic buildings. The Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Sacré Coeur.
As the restaurant and bar are open air, the rooftop is only open in summer and must be booked in advance, as the site is sometimes hired out privately.
If you wish, you can be served cocktails or champagne before your meal. Here in this 5-star establishment you might get to pair your glass of bubbly with a delectable spoonful of caviar.
Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers, rue saint Martin, 3rd arrondissement of Paris
This Paris rooftop is conveniently located in an area that everyone loves : between the charming rue Montorgueil, with its little upmarket boutiques, and the Marais neighbourhood that needs no further introduction. It competes with Hôtel Raphaël for its magnificent view of Sacré Coeur.
Known as the national rooftop, you can go there for drinks without having to book a table, which is a plus point in itself.
The hotel has a restaurant and an indoor bar in case the weather turns inclement, which is poetically named the Herbarium. It’s a dedication to Italy by way of its food and drinks menu.
Don’t think twice, just go.
The capital’s premium rooftops
In Paris there’s bound to be a rooftop that fits with your wishes. Whether that’s dancing and cocktails, the peace and quiet of a luxury hotel for a romantic dinner, or if you fancy a fantastic view as the main event.
We’ve listed just about all of the above in our selection. You can put it to the test with total confidence.
