In search of a secluded Paris terrace to linger over summer or stretch the season into autumn? We’ve handpicked the city’s most beautiful addresses, each personally tried and tested. From rooftops with sweeping views of Parisian landmarks to leafy inner courtyards and shaded garden patios, these hidden spots across Greater Paris offer a rare calm. Perfect for a quiet drink, a leisurely lunch, or an al fresco dinner far from the crowds — this is our guide to the city’s most alluring secret terraces.
1. The Saint James Paris Hotel
From May to September, the gardens of the Saint James Paris become a rare escape within the city. Beneath a verdant Versailles-style pergola, shaded by trellises and arbors, guests can sip cocktails or linger over a romantic dinner that feels lifted from the countryside. At the heart of the garden, a marble bar crowned with a Pierre Mesguich fresco anchors the scene, while painted ceramic tables invite long, unhurried evenings. Dishes are prepared over a grand brazier in full view, adding to the sense of theatre. On weekends, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., pastry chef Coline Doussin curates a refined Tea Time — delicate sweet and savory creations paired with refreshing seasonal drinks.
2. Villa 9Trois (Montreuil)
An oasis of greenery on the edge of Paris: this 19th-century villa is set within a wooded park complete with a vegetable garden, beehives, and even a citrus greenhouse. On sunny days, the covered terrace — dressed with white parasols and festive bunting — offers a relaxed setting. A young, energetic team serves modern One-Star cuisine with a playful touch, perfectly in tune with the surroundings.
3. L'Hôtel Particulier Montmartre
Down a discreet alley between Avenue Junot and Rue Lepic lies a hidden 900-square-metre Eden, once the private domain of the Hermès family. Behind the imposing black gate, silence reigns save for birdsong, as white tables are set across secluded terraces that promise true intimacy. Here, Le Grand Salon serves lunch, dinner, snacks, and weekend brunch, while cocktails from the Très Particulier bar are an insider’s secret worth seeking out.
4. Hotel Lancaster Paris
Just off the Champs-Élysées in the Golden Triangle, CopperBay’s chic patio feels worlds away from the city’s frenzy. Known for its gin-forward cocktails, the bar welcomes only a handful of guests to its secluded courtyard, furnished with armchairs, sofas, and high or low tables. Overhead, a leafy canopy provides shade on hot summer days — a rare hideaway in the heart of Paris.
5. Épicure at The Bristol Hotel
Just steps from the Champs-Élysées, Le Bristol Paris reveals an unsuspected oasis of calm. On fine days, a privileged few can dine beneath the columns overlooking the hotel’s 1,200-square-metre patio, or settle into the Jardin Français, its chic summer brasserie. Here, amidst roses, orange trees, azaleas, and rhododendrons, white parasols provide shade as fountains murmur softly. At the Three-Star Epicure, Chef Arnaud Faye’s seasonal menu captures the spirit of summer — perfect for lunch, tea time, or dinner in one of Paris’ most refined garden settings.
6. Bistro Là-Haut (Suresnes)
Perched on Mont Valérien in Suresnes, this so-called ‘altitude bistro’ frames sweeping views from La Défense to the Eiffel Tower and Paris’s rooftops. In fine weather, the terrace opens out from the loft-like dining room onto a sun-dappled hideaway of wrought-iron tables shaded by parasols. The menu leans contemporary yet comforting — think braised farm pork belly finished over the barbecue, served with sweet potato purée, roasted pointed cabbage, and verjus-glazed grapes.
7. La Table de Colette
In the warm season, this hidden garden terrace in the 5th arrondissement seats just over 30 guests in a serene, minimalist setting. Hydrangeas, ferns, and young trees frame marble tables and wrought-iron chairs, creating an atmosphere both intimate and refined. Sustainability runs through every detail: green electricity powers the space, heritage seeds fill the kitchen garden, and the carbon footprint of each dish is clearly listed on the menu — a thoughtful approach that pairs conscience with charm.
8. Espadon at the Ritz Paris
Overlooking the Grand Garden of the Ritz Paris, this timeless terrace hosts the One-Star restaurant through the summer months. As dusk settles, soft light warms the Burgundy stone, while neatly clipped boxwoods, Mediterranean plants, and palms thrive in glazed Anduze pots with sculpted bases. The air carries the fragrance of magnolia and jasmine, mingling with the gentle murmur of a period fountain — a serene retreat far removed from the city’s bustle.
9. Le Baudelaire at Le Burgundy Hotel
One of the city’s best-kept secrets, this Starred restaurant at the Burgundy Paris opens onto a verdant patio on warm evenings. Soft lighting and oversized terracotta pots frame ivy-draped walls, while marble-topped tables lend a touch of understated elegance. A quietly refined summer haven, it offers Parisians a rare moment of calm amid the city’s rhythm.
10. Anne at Le Pavillon de la Reine Hotel
Le Pavillon de la Reine, a splendid residence on Place des Vosges, pays tribute to Anne of Austria, queen of France and wife of Louis XIII, who once lived here. Under Mathieu Pacaud’s supervision, theOne-Star restaurant’s chef reimagines French classics with flair. When the sun shines, the verdant courtyard garden opens for lunch and dinner, offering a serene and sophisticated escape in the heart of the Marais.
11. Les Ombres at the Quai Branly Museum
Perched atop the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, this glass-encased rooftop restaurant, designed by Jean Nouvel, offers a modern homage to the nearby Eiffel Tower. On sunny days, the rotunda’s wide bay windows fold open, merging interior and terrace into a single airy space with sweeping views over the City of Light.
12. La Table Cachée par Michel Roth at the BHV Department Store
Tucked behind a green curtain past the lingerie section on BHV’s fifth floor lies a surprising panoramic terrace with sweeping views of the Hôtel de Ville. Chef Michel Roth curates a seasonal gourmet menu here, with a standout market selection at approachable prices for lunch — proof that hidden gems don’t have to compromise on quality.
13. Apicius
Arguably the most beautiful terrace in our selection, this verdant hideaway is a surprising gem in its neighborhood, extending from an opulent 18th-century mansion that feels like a petite palace. Chef Mathieu Pacaud honors the venue’s history while leaving his mark on the menu of this One-Star spot, from grilled turbot with spring vegetables to bouillabaisse scented with basil and saffron, or lamb saddle and rack paired with shellfish and samphire.
14. Le Tout-Paris at the Cheval Blanc Hotel
Up on the 7th floor of Cheval Blanc Paris, this brasserie, with vibrant décor by Peter Marino, opens onto a terrace with sweeping views of the Seine and the Left Bank. Chef William Bequin — whose résumé includes La Vague d’Or in Saint-Tropez and the Ritz Paris’ Espadon — delivers meticulously crafted dishes that shine against the stunning Parisian panorama worth its One Star.
15. Pavyllon Paris
Pavyllon is located at the bottom of the Champs-Elysées, the world’s most famous avenue, inside the Pavillon Ledoyen (where you'll also find the eponymous Three-Star restaurant and One-Star L'Abysse), which hides discreetly within an arbored square. When the sun returns, Yannick Alléno’s elegant One-Star establishment transforms into a terrace with a retractable roof, offering a countryside-like ambiance right in the heart of Paris — shielded from the city’s curious eyes
16. Monsieur Bleu at the Palais de Tokyo
At the Palais de Tokyo art space, this Parisian gem boasts an Art Deco interior in shades of grey, green, and gold, and a terrace with sweeping views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. The exquisitely flavorful dishes make this a highly sought-after address for those seeking both culinary excellence and a stunning setting.
Header image: the garden courtyard at the Ritz Paris hotel. © Ritz Paris
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