Parisian rooftops are among the most enjoyable places to view and enjoy Paris.
The City of Love offers impressive views from the top of historical buildings and contemporary floor-to-ceiling breathtaking windows that look out over this beautiful metropolis.
Refreshing, exciting, and an experience you won’t forget: these are the characteristics of the Parisian rooftops.
For a first-time traveler to Paris, you may want to visit the following rooftops, rooftop bars, and restaurants to enjoy the Parisian skyline.
Whether it’s for a romantic dinner, friend gatherings, or just for a glass of wine alone, Parisian rooftops are like a second living room for Parisians.
After reading this article, you’ll know the best rooftops to enjoy that glass of wine and admire the skyline.
Parisian Rooftops
Galeries Lafayette
The Galeries Lafayette is a huge department store located on 40 Boulevard Haussman in central Paris.
The rooftop terrace is ideal for any first-time traveler to Paris to view iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and Palais Garnier and a spectacular view of Paris’s first and ninth arrondissements.
Housing the Cube Bar on the seventh floor of the store allows every traveler to kick up their heels after a long day of sightseeing and relax with a cocktail while enjoying the stunning views of the city below.
During summer, the Cube Bar offers visitors visiting the city delicious and refreshing cocktails, fruit salads, sweet or sour tapas, rillettes, and dips, all made with a contrast of textures and flavors. All to tempt the discerning palate!
Over winter, the Cube becomes known as the Ice Cube and remains open but with a slight change to the menu.
The team of chefs in the restaurant offers unique, delicious foods from the various French regions like fresh oysters, foie gras, etc. They offer visitors a reprieve from the cold with comforting hot drinks.
The Galeries Layafette is also home to one of Paris’s most popular vegan/vegetarian restaurants. The Creature’ Paris with head chef Julian Sebbag serves up hearty, wholesome plant-based meals.
Chef Julian Sebbag is not one to brag about caring for the environment. He has implemented a zero-waste policy in his restaurant, ensuring all diners enjoy a genuinely sustainable meal.
All produce is fresh and sourced locally. Menus are planned around seasonal fruit and vegetable.
Still, undoubtedly you will find a Mediterranean salad combining a variety of colorful vegetables and flavors of freshly baked stuffed focaccia with grilled veggies.
A spectacular feature offered by the Galeries Lafayette is the virtual reality telescope set up on the rooftop of this phenomenon building. You travel back to 1912 to have a peek into life in the early 1900s.
The telescope, an excellent drawcard for kids of all ages, reminds you of past events, architecture, and monuments, all with technologically advanced 3D 360 Deg content.
Address: 7th Floor of Galaries Layafette, Boulevard Haussman
Metro Access: Chaussee d’Antin La Fayatte, metro lines 7 and 9
Ticket: Free entrance
Schedule: Opens at 9:30 am daily
NB: The rooftop terrace may close earlier during in-climate weather.
Arc De Triomphe
If you enjoy the history surrounding a city like me, then the Arc de Triomphe will be right up your alley.
The Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated in 1836 to commemorate all those who fought to defend France amidst the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars.
At the height of 50 meters (164 feet) high, you are sure to enjoy a picturesque view of Paris, which was Napoleon’s intention when he had the Arc commissioned.
The Arc de Triomphe is a great way to view the Parisian skyline, whether visited at night or day.
But to view Paris, the city of Love, at the time of the setting sun is an experience to remember. And you are assured of perfect photos worthy of being posted on any social media platform.
From the Arc de Triomphe, you have panoramic views of Paris. Some of the landmarks you can spot are the Eiffel Tower, Obelisk at Place de la Concorde, Champs-Elysees, and the greater La Defense business district.
The Arc de Triomphe is wide enough to accommodate all who wish to marvel at Paris from up high. And if you are wary of having too many tourists around, there’s nothing to worry about.
Be warned that the walk up to the top is quite strenuous, so be sure to pack your walking shoes.
There are 284 steps to the top with no elevator, but the view from the top is definitely worth it! So, leave your shopping bags at the hotel before undertaking this monument.
Address: Place Charles De Gaulle
Metro Access: George V line 1
Ticket: €13 (free entrance if you are under 26)
Schedule: Open daily from 10 am – 10:30 pm
George Pompidou Centre
When visiting a city so steeped in history, the arts and culture are absolute must-sees for every tourist in the George Pompidou Centre. Located in the center of Paris, the Centre is the home to the National Museum of Modern Art.
The building, designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, is also an ideal place if you want to get a view from a Parisian rooftop.
So when you’re done admiring the exquisite collection of modern and contemporary paintings, go up to the last floor of the Centre to the terrace where you can wind down with cocktails, and a glass of wine, followed by a delicious meal only the French know how to prepare. And take in the spectacular views of the Paris skyline.
You have stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, and Notre Dame from the top terrace.
If you plan to visit the Centre, allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy the French, American and Asian cuisines served at the restaurant. And as an extra treat, live DJs show off their art.
Address: Place Georges-Pompidou
Metro Access: Rambuteau, Line 11 or Hotel de Villes, Lines 1/11
Ticket: €5 (access to only the rooftop)
The entrance to the rooftop is free if you are visiting the museum.
Schedule: From 11 am – 10 pm daily (closed on Tuesdays)
Our Favorite Rooftop Café
There is a wide number of incredible Paris cafés worth checking out, but if you’re looking for one with a view, here’s our top recommendation.
Café Richelieu Angelina
The Café Richelieu is located a short walk from Emperor Napoleon’s 111 apartments and is found in the Richelieu wing of the Louvre Museum on the first floor of this infamous building.
While you enjoy a fortifying cup of tea, which the Angelina café is famous for, you have stunning views of the museum.
The café offers a wide range of cuisine to weary travelers. You can choose from light meals, snacks, or perhaps try their hot chocolate, which this quaint café is well known for.
Address: Palais Royal, Louvre Museum
Metro Access: Palais Royal Louvre Museum, Lines 1 and 7
Tickets: No reservations required. Ticket entrance from Louvre Museum
Schedule: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday open from 10 am to 4:45 pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Wednesday and Friday open from 10 am to 6:30 pm
Paris Rooftop Restaurants
If you want to enjoy the Parisian rooftops in a unique dining experience, we have you covered with some rooftop restaurants for you to try.
L’Oiseau Blanc at Hotel The Peninsula Paris
Located on the 6th floor at the Peninsula Hotel, L’Oiseau Blanc rooftop restaurant pays homage to the French aviation duo of Charles Nungesser and Francois Coli.
They were the first French pilots to attempt a non-stop Trans-Atlantic crossing. A replica of their original aircraft with an eleven-meter wingspan is suspended in the air right outside this stunning rooftop restaurant.
In 2022, L’Oiseau Blanc was awarded two Michelin stars making them a first-class Michelin restaurant.
In this unique setting above Paris’s rooftops, the team at L’Oiseau Blanc offers you a menu to help you discover Chef David Bizets’ signature dishes.
The chef has created dishes using seasonal products with bold flavors that combine the finest products with a few simple ingredients.
Your experience at L’Oiseau Blanc is guaranteed to be memorable while you take in the sights of the Eiffel Tower!
La Suite Girafe
If you are looking for an idyllic restaurant to eat in and admire the Eiffel Tower, Girafes restaurant is the place to go. The Eiffel Tower’s incredible views from here are not to be found in many places around Paris.
Situated on the 9th floor of Cité de l’Architecture and Heritage Centre is one of those places that you must not miss when you travel to Paris.
During the 1930s, this venue was initially once the curator’s apartment that had a private open-air terrace with a panoramic view over Paris. It is now a rooftop restaurant that seats 100 guests for lunch and dinner.
La Suite Girafe, or LSG as commonly known among locals, is famous for its contemporary marine cuisine, including seafood and cooked fish of all shapes and forms.
Address: 1 place du Trocadero, Paris, France
Cuisine styles: Local cuisine, French, Vegetarian friendly.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Features: Reservation, Outdoor seating, Serves cocktails, full bar, Free Wi-Fi, Table Service.
Paris Rooftop Bars
As the days lengthen and warm during summer, there are several rooftop bars where you can meet friends and enjoy a drink while marveling at the specter of Parisian rooftops.
Here are five of the most popular rooftop bars in Paris.
43 Up On The Roof
Rated as one of the top rooftop bars in Paris, 43 Up on the Roof is located on the ninth floor of the Holiday Inn Notre Dame and is just the place for a 360 Degree view of the Paris skyline.
The terrace, covered in lush foliage, has the ambiance of a garden instead of atop a highrise—especially one at the center of a busy city like Paris.
The bar is open every night throughout spring and summer; however, revelers bring their drinks up from the lobby bar during winter.
Although small in size, this unique rooftop bar has a distinct cozy, intimate feel. 43 Up on the Roof, unlike other cocktail bars, is not very large, and numbers are restricted. No reservations are taken, so clientele needs to get there early to find a place at the bar.
However, hotel guests are given first preference, so tourists need to get to the hotel well in advance.
Visit 43 Up on the Roof for the views from way up high that are more impressive than other city high rises like The Space Needle, Tokyo Skytree, or the John Hancock building.
Address: 4 Rue Danton
Metro Access: Saint Michel Notre Dame, Line 4
Tickets: Access to the rooftop from the hotel is free. Privilege is given to hotel residents.
Schedule: Open daily from 7:30 am – 11:30 pm
Rooftop Bar At Terrass Hotel
Situated on the seventh floor of the Terrass Hotel, this rooftop bar offers travelers a spectacular and picturesque sight that it’s worthy of any Instagram post. And no filters are required for this photoshoot!
From this rooftop, patrons of the hotel have an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower, with the Sacre Coeur and the Butte Montmarte a short distance behind.
If you decide to spend a night at this spectacular art décor hotel, they serve a scrumptious breakfast that will leave you content and ready to shop until it fills every chamber of your heart.
Breakfasts are served from 7:30 am onwards, and after a long day of sightseeing, if you decide to relax with a cocktail or glass of chilled wine, the bar is open from noon until midnight daily.
The rooftop bar at the Terrass Hotel has a mixologist who has fine-tuned his craft to such a degree there are 16 varieties of delicious cocktails on the menu.
The rooftop bar is known for its infamous cocktail, “Sacre Francais,” a unique blend of gin, ginger, and lime with a splash of Saint Germain liqueur, giving this cocktail its distinct tangy taste.
Address: 12 – 14 Rue Joseph de Maistre
Metro Access: Abbesses, Line 12
Schedule: Open daily from 12 pm – 12 am
Mama Shelters Paris Rooftop Bar
The Mama Shelter rooftop bar is located on the hotel’s eighth floor. The airy, well-lit bar is the ideal spot to watch the sunset after a long and weary day of sightseeing.
The Mama Shelter in Paris East has retained the coziness and comfort found at other branches spread across the globe.
They cater to the backpacker or weary traveler, offering simple but delicious comfort foods. The décor reflects the hotel line of the chic, laid-back atmosphere.
So, after a long day of wandering about the city, head to the rooftop bar at Mamas Shelter to watch the sun go down on another day, reflect and plan your next move, all while sipping a cocktail, glass of wine, or champagne to congratulate yourself.
Take in the sights of the City of Lights while you enjoy a hearty woodfired pizza. Or, if you are such an inclined, challenge your partner to a game of ping-pong.
Address: 109 Rue de Bagnolet
Metro Access: Gambetta, Line 3
Schedule: Open from Monday – Wednesday from 12 pm – 23:00
Thursday – Saturday from 12:00 am – 12:00 pm
The rooftop bar is closed on Sundays
Skybar Paris Rooftop
We suggest you leave this particular rooftop bar for the final day of your Paris holiday. This rooftop bar will remind you of everything you love about Paris. The sights, sounds, smells, and tastes.
The Skybar rooftop bar is on the 32nd floor of the Pullman Montparnasse hotel.
Standing at a height of 115 meters (377 feet), this impressive building has the highest open-air bar in Paris. If you are looking for something otherworldly, the Skybar rooftop bar is for you.
It is described as catering to those with their head in the clouds, those with dreams so big they have no choice but to come true. If you fall in this category, head to the Skybar rooftop bar.
The lift going up to this magnificent rooftop bar reminds you of the glass lift from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.
While going to the top, you have unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower. You walk across a corridor to get to the open-air bar and catch glimpses of the Parisian skyline.
With Guillaume Guerbois as bar manager and mixologist, you are ensured of drinks with a bit of French finesse, which is different from any other drinks you have tasted thus far.
If you feel adventurous, try their cocktails. They have distinct and very different flavors ranging from silky, light, and tangy with a slight fizz.
The best part of the cocktails at this fabulous bar is that all their drinks are available as non-alcoholic drinks! Try their Asian fusion cuisine with a French twist for flavor and grandeur.
Address: 19 Rue du Commandant Rene’ Mouchotte
Metro Access: M Gaite
Schedule: Open Mondays to Wednesday between 17:00 – 01:00
Thursday to Sunday between 17:00 – 02:00
Café Oz Rooftop East
The Café Oz rooftop bar offers tourists something uniquely different from other bars in Paris. This rooftop bar has a distinctly Oz feel and vibe and can be found on the Roof of the City of Fashion and Design building.
With an outdoor terrace of 600 square meters, every visitor to this rooftop bar has views of the Seine River and the Paris skyline.
With tones of Australia in the décor, this rooftop café’ screams Aussie! From the sand colors to surfboards, and original Auboriginese paintings, Café’ Oz offers wary tourists a taste of Australia.
You will find foods native to an Aussie pub, and beers from Australia and New Zealand are also on offer.
This popular rooftop bar is a great hangout for the younger crowds. So get to it early if you want to chill with them or hang around until after sunsets and party the night away with a different crowd.
Address: 34 Quai d’Austerlitz
Metro Access: Quai de la Gare, Line 5
Schedule: Closing times for this rooftop bar vary. It’s best to see the schedule online before visiting.
Parisian Rooftop Clubs
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to a club. Perhaps to relive a part of your youth or if you want to end your trip to Paris with a bang by dancing the night away. We will give you a shortlist of the best rooftop clubs in Paris.
Wanderlust Rooftop Club
The Wanderlust is located on the rooftop terrace dedicated to Fashion and Design.
At night the terrace transforms into one of the liveliest clubs in Paris, and as of 2012, it has been declared the “place to be!” You can also pass through the Fashion museum.
The open space, thought to be around 1,600 square meters, on the terrace is perfect if you want to party with the locals. What’s better than enjoying great music high above the city and under the stars? Wanderlust indeed!
Entrance into the club is free; however, you should be forewarned the drinks are considered pricy for the average tourist.
Address: 32 Quai d’Austerlitz
Metro Access: Gare d’Austerlitz, Line 5/10
Ticket: entrance into the rooftop club is free
Schedule: 12 pm – 5 am
Debonair Rooftop Club
The Debonair rooftop club, formerly known as Nuba or Communion, is found at the Fashion and Design District Center.
This trendy club of well-dressed patrons is trendy amongst the younger Paris crowd.
The rooftop offers stunning views of Paris. So, why not visit this very hip and trendy club to enjoy the views from this highrise and spend the night on the dance floor with live DJs.
That is a fun and memorable way to bring your Paris holiday to a close.
Note: Debonair Club is now Cafe Oz Rooftop West.
Address: 36 Quai d’Austerlitz
Metro Access: Gare d’Austerlitz, Line 5
Final Thoughts on Parisian Rooftops
Very few city skylines are so enchanting as Paris’. These outdoor spaces are perfect for a drink, photographs, or just taking in the beauty of the French capital.
We hope you enjoy these iconic rooftops and have a wonderful time in Paris!
Did you enjoy learning more about these Parisian rooftops? Then share it with a friend who might enjoy it too!
Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!
Before you leave for France, make sure you have a valid travel insurance policy because accidents happen on the road. We have been paying for Safety Wing travel insurance for a little over a year now, and we happily recommend them to our family and friends.
If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you'll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what was stolen.
Because, for just a couple of dollars a day (depending on how long your policy is for), you're going to get lots of things covered. Be smart and get travel insurance.