Our top most beautiful terraces in Paris 

© Vincent Leroux

For a leisurely lunch or a romantic drink, it's difficult to choose among the dozens of terraces that claim to be the most beautiful in Paris. Our editorial team presents its true surefire favorites that will never disappoint, offering the epitome of chic where good taste reigns supreme. Get ready to book your spot in the sun!

The venue : Without a doubt, the garden at Le Bristol (the most exquisite palace garden in the capital) embodies French elegance in a highly relaxing atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Paris. It was already stunning. Now it has been further enhanced from the entrance to the chairs by the American fabric editor Schumacher. For Le Jardin Français, Schumacher selected its most beautiful adornments, featuring cottage-inspired floral tapestries and striped cushions reminiscent of the room awnings, further highlighting its great beauty and simultaneously inspiring us with wonderful decorating ideas.

On the menu: Eric Frechon is out, long live Arnaud Faye! The new chef at the Bristol unveils a new menu at Café Antonia: highlights include the ultimate green bean salad, adorned with artichoke and hazelnuts (€49), hand-cut beef tartare with French fries (€59), a generous lobster roll with perfect fries (€75), lobster rigatoni with tomatoes in thyme jus (€49), and the unforgettable grilled bacon club sandwich (€59). Sweet tooths will be tempted by the Peach Melba (€28) or the raspberry and green shiso pavlova (€30).

Café Antonia at the Bristol is open for lunch from 12:00 to 15:30, for afternoon tea from 15:00 to 18:00, and for dinner from 18:00 to 22:30. 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8th.

© Vincent Leroux

The venue: The townhouse of Ralph Lauren's flagship store offers the most elegant terrace in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. With its sublime cobblestone courtyard, fountain, parasols, striped banquettes, and rose bushes, the Instagram-worthy decor (to speak like the Americans) is set, exuding Hamptons vibes that give a taste of vacation and contrast with the interior, which is decorated in a hunting lodge style with a grand fireplace and tartan prints.

On the menu: One always enjoys rediscovering the great classics of chic American cuisine, starting with the Maryland Crab Cake with a delicate crust and mustard-pepper sauce (€38), the iconic Caesar Salad with grilled chicken (€34), or the legendary Ralph's Burger: tomato, lettuce, onion, pickles, cheddar, crispy bacon, Ralph's sauce, and most importantly, garnished with meat straight from Ralph Lauren's own ranch in Colorado (€33). For dessert, indulge in the fabulous vanilla ice cream sundae with caramel popcorn, whipped cream, and hot chocolate sauce (€17), yum !

Ralph's is open every day from 12pm to 4pm and from 7pm to 11pm. Located at 173 boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 6th.

The venue : Watch out for a magical terrace. Just behind the Élysée, the 5-star hotel Les Jardins du Faubourg has been attracting big names in show business since its opening (all fans of the friendly director Jennifer Boccara !), as well as fashion editors and the coolest stars of French cinema. Surprise : its restaurant, renamed Il Giardino, welcomes the new chef Davide Pecorella (formerly of Le George), a Neapolitan passionate about Italian products.

The menu: Very fresh, we start with the Gambero Rosso, tomato gazpacho (€21) and tuna carpaccio with capers and onions (€24). Then we move on to a beautiful beef fillet with roasted eggplants and arugula cream (€40), tagliolini with crustacean butter, langoustine tartare, and lemon jelly (€30), or saffron risotto (€32). To finish, we pair the mango, chocolate, and passion fruit tartlet (€15) with a true Italian-style caffe latte, creamy to perfection.

Les Jardins du Faubourg is open every day from 12:00 to 14:00 for lunch, from 14:00 to 19:00 for snacks, and from 19:00 to 21:30 for dinner. 9 rue d'Aguesseau, Paris 8th.  

© Yann Deret and © Julien Salaneuve

The venue: Head to the Tuileries Gardens, right next to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Monsieur Bleu's team has created the Parisian rendezvous that this stunning wing of the Louvre deserves: a breathtaking decor by Joseph Dirand featuring marble, Saarinen chairs, 60s touches, and Art Deco details, with an incredible view of Paris. You'll encounter the fashionable Parisian crowd and the neo-cocottes who love to see and be seen. It's also a favorite spot for the fashion elite and is often mentioned as the most frequented place during upcoming fashion weeks !

On the menu : Truly delicious high-society fare by Benoît Dargère, catering to all appetites, from dainty eaters to hearty diners. Specifically : calamari fritti (€26) or Sicilian tomato soup with ricotta ravioli, Swiss chard, and spinach (€21), raw violet artichokes with aged parmesan and virgin olive oil (€28), a truffle pizza (€50), or the fabulous veal Milanese alla saltimbocca (€44). For dessert, we love the vanilla cream-filled chouquettes to dip in chocolate (€15) or a large red berry pavlova to share (€45).

Loulou is open every day from 12pm to 2:30pm and from 7pm to 11pm. Located at 107 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1st.

The venue: Saint James is one of the most secretive hotels in Paris, an imposing mansion located on a square in the 16th arrondissement. During lunchtime, its wonderful garden and restaurant are reserved for members of its ultra-private gentlemen's club (politicians, businessmen, actors, etc.). But from 7pm, this hidden castle in the heart of Paris opens its doors to the general public. However, you need to know the secret! What we love is sitting on the terrace facing the pergola, enjoying a fabulous cocktail prepared at the bar, which is nestled in a sublime library worthy of Beauty and the Beast.

On the menu : For an elegant drink that will surely impress your significant other, we particularly enjoyed the Sudachi cocktail (mezcal, Grand Marnier, sudachi juice and oleo, lime, €28) or the sweet and indulgent Fraise (sage-infused vodka, fresh strawberries, elderflower tonic, €26). Pair these with a veal quasi with tonnato sauce (€29) and knife-cut sausage (€48).

Saint James is open to the public for dinner from Monday to Saturday, from 19:30 to 22:00 by reservation, and the bar is open from 19:00 to 23:30. 5 place du Chancelier Adenauer, Paris 16th.

The venue: Calling all lovers of accessible luxury! If you have always dreamed of trying the legendary duck from La Tour d'Argent, you will love La Rôtisserie, the "little brother" of the Michelin-starred restaurant that serves exceptional products in a more affordable version. The highlight? Its terrace that seems to float above the Seine as it is located right on the edge of the bridge facing Île Saint-Louis, with its red and white checkered tablecloths and its always picturesque retro atmosphere.

On the menu : The menu proudly boasts a bold, non-veggie-friendly selection. Starting with appetizers, we have Burgundy snails with garlic and pastis butter (€15 for 6 pieces). Follow this with the half free-range chicken with poultry jus, garlic confit, and mashed potatoes (€32), beef fillet with pepper sauce and matchstick fries (€39), or duck leg with bay leaves, roasted new potatoes, and caramelized onions (€34). Still have room ? The chocolate mousse is magical (€14), as is the Bourbon vanilla crème brûlée (€13).

La Rôtisserie de la Tour d’Argent is open daily from 12:00 to 14:15 and from 19:00 to 22:15. 19 Quai de la Tournelle, Paris 5th.