The 10 best rooftops in Paris to enjoy the Indian summer

To compete with its transatlantic rival, New York, the mistress of rooftops, Paris had to adapt and develop its rooftops. A challenge of considerable size for a city where Haussmann architecture was not designed to occupy the tops of buildings. That said, the result is all the more breathtaking. With views to take your breath away, trendy after-work drinks or a romantic dinner, here’s an overview of the 10 best Parisian rooftops where you can enjoy the last sunny evenings of summer.

Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers: the newest addition

Open for just under a year, the rooftop of the famous Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers has already built an excellent reputation. Located in the heart of the Marais, a sought-after district in central Paris, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the capital. But beware, only around thirty places are available! You will need to book in advance to be among the privileged few who can enjoy the bucolic setting with cream-coloured sofas and original cocktails…

Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers – 243 rue Saint Martin, 75003 Paris

Le Perchoir: the most bohemian

It is not 1, nor 2, but 3 rooftops that the creators of the famous Perchoir have opened over the years. At first, a simple but daring idea: set up a clandestine bar at the top of a building in the 11th arrondissement. Ménilmontant, Hôtel de Ville and Gare de L’Est, three spots have today emerged but always with that half-bohemian, half-chic atmosphere that prevails. Wooden tables and chairs, vegetation in abundance and intimate lanterns, the evenings there are sweet, the music groovy and the dancing de rigueur!

Le Perchoir Ménilmontant – 14 rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris

Le Perchoir Marais – BHV Marais, 33 rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris

Le Perchoir de l’Est – Gare de l’Est, 10 place du 11 novembre 1918, 75010 Paris

Terrass’ Hôtel: the highest

Located on the 7th floor of the hotel, this rooftop offers a majestic 360-degree view of Paris. At the heart of a verdant terrace, parasols and sun loungers sit alongside the tops of Parisian buildings. Far from being overpriced, Terrass’ Hôtel also offers a dining space behind large bay windows. Nestled on the Montmartre hill, it also serves an unlimited Sunday brunch, so you can treat yourself after your traditional Sunday stroll!

Terrass’ Hôtel – 12-14 rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris

Mama Shelter: the coolest

By taking the lift to the top floor of the Mama Shelter, prepare to disconnect completely, all without leaving Paris! Warm hammocks, ping-pong tables, cosy mattresses and coloured lanterns, nothing is left to chance to make you appreciate summer evenings that feel like holidays. This summer, the establishment even organised giant barbecues, to be savoured while watching the stars…

Mama Shelter – 109 rue de Bagnolet, 75020 Paris

Khayma Bar at the Generator: the most eclectic

It is on the 9th floor of the Generator Hostel, a youth hostel with a resolutely design-focused concept, that the Khayma Bar hides, a rooftop still (too) little known. A few steps from the quays of the Canal Saint-Martin, the latter offers a breathtaking view of the Montmartre hill and the Sacré-Cœur. On the menu, signature cocktails, tapas to nibble on in comfortable armchairs and above our heads, the large drawn tent that gives this rooftop an almost Berber feel.

Khayma Bar – Generator Hostel, 9-11 place du Colonel Fabien, 75010 Paris

Le Molitor: the most summery

With a view both of its mythical pool and the surrounding neighbourhood, the roof terrace of Le Molitor has everything right. To have a drink or to eat, all choices are available to you thanks to its 500m2 terrace where it is pleasant to perfect your tan while watching the brave ones doing lengths below. A cocktail at golden hour in this jewel of Art Deco architecture, what could be better?

Le Molitor – 6 avenue de la Porte Molitor, 75016 Paris

Au Top: the most Mediterranean

Available only by reservation, this rooftop that gives pride of place to Mediterranean flavours is none other than the work of Jean-Philippe Nikoghossian, a figure in the restaurant trade in the Marais district. Taking on the appearance of a hidden garden thanks to its multiple plantings, Au Top offers Sunday couscous, all kinds of grilled dishes, sun-ripened vegetables or creamy burrata. As a bonus, the view overlooking Parisian rooftops, worthy of a postcard!

Au Top – 93 rue Vieille du Temple 75003 Paris

Perruche: the most exotic

Nestled on the roof of Printemps Haussmann, Perruche aims to be both a cocktail bar and a restaurant. This rooftop offers no less than 500m2 of panoramic view of the capital with an exotic plant atmosphere. Tables and chairs in chick-yellow tones are scattered throughout this verdant oasis in the heart of Paris. Its creators, 4 figures from the top trendy spots of Parisian life, wanted for Perruche a short menu, carefully selected products, a selection of punchy wines and tailor-made cocktails.

Perruche – Printemps de l’Homme, 2 rue du Havre, 7509 Paris

43 Cocktail Bar: the best view

On the 9th floor of the eco-hotel Holiday Inn Notre-Dame, there exists an exceptional view bringing together the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur and Notre-Dame de Paris… Who would have thought? Southern-style platters and original cocktails await you at the top for an unforgettable evening to begin just before nightfall so you don’t miss a single moment.

43 Cocktail Bar – Holiday Inn Notre-Dame, 4 rue Danton, 75006 Paris

L’Oiseau Blanc: the most elegant

French tradition and excellence are the keywords at L’Oiseau Blanc, the restaurant of the very elegant palace Le Peninsula. Under the glass roof perched in the Paris skyline, gastronomy is in the spotlight and the chef does not hesitate to evolve the menu according to the seasons and his culinary creations. Armchairs and banquettes in leather, dark parquet and decor recalling the world of aviation, this rooftop does nothing like the others: altogether, a terrace roof in the style of a palace!

L’Oiseau Blanc – Le Peninsula Paris, 19 avenue Kléber, 75016 Paris