Paris rooftop bars aren’t just places to drink-they’re where the city’s skyline becomes your backdrop.
If you’ve ever stood on a balcony in Montmartre watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at dusk, you know Paris doesn’t just have views-it has experiences. Rooftop bars in Paris take that magic and add cocktails, basslines, and the hum of a city that never sleeps. But not all rooftops are made equal. Some are packed with tourists, others feel like secret clubs, and a few actually make you forget you’re in a metropolis.
Le Perchoir Rue des Martyrs: The Local Favorite
Forget the postcard spots. If you want to sip a gin tonic where Parisians actually go, head to Le Perchoir Rue des Martyrs. Tucked into the 18th arrondissement, this place feels like a hidden garden suspended above the street. The mix of wooden decks, string lights, and mismatched furniture gives it a bohemian vibe that’s rare in the city’s upscale scene. You won’t find a menu with 50 cocktails here-just 12 well-crafted ones, including their signature Perchoir Sour with local apple brandy. The real draw? The view of Montmartre’s rooftops and the distant glow of Sacré-Cœur. It’s not fancy, but it’s real. And on a Friday night, the crowd is mostly locals, not selfie sticks.
Le Ciel de Paris: The View That Costs More
For those who want to pay for the best view in town, Le Ciel de Paris sits on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower. This isn’t a casual spot-it’s a destination. The glass walls give you a 360-degree panorama of Paris, and at night, the city lights stretch out like a glittering circuit board. Cocktails here start at €22, and the menu leans into classic French elegance: a perfectly balanced Negroni, champagne by the glass, and a cheese board that rivals any bistro in the Marais. It’s not cheap, but if you’re celebrating something, this is the spot. The dress code is smart casual-no sneakers, no hoodies. And yes, you’ll need a reservation. Walk-ins rarely get a seat after 8 PM.
Terrass’Hôtel: The Secret Garden Rooftop
Hidden inside a boutique hotel in the 16th arrondissement, Terrass’Hôtel feels like you’ve stumbled into a private villa in the south of France. The rooftop is lush with greenery, potted olive trees, and a small infinity pool that blends into the horizon. The vibe is chill, not clubby. You’ll hear soft jazz, not EDM. The cocktails are made with French spirits you’ve never heard of-like calvados from Normandy or rhum agricole from Martinique. Their Parisian Sunset (gin, elderflower, blood orange) is the drink of choice for those who want to linger. It’s quiet enough to talk, but stylish enough to feel like you’re in the know. Most visitors don’t even know it exists. That’s the point.
Le Bar à Vin: Where Wine Rules the Rooftop
Not every rooftop needs a DJ. At Le Bar à Vin, tucked into the 11th arrondissement, wine is the star. The owner, a former sommelier from Burgundy, curates 80+ bottles by the glass, all from small French producers you won’t find in supermarkets. The rooftop terrace is small-only 15 tables-but it’s the best place in Paris to taste natural wine with a view of the Canal Saint-Martin. Order the Assiette de Fromage (a rotating selection of artisanal cheeses) and pair it with a glass of Gamay from the Loire. No cocktails. No neon signs. Just wine, cheese, and the sound of boats drifting past. It’s the anti-rooftop bar-and that’s why it’s packed every weekend.
La Terrasse: The Classic with a Twist
La Terrasse, on the rooftop of the Le Royal Monceau hotel, has been a fixture since the 1990s. It’s where celebrities used to sip champagne in the 2000s, and it still holds its own. The space is modern, with white leather loungers and a glass-enclosed bar that glows like a lantern at night. The menu blends French classics with global influences: truffle-infused gin, saffron mojitos, and a foie gras tartare that’s worth the €28 price tag. The real secret? The service. Staff remember your name, your drink, and whether you like your olives stuffed or plain. It’s polished, but not stiff. The crowd is a mix of well-dressed locals and international guests who know luxury when they see it. Come before 9 PM to snag a corner table with a view of the Arc de Triomphe.
What to Expect: Dress Code, Prices, and Timing
Parisian rooftop bars don’t operate like American ones. There’s no happy hour. No $5 drafts. And no one’s going to let you in in flip-flops. Most places have a smart-casual dress code-think jeans with a nice shirt, or a dress with heels. Shorts and athletic wear? You’ll get a polite no.
Prices range from €18 to €30 per cocktail. Champagne starts at €15 a glass. Food is extra, and it’s not cheap-think €15-€25 for small plates. But you’re not paying for the drink. You’re paying for the view, the mood, and the moment.
Timing matters. Arrive before 8 PM if you want a good seat. After 9 PM, the crowds swell and the music gets louder. Weekends are packed. Weeknights? You might have the whole terrace to yourself. And if you’re looking for a late-night vibe, most places close by 1 AM. Paris doesn’t do 3 AM bars-unless you’re in the 10th or 11th, where clubs take over.
How to Pick the Right Rooftop for You
- If you want local vibes: Go to Le Perchoir Rue des Martyrs.
- If you want the ultimate view: Book Le Ciel de Paris.
- If you want quiet and elegance: Terrass’Hôtel is your spot.
- If you want wine and calm: Le Bar à Vin won’t disappoint.
- If you want luxury and service: La Terrasse delivers.
Don’t just pick the most Instagrammed one. Pick the one that matches your night. Are you here to talk? To dance? To sip slowly and watch the lights come on? Paris has a rooftop for every mood.
Pro Tip: Book Ahead, Even If You’re Not Fancy
Don’t show up expecting to walk in. Even the more casual spots like Le Perchoir take reservations. Use TheFork or Resy. If you’re traveling and don’t have time, call directly. Most places have an English-speaking staff. And if you’re flexible, ask for a table at 7 PM or 11 PM-those are the quietest slots.
What’s Missing? The Rooftop You Won’t Find on Google
There’s a rooftop bar above a bookstore in the 5th arrondissement that only opens for private events. A hidden terrace on Rue de la Roquette that serves absinthe cocktails under fairy lights. These places don’t advertise. They’re passed by word of mouth. If you’re lucky, a bartender will whisper the address after your third drink. That’s the real Paris nightlife-unlisted, unexpected, unforgettable.
Are Paris rooftop bars expensive?
Yes, most rooftop bars in Paris charge €18-€30 per cocktail, with champagne and food costing extra. But you’re paying for the view and the atmosphere, not just the drink. If you’re on a budget, go for wine by the glass at Le Bar à Vin or visit during early evening hours when prices are lower.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Always. Even casual spots like Le Perchoir take bookings, especially on weekends. Walk-ins are rare after 8 PM. Use TheFork, Resy, or call directly. Most places respond to English inquiries.
What’s the dress code for Paris rooftop bars?
Smart casual. No shorts, flip-flops, or athletic wear. Think jeans with a nice top, a dress, or a blazer. Some places like Le Ciel de Paris enforce it strictly. Others, like Le Bar à Vin, are more relaxed-but you’ll stand out if you look too casual.
When do Paris rooftop bars close?
Most close by 1 AM. Some stay open until 2 AM on weekends, but you won’t find late-night parties like in Berlin or Ibiza. Paris nightlife shifts to clubs after midnight, and rooftops are for sipping, not dancing until dawn.
Which rooftop bar has the best view of the Eiffel Tower?
Le Ciel de Paris offers the clearest, most unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower. La Terrasse also has a partial view, especially from the west-facing side. Le Perchoir and Terrass’Hôtel don’t show the tower directly, but they give you beautiful cityscapes that feel just as magical.
Next Steps: How to Plan Your Night
Start by picking your vibe. Do you want to be seen? Or disappear into the night? Then pick your spot based on that. Book a table at least 3 days ahead. Arrive 15 minutes early to settle in. Order one cocktail, then let the night guide you. Paris doesn’t rush. Neither should you.
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