A blazing sun and scorching sidewalks. Paris in the midst of a heatwave is an ordeal, unless you know where to find refuge. And paradoxically, it's often outdoors that you find the best remedy: a well-situated terrace, a cool drink within reach, and the feeling that the heat, ultimately, can be pleasant. Here's our selection of places to linger when the city is overheating.
Maison Roland plays the secrecy card. Nestled in the gardens of the Shangri-La Paris on Avenue d'Iéna, this restaurant occupies the former residence of Roland de Bonaparte. The atmosphere is that of a palace garden, preserved from the bustle of the 16th century. On the menu, you'll find classic French bistro dishes revisited with care: hanger steak with pepper sauce, grilled sea bass, lobster prepared three ways, and desserts that bring the meal to a perfect close: chocolate mousse, Madagascar vanilla caramel cream, or strawberry sundae.
10 Avenue d'Iéna, 16th arrondissement
Le Grand Café has established itself as one of the most spectacular openings of the summer. Located beneath the columns of the Grand Palais, and spearheaded by the Loulou group and chef Benoît Dargère, its terrace, adorned with giant plants designed by florist Thierry Boutemy, exudes a breathtaking elegance. The Belle Époque spirit blends seamlessly with generous brasserie cuisine: a seafood bar laden with oysters and langoustines, deviled eggs with bottarga, sole, steak tartare with crispy fries. To finish, a banana split or cream puffs to dip in chocolate.
Rotonde Clemenceau, 1 place Clemenceau, 8th arrondissement
Ralph's on the Left Bank is a different story altogether. Tucked away in one of Saint-Germain's prettiest courtyards, the terrace of Ralph Lauren's restaurant features blue banquettes and wrought-iron furniture surrounded by greenery. The menu is decidedly American: burgers, grilled lobster, New York-style steaks, and this summer, new salads and a completely revamped cocktail menu. The perfect spot for a cool lunch break without leaving Paris.
173 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 6th arrondissement
Loulou, in the heart of the Tuileries Gardens, is perhaps the quintessential Parisian terrace. Tucked between the Louvre Pyramid and the Place de la Concorde, facing the gardens designed by Le Nôtre, it offers a perfectly executed Italian menu: pizza with summer truffles, gambero rosso carpaccio, spaghetti with raw tuna and lemon. All washed down with reimagined bellinis or refreshing spritzes. It's hard to get more Parisian than this.
107 Rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement
The Hôtel Particulier in Montmartre is a truly unique address. The smallest hotel in Paris boasts a leafy terrace adorned with lanterns and overflowing with greenery, which comes alive throughout the day: from lunch to dinner, including afternoon tea and aperitivo . The cuisine celebrates classic French dishes, such as sole and scallop carpaccio, in an intimate setting sheltered from the city's hustle and bustle.
23 Av. Junot, 18th arrondissement
Laurent is an institution that deserves a visit. A former guinguette (a type of informal, open-air café) transformed into a gastronomic restaurant, now owned by Laurent de Gourcuff and Michelin-starred chef Mathieu Pacaud, the establishment boasts a new décor designed by Cordelia de Castellane and, most notably, a beautiful tree-lined terrace in the gardens of the Champs-Élysées. The menu pays homage to great Parisian classics: croque-monsieur with truffles, asparagus with caviar, sole meunière with buckwheat butter, and the selection of homemade pastries, including a must-try strawberry cake, provides an elegant finale to the meal.
41 avenue Gabriel, 8th arrondissement
Saint James is the discovery of the season. Newly reopened and decorated by Laura Gonzalez, Paris's only château-hotel conceals a summer terrace surrounded by Japanese maples, roses, and hydrangeas. Guests can settle in under a pergola, facing the mosaics and Greek-inspired textiles that adorn the ceiling. A discreet and precious spot, away from the summer bustle.
5 Place du Chancelier Adenauer, 16th arrondissement
Girafe is the place for those who want to dine with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. Located in the heart of the Cité de l'Architecture, the restaurant, owned by the duo Gilles Malafosse and Laurent de Gourcuff, with décor by Joseph Dirand, boasts a refined 30s atmosphere and seafood cuisine helmed by chef Benoît Dargère. Ceviche, carpaccio, lobster, sole, turbot: everything revolves around seafood, prepared according to the day's catch.
1 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 16th arrondissement
La Plage Parisienne, on the Beaugrenelle quays, offers a complete change of scenery. Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the terrace overlooks the Seine in a colorful setting that almost makes you forget you're in Paris. The menu also embraces seafood: sea bream ceviche with yuzu, oysters, linguine with crab, before finishing with a tarte tatin or vanilla rice pudding.
Port de Javel Haut, 75015 Paris
Finally, Bambini is the most festive terrace in this selection. Located on the plaza of the Palais de Tokyo, it offers a direct view of the Eiffel Tower and a decidedly Italian and sunny atmosphere, thanks to Laurent de Gourcuff and Romain Taieb. The ambiance is that of a modern and refined osteria, festive and carefree, where people gather for a vibrant aperitivo . On the menu, the food pays homage to Italy in all its generosity: arancini, wood-fired pizzas, rigatoni with stracciatella tomatoes, lemon linguine, and tuna tartare. And to finish, bombini , small Neapolitan doughnuts served warm, or a tiramisu to share. Spritz, sunset, and the Eiffel Tower: the recipe is irresistible.
Palais de Tokyo, 13 Avenue du Président Wilson, 16th arrondissement
Finally, the Parisian heatwave forces us to slow down, seek shade, and settle down somewhere proper. And Paris, in moments like these, reveals its most beautiful spots. From Ralph Lauren's secret courtyard to the Shangri-La gardens, and the sun terrace of the Palais de Tokyo, the city knows how to be welcoming when you know where to look. All that's left is to book.
