Paris rooftop bars aren’t just places to drink-they’re where the city lights up after dark.
If you’ve ever walked past a glowing terrace high above the Seine, with jazz drifting down and the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the distance, you know why rooftop bars in Paris are legendary. This isn’t about fancy cocktails alone-it’s about the view, the vibe, and the feeling that you’re part of something special. And in 2025, the scene is sharper than ever. New openings, upgraded interiors, and a focus on local ingredients have turned these spaces into must-visits for anyone serious about Paris nightlife.
Le Perchoir Rue des Martyrs: The Local Favorite
Forget the tourist traps. Le Perchoir Rue des Martyrs, tucked into the 18th arrondissement, is where Parisians go when they want real atmosphere without the price tag. The terrace wraps around a converted warehouse, with mismatched armchairs, string lights, and a view that stretches from Montmartre to the Sacré-Cœur. They serve craft beers brewed in nearby Belleville and cocktails made with French herbs like thyme and verbena. No one here is dressed up. Everyone’s laughing. The crowd? Artists, students, expats who’ve lived here five years, and tourists who found it by accident-and never left.
Sky Bar at Le Meurice: Luxury with a View
If you’re looking for elegance, Sky Bar at Le Meurice delivers. Perched above the historic hotel near the Tuileries Garden, this is where champagne flows and the martinis are stirred, not shaken. The bar’s glass ceiling opens to the night sky, and the city lights below look like scattered diamonds. Their signature drink, the Parisian Sunset, blends Cointreau, blood orange, and a hint of rosemary. It’s not cheap-a cocktail runs €22-but you’re paying for the silence between the clinks, the way the lights of the Louvre glow through the mist, and the fact that you’re sipping in a room that once hosted Coco Chanel.
La Terrasse at Le Royal Monceau: Where Fashion Meets the Stars
Step into La Terrasse and you’re in a scene from a fashion magazine. The rooftop here is all white loungers, olive trees in oversized pots, and a pool that reflects the sky like a mirror. It’s owned by the Raffles group, and the crowd reflects that: models, designers, and international guests who treat this as a private club. The DJ plays deep house and French indie, and the bar serves small plates like truffle croquettes and smoked salmon tartare. You won’t find a menu here-staff ask what you’re in the mood for, then craft something unexpected. Don’t come for a quick drink. Come to be seen, or to disappear quietly into the night.
Bar à Vin: The Hidden Gem You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Most rooftop bars in Paris are loud. Bar à Vin is the quiet one. Located on the top floor of a 19th-century building in the Marais, it’s unmarked, with no sign, just a single lantern glowing above the door. Inside, the space is all wood beams, vintage books, and a long bar stocked with 80+ French wines by the glass. The owner, a former sommelier from Bordeaux, pours natural wines you’ve never heard of-like a crisp Gamay from the Loire or a bold Syrah from the southern Rhône. They don’t serve cocktails. They serve stories. Ask for the "Wine of the Night," and they’ll tell you why it’s special. This isn’t Instagram bait. It’s for people who want to taste Paris, not just photograph it.
Le Perchoir Marais: The Social Hub
Open since 2015, Le Perchoir Marais is the original and still the most lively. It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends by midnight. The terrace is split into three levels, with fire pits, hanging plants, and a DJ booth that doesn’t blast music-just keeps the rhythm low enough to talk over. Their mojitos are made with house-made mint syrup, and the tapas-think duck confit sliders and charcuterie boards-are perfect for sharing. On weekends, the line snakes down the street, but the wait’s worth it. Come early if you want a seat. Come late if you want to dance barefoot on the rooftop under the stars.
What Makes a Great Rooftop Bar in Paris?
Not all rooftop bars are created equal. The best ones in Paris share a few things:
- Views that matter: The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, or the Seine at dusk. If you can’t see the city’s soul from your seat, it’s not worth it.
- Authentic drinks: No more generic mojitos. Look for local spirits, French vermouths, and cocktails made with seasonal fruit like mirabelle plums or blackcurrants.
- Atmosphere over aesthetics: A minimalist space with good lighting beats a neon-lit club with no personality.
- Local energy: If the staff know your name by the third visit, you’re in the right place.
When to Go and How to Avoid the Crowds
Paris rooftop bars are busiest on Friday and Saturday nights, especially between 9 PM and midnight. If you want to avoid the rush:
- Go on a weekday-Tuesday or Wednesday nights are quiet and relaxed.
- Arrive before 8 PM. You’ll get the best seats and often a welcome drink on the house.
- Book ahead. Even the most casual spots like Le Perchoir now take reservations via their websites.
- Check the weather. Paris in November can be chilly. Bring a jacket. Some rooftops have heaters, but not all.
What to Order
Don’t just grab the first cocktail on the menu. Here’s what to try instead:
- French 75: Gin, lemon, sugar, and champagne. Classic. Crisp. Perfect for watching the sunset.
- Champagne cocktail with a twist: Add a drop of elderflower liqueur or a splash of pomegranate juice.
- Local wine: Ask for a glass of Crémant de Loire or a red from Cahors. They’re affordable and delicious.
- Non-alcoholic options: Many bars now offer house-made shrubs (fruit-vinegar syrups) or lavender lemonade. You don’t need alcohol to enjoy the view.
How Rooftop Bars Are Changing in 2025
Paris rooftop bars are evolving. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword-it’s a standard. Many now use compostable straws, source ingredients from local farms, and serve drinks in reusable glassware. Some, like Le Perchoir, even host monthly events with local musicians and artists. The focus has shifted from being a place to show off to being a place to connect. You’ll find more people talking than taking selfies. More laughter than loud music. More wine lists than cocktail menus. That’s the new Paris nightlife.
Final Tip: Don’t Just Chase the View
The best rooftop bar in Paris isn’t the one with the tallest tower or the most Instagram likes. It’s the one where you forget to check your phone. Where the conversation flows, the air smells like rain and jasmine, and you don’t want to leave. That’s the real magic. So go early. Sit back. Watch the city breathe. And let the night surprise you.
Are Paris rooftop bars open in November?
Yes, most rooftop bars in Paris stay open through November, especially the popular ones like Le Perchoir and Sky Bar. Some may reduce seating or add heaters, but the views are still worth it. Check their websites for seasonal hours-some close earlier in winter.
Do I need to make a reservation?
For top spots like Le Royal Monceau, Sky Bar, or Le Perchoir Marais, yes. Even casual places like Le Perchoir Rue des Martyrs now accept reservations online. Walk-ins are possible on weekdays, but you’ll wait longer on weekends.
What’s the dress code for Paris rooftop bars?
It varies. Sky Bar and Le Royal Monceau lean toward smart casual-no shorts, flip-flops, or sportswear. Le Perchoir spots are relaxed-you can wear jeans and a nice top. When in doubt, dress slightly nicer than you think you need to. Parisians notice details.
Can I bring a group to a rooftop bar?
Most rooftop bars welcome groups, but large parties (6+ people) usually need to book ahead. Some have private areas or reserved sections. Call ahead or check their website for group policies.
Are rooftop bars in Paris expensive?
Prices range from €12 for a beer at Le Perchoir Rue des Martyrs to €25+ for cocktails at luxury spots like Sky Bar. Wine by the glass starts around €10. You can enjoy a great night without breaking the bank-just avoid the tourist-heavy rooftops near the Eiffel Tower.
Which rooftop bar has the best view of the Eiffel Tower?
Sky Bar at Le Meurice and Le Perchoir Marais both offer clear, unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower, especially after dark when it sparkles. Le Perchoir Rue des Martyrs has a slightly distant but still magical view from the north side of the city.
