Best Rooftop Bars and Lounges for Nightlife in Paris

Paris rooftop bars aren’t just places to drink-they’re where the city’s skyline becomes your backdrop.

You don’t need a ticket to the Eiffel Tower to see Paris at night. Some of the most unforgettable views come from above, where cocktails are served with a side of glittering rooftops, distant church spires, and the slow crawl of Seine river lights. These aren’t tourist traps. These are the spots locals whisper about, where the vibe is relaxed, the music is curated, and the crowd knows how to enjoy the moment without shouting over the bass.

Forget the crowded bars near Montmartre or the overpriced champagne lounges in the 1st arrondissement. The real magic happens on rooftops-hidden, elevated, and designed for lingering. Whether you’re looking for a quiet date spot, a group hang with friends, or just a place to watch the sunset turn the city gold, Paris has a rooftop bar that fits.

Le Perchoir Marais: The Local Favorite

Le Perchoir Marais is the kind of place that feels like you stumbled upon it by accident-even though it’s been on every travel blog since 2018. Tucked above a quiet street in the 3rd arrondissement, this sprawling rooftop has three levels: a garden terrace, a cozy lounge with fire pits, and a raised bar with panoramic views of the Marais district.

The crowd here is mixed-Parisian creatives, expats who’ve lived here five years, and tourists who know better than to show up at 8 p.m. on a Friday. The drinks are simple but well-made: a classic Negroni, a spritz with local Lillet, or their signature Parisian Mule-vodka, ginger beer, lime, and a splash of elderflower syrup. No gimmicks. No neon signs. Just good drinks and better company.

Go at sunset. Bring a jacket. The wind picks up after dark, even in summer. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the moment when the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes at the top of the hour. It’s not loud. It’s not packed. It’s perfect.

Terrasse du Marigny: Where the French Go to Unwind

Right across from the Louvre, tucked into the 8th arrondissement, Terrasse du Marigny feels like a secret. It’s not on most tourist maps. You’ll find it above a boutique hotel, accessible through a quiet courtyard and a narrow staircase. The vibe? Think Parisian summer picnic meets minimalist lounge.

The seating is low, cushioned, and arranged in small clusters-perfect for groups of four or five. The menu focuses on French wines by the glass and small plates: charcuterie boards with duck pâté, roasted almonds with thyme, and delicate cheese tarts. No burgers. No pizza. Just what you’d find in a well-run bistro, but with a view of the Louvre’s glass pyramid glowing under night lights.

It’s open until 2 a.m. on weekends. No cover charge. No dress code beyond "don’t wear flip-flops." Locals come here after dinner, after the theater, after a long day of walking. It’s the kind of place where time slows down. You’ll leave with a full glass, a quiet mind, and a memory of Paris that doesn’t involve selfies.

Skyline Paris: The View That Costs a Little More

If you want the most photographed view in Paris-Eiffel Tower front and center-Skyline Paris delivers. It’s on the 18th floor of the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, just a five-minute walk from the Champ de Mars. The space is sleek, modern, and lit with warm amber lights. The bar is circular, so you can walk around and see the tower from every angle.

Drinks here aren’t cheap. A cocktail runs €18-€25. But you’re paying for the view, not just the gin. Their signature Paris Sky cocktail-gin, chamomile liqueur, lemon, and a touch of honey-is worth it. They also serve small bites: truffle croquettes, smoked salmon blinis, and a cheese plate that changes weekly.

Reservations are a must after 7 p.m. on weekends. Arrive early if you want a table by the railing. The crowd here is more international-business travelers, couples celebrating anniversaries, and people who saved up for this one night. It’s not the cheapest, but if you want to say you had a drink with the Eiffel Tower in your lap, this is where you do it.

Le Perchoir Rue de la Fontaine au Roi: The Hidden Gem

Most people don’t know this one exists. Le Perchoir’s second location, tucked above a quiet street in the 11th arrondissement, feels like a neighborhood secret. The stairs are narrow, the entrance is unmarked, and the vibe is raw-like you’ve been invited to a friend’s rooftop party.

The space is open-air, with string lights, mismatched furniture, and a small stage where local DJs spin jazz, French indie, or classic chanson on weekends. The drinks are affordable-€12 for a craft beer, €14 for a gin and tonic. They serve simple snacks: olives, potato chips with rosemary, and warm croissants in the evening.

This is the spot for people who want to feel like locals. No velvet ropes. No bouncers. No pressure to order expensive drinks. Just good music, cold beer, and a view of Paris that doesn’t include the Eiffel Tower. You’ll see artists, students, and older couples who’ve lived here since the 90s. It’s real. It’s quiet. And it’s one of the most authentic nightlife experiences in the city.

Bar à Vin: The Wine Lover’s Rooftop

Not every rooftop bar needs a view of the Eiffel Tower. Bar à Vin, on the 6th floor of a building in the 14th arrondissement, is all about the wine. It’s a small, intimate space with 30 bottles on the menu-each one from a small French producer you’ve never heard of. The owner, a former sommelier from Burgundy, hand-selects every bottle.

The rooftop terrace is modest-just eight tables, a few benches, and a single bistro umbrella. But the view? A quiet stretch of Paris rooftops, with the Montparnasse Tower in the distance and the scent of fresh bread drifting up from the bakery below.

They offer wine flights-three 100ml pours for €18. Try the 2021 Gamay from the Loire Valley or the 2020 Pinot Noir from Alsace. No cocktails. No food menu beyond a small plate of aged cheese and dried figs. This is for people who want to taste Paris, not just see it.

Go on a Tuesday. The place fills up on weekends. Weeknights are quiet, the staff remembers your name, and the wine flows slowly. It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. But if you’ve ever wanted to understand what French wine culture really feels like, this is your place.

What to Know Before You Go

Paris rooftop bars aren’t like those in New York or Dubai. There’s no VIP section. No bottle service. No cover charge at most places. But there are rules.

• Reservations matter. Even if a place says "walk-ins welcome," show up early or book ahead. Weekend spots fill up by 7 p.m.
• Dress smart-casual. No shorts, no flip-flops, no baseball caps. Parisians notice. You don’t need a suit, but jeans and a nice shirt will get you in.
• Timing is everything. Sunset is prime time. Arrive 30 minutes before to grab the best seat. Nighttime views are better after 9 p.m., when the city lights up.
• Check the weather. Most rooftops are open-air. If it’s raining, they close. No umbrellas, no indoor backup.
• Bring cash. Many places still don’t take cards for small purchases. €20 should cover a couple of drinks and a snack.

And remember: this isn’t about checking off a list. It’s about slowing down. Paris at night isn’t loud. It’s quiet. It’s slow. It’s the kind of place where you sit, sip, and let the city breathe around you.

Frequently Asked Questions