A hanging garden or urban cocoon, rooftop terraces have the power to extend vacations or give a foretaste of them, with a chat, a dance, a drink or more.
La Bellevilloise, for calm and exoticism
Of course, the address is well-known. And news of the rooftop’s opening quickly spread around the capital. After a good decade of work and major investment, La Bellevilloise has given itself a 580-square-metre roof terrace, designed as a hanging garden, with seating for around 200. The decor is a success, with a vintage fountain and a huge map of the world amidst Moroccan tables, plants in huge pots and colorful cushions. This rooftop is for relaxing and chatting, not dancing (to avoid neighborhood problems, there’s no music). The barman’s creations are on the cocktail menu (with alcohol €14, without €11) and he will enthusiastically explain them. Peanut butter and whisky, pistachio and ouzo or tequila and hibiscus. On the food side are nibbles, homemade ice creams and Liège waffles. Those with foresight will be happy they made reservations. Needless to say, the view over Paris is breathtaking!
Le Toit de La Bellevilloise, 19-21, Rue Boyer, Paris 20th arrondissement. Open weekdays from 4 pm to midnight, weekends from 3 pm to midnight.
Laho, for the breathtaking view
At a height of 60 meters, this rooftop almost makes you feel like the pensioner in the cartoon Up, so impressive is the lofty altitude. Not to mention the 360-degree view of the River Seine, the back of Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse, the Sacré-Cœur on the right and La Défense in the background. If you want to enjoy the music and dance, settle in by the clock at the Gare de Lyon. The rest of the roof terrace is rather quiet. Special mention must go to the gazebo, the most pleasant spot. On the menu, all the cocktails are in-house creations (€15). To eat, savory platters rise to €29, but are generous in quantity. Reservations are not possible, so we advise you to arrive either when the restaurant opens at 6 pm, or around 8.30 or 10 pm. Admission is free during the week, but a charge is made at weekends for DJ evenings: Afrobeat on Friday nights and commercial electro on Saturday nights.
Laho, 5-9, Rue Van-Gogh, Paris 12th arrondissement. Open late April to late September, 6 pm to midnight.
Maggie Rooftop, for an intimate moment
While the Pigalle district teems with people, the Hôtel Rochechouart, on the eponymous boulevard, offers a quieter, airier alternative. On the ninth floor of this establishment with its Art Deco façade is the Maggie rooftop, where you can enjoy lunch in the sun and/or a drink in the evening. It is a pocket-sized terrace, as its surface area of around 100 square meters makes it an intimate and exclusive spot. And green too, thanks to the many plants between the tables. What dazzles? The view, of course! You can almost touch the Sacré-Coeur. The lunch menu offers a limited choice of seasonal starters, main courses and desserts. In the evening, cocktails range from €15 to €19. The Spicy Maggie, with gin, hibiscus and chili pepper, is a must-try. For tapas, which are a little out of the ordinary, expect to pay between €12 and €19. While reservations are advised for lunch, they are not accepted for evening service. You would be well advised to arrive before 7 pm for an aperitif.
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