8 terraces to enjoy the sun in Paris

With the arrival of fine weather, Paris is transformed into a veritable paradise for sunny terrace lovers. From the sparkling Seine to the charming cobbled streets, the City of Light offers an idyllic setting for al fresco dining. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner or simply a place to sip a drink with friends, Paris is bursting with terraces ready to satisfy your every whim. Gault&Millau invites you to discover its selection of the eight best restaurant terraces where you can make the most of the Parisian sunshine.

Le Fer à Cheval, the largest terrace

From mid-April to the end of September, Antony Faotto and David Janaud take over the chalet at Le Fer à Cheval on the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, offering guests a vast 400m2 terrace. On the menu? Italian cuisine for sharing, from vitello tonnato to sea bass carpaccio, pasta and risotto, to be enjoyed in the shade of white parasols.

• Where to eat Fer à Cheval, allée du Fer à Cheval, Domaine national de Saint-Cloud, 92210 Saint-Cloud, France
• www.leferacheval-saintcloud.com

DR © Pierre Lucet Penato

Les Petites Mains, the terrace facing the Eiffel Tower

For the fourth year running, Les Petites Mains takes up residence in the gardens of the Palais Galliera, offering fresh, contemporary summer cuisine. This season, the restaurant welcomes new talents: chef Jared Phillips, pastry chef Paloma Laguette and mixologist Vincent Diener, renewing the creative spirit that characterizes the restaurant. Impossible to resist this tempting offer, but above all the breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, legendary emblem of the capital.

• Where to eat? Les Petites Mains, 14 avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris
• www.lespetitesmains.paris

La Réserve Paris, the world's cutest terrace

La Réserve Paris offers gourmet dining in a setting that's both elegant and relaxed. This summer, this chic atmosphere unfolds on the patio with La Pagode de Cos (2 toques), where Jérôme Banctel's summer menu of tartars, carpaccios, salads and grilled fish, set in a lush garden amid giant ferns and palm trees. Good to know: this summer, the bar Le Gaspard also has its own terrace where you can sip a house cocktail.

• Where to find us La Réserve Paris, 42 avenue Gabriel, 75006 Paris
• www.lareserve-paris.com

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Le Rooftop du Brach Paris, the terrace with the best view

Paris's 16th arrondissement takes on a country air thanks to the roof of Brach, transformed into a veritable urban garden. With panoramic views over the capital's rooftops and the majestic Eiffel Tower, this haven of peace also houses a chicken coop and a small vegetable garden, with aromatic herbs, fruit and vegetables. Here, you can sip on a Jérémy Bacquet cocktail or sample country-style dishes before taking a dip in the Norwegian bath!

• Where to go? Brach Paris, 1-7 rue Jean Richepin, 75116 Paris
• www.brachparis.com

Il Giardino, the most bucolic terrace

The Jardins du Faubourg is home to one of the most beautiful terraces in Paris. In the courtyard, hidden from view and the noise of the city, the Italian restaurant Il Giardino (1 toque) takes up its quarters in the sun, amid dozens of exotic plants. Italian chef Davide Pecorella draws inspiration from his origins to offer sea urchin taglioni, meat mezze and his must-try tiramisu. On Sundays, there's even an incredible Italian brunch!

• Where to eat? Les Jardins du Faubourg, Il Giardino restaurant, 9 rue d'Aguesseau, 75008 Paris
• www.jardinsdufaubourg.com

Le Chalet des îles, the waterside terrace

Nestled in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, the "Îles Heureuses" offer a variety of outdoor spaces in a setting imbued with calm, charm and history. For outdoor lunch or dinner, visitors have two options: the vegetable garden tables, designed for a five-course gourmet break with a menu signed Pierre Chomet, or the large outdoor terraces, for a sunny, relaxed moment.

• Where to eat? Le Chalet des îles, Bois de Boulogne, Embarcadère du Chalet des Îles Porte de la Muette Ceinture du lac inférieur, 75016 Paris
• www.chalet-des-iles.com

Cour des Vosges: the most Parisian of terraces

La Terrasse de la Cour des Vosges is set in the heart of a legendary Parisian square. In summer, this shady spot overlooking the garden is the ideal place to enjoy the delights of chef Adam Bentalha, whose menu is inspired by traditional bourgeois cuisine. On the menu: egg mayonnaise, beef tartare and sharing platters, as well as pastries by Meilleur Ouvrier de France Yann Brys.

• Where to eat? La Terrasse Cour des Vosges, 19 place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
• www.courdesvosges.com

Amaluna, the most holistic terrace

Nestled in an organic setting, Amaluna boasts a warm welcome all year round, and one of the largest terraces in Paris. More than just a restaurant, Amaluna is a place to live and gather, an oasis in the heart of the capital with a holistic vision of gastronomy. Here, you can enjoy fresh, colorful, seasonal Mediterranean cuisine with family and friends. A little extra: delicious cocktails and mocktails to sip on all summer long!

• Where to find us Amaluna, 12 esplanade Nathalie Sarraute, 75018 Paris
• www.instagram.com/amalunaparis