8 terraces to eat well and enjoy the sun in Paris

in Paris, the art of living often takes place on the terrace - and when it combines an exceptional setting with a refined plate of food, the pleasure is total. Gault&Millau lifts the veil on eight hand-picked addresses where the terrace becomes a veritable destination. Hidden away in a secret courtyard, perched on rooftops with a breathtaking view, shaded by foliage or bathed in sunshine, these Parisian terraces offer a suspended moment, to suit all tastes and budgets. From one-toque establishments to three-toque restaurants, discover our springtime selection where gastronomy rhymes with the great outdoors.

Le Tout-Paris: the terrace with a panoramic view

On the seventh floor of the Cheval Blanc, the terrace of Le Tout-Paris (2 toques) offers a spectacular view of the Left Bank, from the dome of the Invalides to the towers of Notre-Dame. Cosmopolitan and festive, it attracts diners from all over the world to sample Parisian prestige in a joyous atmosphere of multilingual laughter and impeccable service. In this vibrant setting, the meticulous cuisine ofArnaud Donckele, assisted by Maxime Frédéric for desserts, yields nothing to exacting standards, from perfectly executed classic dishes to more audacious creations. A high table where Paris can be contemplated, savored... and shared.

• Where? 8 quai du Louvre, 75001 Paris
• See Gault&Millau's review of Le Tout-Paris, Cheval Blanc

Grandcoeur: a terrace nestled in a listed courtyard

A hidden nest in the Marais district, Grandcoeur (1 toque) seduces diners first and foremost with its vast paved terrace, nestled in a listed courtyard, a stone's throw from the dance studios. In this lively, elegant setting, chef Carmine Cinque serves refined Mediterranean cuisine under the guidance of Mauro Colagreco. Agnolotti del plin with lamb, veal sweetbreads Milanese-style or delicate tiramisu: the dishes are precise, coherent and full of taste. An address where you can take your time, between light and shade, for a gourmet interlude in the heart of Paris.

• Where? 41 rue du Temple, 75004 Paris
• see Gault&Millau's review of Grandcoeur

Apicius: the bucolic terrace

Apicius (3 toques), in an 18th-century mansion, unveils a splendid terrace, a bucolic garden in the heart of Paris. Here, Mathieu Pacaud continues the culinary legacy of Roman epicurean Apicius, offering refined cuisine that blends classicism and creativity. Between the walls steeped in history and the tranquility of its terrace, every meal becomes a timeless voyage, where bourgeois tradition is reinvented in perfect harmony.

• Where? 20 rue d'Artois, 75008 Paris
• See Gault&Millau's review of Apicius

Il Carpaccio: the terrace dolce vita

At the Royal Monceau, the terrace of Il Carpaccio (2 toques) offers a verdant, peaceful setting, a veritable haven of calm in the heart of the palace. Surrounded by gardens, it's the perfect place to savor exceptional Italian cuisine by chefs Oliver Piras and Alessandra Del Favero. Sea bream carpaccio, dill risotto, truffle tagliolini... each dish, blending Italian produce and creativity, is savored here in a unique setting.ativité, is enjoyed here in an elegant atmosphere, where the sound of the water in the pool invites you to relax. A place where luxury is experienced in complete serenity.

• Where? 37 avenue Hoche, 75008 Paris
• See Gault&Millau's review of II Carpaccio - Royal Monceau

Le Grand Véfour: the Palais-Royal terrace

In the gardens of the Palais-Royal, Le Grand Véfour (2 toques) unfurls its emblematic terraces, between shady columns and soothing bamboo. This 18th-century jewel, once the haunt of artists and statesmen, now offers a more relaxed version of its elegant setting. in fine weather, Guy Martin's classic, well-executed cuisine is served in a setting steeped in history, at wise lunch prices. A precious address, where you can taste Paris with softness and light.

• Where? 17 rue de Beaujolais, 75001 Paris
• See Gault&Millau's review of Le Grand Véfour

Il Giardinio: the garden terrace

Hidden in the heart of a private garden, Il Giardino (1 toque) offers one of the most peaceful terraces in Paris, between Japanese bamboo and exotic foliage. In this corner of Italy in the heart of the city, Davide Pecorella offers generous, fresh transalpine bistronomy: grilled octopus, vitello tonnato, gnocchi with clams or elegant tiramisu. A suspended moment, to be savored far from the hustle and bustle, in the hushed elegance of a secret garden.

• Where? 9 rue d'Aguesseau, 75008 Paris
• See Gault&Millau's review of II Giardinio, Les Jardins du Faubourg Hôtel & Spa Shiseido

Espadon: the chicest terrace

Under the trees of the Grand Jardin du Ritz, the terrace of L'Espadon (3 toques) promises enchanting dinners, between refinement and plant poetry. In this soothing, magnificently staged setting, chef Eugénie Béziat brings together the Mediterranean, Africa and haute gastronomy with audacity and subtlety. Each dish tells a sensory story of noble products, sublimated vegetables and unexpected combinations. A rare experience at the crossroads of luxury, exploration and nature in the heart of Place Vendôme.

• Where? 15 place Vendôme, 75001 Paris
• See Gault&Millau's review of Espadon - Ritz Paris

La Villa9Trois: the most exotic terrace

You have to cross the Paris ring road to land in one of the most beautiful gastronomic gardens in the Paris region. in Montreuil, Villa9Trois reopens its splendid terrace nestled in the greenery, for a moment suspended between elegance and relaxation. Under the trees, in the shade of umbrellas, you can savour the refined cuisine of chef Sylvain Grosjean. A chic country retreat just a stone's throw from Paris.

• Where? 71 rue Hoche, 93100 Montreuil
• See Gault&Millau's review of La Villa9Trois