Photo by Loulou
Welcome to our new monthly series: MFCH Staff Favorites!
Every month, the members of the My French Country Home team will share a recommendation for their favorite thing in France right now. With the sunny season afoot, we thought there would be no better way to kick off this series than with our favorite terraces in Paris!
SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE
Read on for our top suggestions of the best places to eat, people-watch, and soak up the sun around the City of Light this summer.
Filakia Petit Café d’Athènes
Suggested by Sarah, MFCH Subscription Box & Boutique Manager
9 Rue Mandar, 75002
One of my favorite terraces in Paris for top-tier people-watching and delicious food is Filakia, Petit Café d’Athènes, right in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement. It sits on a lively street where there’s always something to see. The outdoor seating is perfect for settling in and letting the energy of the city pass you by. The vibe is relaxed, the interior is stunning, and the food? Bright, fresh, and made for sharing. I like to order a mix of small plates, with the halloumi fries and tzatziki always at the top of my list, paired with a chilled bottle of white wine. It’s a little taste of Athens with a Parisian rhythm. Casual, delicious, and always a good time.
Le Grand Café
Suggested by Sharon, MFCH Founder & Editor-in-Chief
1 place Clemenceau, 75008
Newly opened in June this year, le Grand Café is perfection. An integral part of the Grand Palais, their spectacular terrace is all about architecture and design, with some great people-watching thrown in for good measure. Service comes with a big smile, and their food is good. Start with a cocktail, then enjoy a generous salad, or one of their great fish dishes. Perfect for the summer. Be sure to book in advance, this is a popular address!
Ora Farmhouse
Suggested by Nicola, MFCH Magazine Writer & Editor
63 Rue Manin, 75019
I recently moved a short walk away from Les Buttes de Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement. This former gypsum quarry was transformed in the 1860s into a glorious urban oasis, of rolling hills, babbling streams and – in summer – one of the most enchanting terraces in Paris: Ora Farmhouse. Surrounded by greenery and serenaded by birdsong, once ensconced at the rustic wooden tables, be prepared to lose yourself for a moment before turning to Ora’s inviting menu of refreshing cocktails and “flexitarian” locavore fare. The interior, originally one of the park’s ornamental pavilions, was transformed by Cordelia de Castellane in 2024 and features her signature blend of botanical motifs, vibrant color and French country charm.
Le Sancerre
Suggested by Maddy, MFCH Magazine Writer & Editor
87 Rue des Archives, 75003
After a day shopping in the Marais, few places beat Le Sancerre for a refreshing pause — crisp glass of wine and complementary nibble in hand. Rue de Bretagne is lined with popular bars, but this one tends to pull a more local crowd, and a table for two, tucked under the Art-Deco awning, always seems to appear, as if on cue. It might just offer the best view on the street: facing the leafy Square du Temple, where the endlessly stylish come and go like models on an unspoken runway.
Loulou
Suggested by Alizée, MFCH Travel Manager
107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
Loulou is one of my favorite terraces in Paris. It’s right by the Louvre, and the view is honestly one of the best. You can see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Pyramid, and the gardens all at once. I love going there on a sunny day, especially for lunch or early drinks. The vibe is relaxed but chic, and the space is just beautiful. The food has a Mediterranean feel, everything is fresh and light, and the service is always lovely. It’s the kind of place where you can sit for hours, just enjoying the view and watching the city go by.
Kind Yoga
Suggested by Jessy, MFCH Customer Service Coordinator
41 rue Beauregard 75002
Kind Yoga isn’t really just a yoga studio. It’s a hidden gem and an excellent, quiet coffee shop perfect for people-watching. Minimalist architectural design meets maximalist flavor in small bites and beverages. Take your pick from specialty lattes, organic juices, herbal teas, and healthy smoothies. I would say this is the perfect spot for a classic cappuccino or an iced latte. Located just steps from the historic Porte Saint-Denis, this Paris café with a terrace offers a calm retreat from the city’s quick pace. On grey days, you can find a crowd of locals inside, but when the sun is out, the terrace is a calm hideaway overlooking Place Saint-Denis.
Le A Café Restaurant Bar chez la Fondation Azzedine Alaïa
Suggested by Avery, MFCH Social Media Specialist
18 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004
Paris has plenty of courtyard cafes and terraces, but the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa holds a certain charm and ambiance that is quite unique. The unassuming façade on Rue de la Verrerie in le Marais opens to an oasis of inspiration. The space was originally purchased by the famed Franco-Tunisian couturier in the 90s to be his live-in atelier. He was known to always have people around for long nights at his table, where after he’d retire to his studio all night to work until the morning. Upstairs, his preserved atelier and regular exhibitions showcase pieces from his archive and beyond. In the courtyard, an industrial-chic meeting ground complete with a resto/cafe, art installations and books make this the ideal spot to catch a peaceful moment, refuel in between shopping, or get into some creative work.
Café Delmas
Suggested by Olivia, MFCH Brand Strategist, Writer, & Editor
2 Place de la Contrescarpe, 75005
As someone who’s often on the move, there’s nothing quite like coming home to my cozy little corner of Paris. No matter how far I roam, I always find myself returning to Café Delmas – a quintessential Parisian brasserie with nonstop service and a sprawling terrace overlooking the fountain at the center of Place de la Contrescarpe. In the heart of the historic Latin Quarter, it’s a place where cobblestone streets and centuries-old façades set the scene for a truly timeless experience. Perfect for a relaxed pause café (coffee break) or a lively apéritif, this neighborhood favorite fully captures the essence of la vie Parisienne (the Parisian lifestyle). The food is reliably good, but it’s the warm, convivial atmosphere that keeps me coming back.
We hope these terraces in Paris have inspired you for your next trip! Check back next month for another roundup of our French favorites.