Parisians may flock to their holiday homes at the first ray of sunshine, but a new crop of sizzling hot hangouts is turning things around. Pack your flip-flops and get ready to work on your tan: lingering in the city has become simply irrésistible. For cool breezes, Eiffel Tower views and expertly crafted cocktails, head to our favourite sky-high terraces.

  • Best for: A French kiss

    243, rue Saint Martin, 75003

    Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers

    Hidden away on the hotel’s seventh floor, this mini-rooftop is a prime location for a first date. The G&Ts are precision-mixed – though you’ll have to head downstairs for dinner.

  • Best for: Big kids

    109, rue de Bagnolet, 75020

    Mama Shelter

    Summer never ends on the Mama Shelter rooftop, an adult playground with table football, ping-pong, a BBQ and colourful parasols.

  • Best for: Animal lovers

    200 Quai de Valmy, 75010

    Le Top

    Set by the Canal St-Martin, the Point Éphémère’s rooftop opens on fine days. Laze in a deckchair and let Animal Kitchen keep the tapas coming.

  • Best for: Belting tunes

    2, place du Maquis du Vercors, 75020

    Sur Le Toit

    It’s not the most central, but this lo-fi address in eastern Paris has plenty to recommend it. Drop by for DJs, karaoke nights, Neapolitan pizza and €10 cocktails – not bad for a rooftop.

  • Best for: Bragging rights

    6, avenue de la Porte Molitor, 75016

    Rooftop of the Piscine Molitor

    A real summer’s garden, perched on high. Enjoy an upscale lunch while admiring the superb view of this très chic establishment’s pool (booking required).

Image credits: © Terrass Hotel; © Terrass Hotel; © Jérôme Galland; © Mama Shelter; © Jérôme Brody; © Chloe Vollmer Lo; © Sebastien Giraud