The great outdoors: best pavement cafés in Paris
Pavement cafés and outdoor seating is somewhat of an institution in Paris. From cobbled streets and deck-chairs, to fancy French courtyards, unless it’s raining there will always be an excuse to sit outside and watch the world go by. Take a tour of Paris and discover the best outdoor cafés in the city. Try a café au lait or un verre de vin at our favourite local gems and posh pit stops. Make the effort to experience a bit of Paris from the pavement and you’ll fall in love with the city and its café culture from a unique perspective. Café Marly 93 rue de Rivoli, 1er One of the more expensive establishments, you’re paying for Café Marly’s picture-perfect location, smack-bang in front of the iconic Louvre Museum and its glass pyramid. Expect impeccable service and the ultimate chic as you sip on something bubbly amidst the splendour of Napoleon III architecture. La Palette 43 Rue de Seine, 6e Imagine what you think a traditional Parisian café bar should look like: La Palette is it. With an unmissable local bohemian vibe it’s complete with round tables and wicker chairs that spill out onto the pavement. Tuck into a croque monsieur or even caviar if you’re feeling fancy and absorb the Parisian atmosphere. Ô Paris 1 Rue des Envierges Take a trip back in time to everything art-deco and indulge in some decadence among the art students who frequent their Beaux Arts uni just around the corner. Once the hot spot for Picasso and Ernest Hemmingway its quirky Parisian vibe is so infectious you’ll find yourself wishing it was your local. Le Brébant 32 boulevard Poissonnière, 9e The ultimate outdoor establishment, this pavement pit stop on the Grands Boulevards is a hot-spot for locals and true Parisians. Open around the clock it’s the perfect place to go for your morning coffee, or a bite to eat after your night out. We recommend you taste one of their expertly made cocktails for a post-shopping treat, too. Bar Ourcq 68 quai de Loire, 19e Think of an urbanised Riviera-meets-seaside-resort, this café on the bank of the Seine is a great place to go in the summer to catch a bit of sun and relax with a cool beer. It’s a quieter alternative to other parts of the Seine and the Canal Saint Martin and great for a different experience of Paris. You can even rent a game of pétanque – or boules to you and me – to really get that holiday feeling. La Terrasse des Archives 51 rue des Archives, 3e Right in the heart of the super-trendy Marais district La Terrasse is located opposite a cute little square and is a local haunt for many Parisians. It’s a lovely spot for a morning coffee and croissant or even a bit of lunch. Take the time out to sit and enjoy this perfectly Parisian location and if you hang around long enough they put on a good happy hour, too! Terrasse du Café de la Gare 41 rue du Temple, 4e The ultimate courtyard café, this theatre café is a hidden gem in the Marais district, too. Scattered with tables, this cobbled courtyard is a lovely place to unwind and consult your map over a warm drink. Listen out for the music emanating from the Dance Centre which provides an accidental backdrop of music all day long. Explore Paris with The Paris Pass and make great savings from the start. Get free entry into Paris' most popular art galleries and museums as well as a travelcard, all included in the price. Find out more, here...