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Photo: espadonritzparis/lebaravparis/ralphsparis/Instagram
Cafe and restaurant terraces are synonymous with Paris. On the occasion of the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games, visitors planning a Parisian jaunt should be sure to enjoy a drink, a snack or an ice cream “en terrace” to truly experience life like a local. Here are five spots to try.
A hidden gem
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It may seem paradoxical, but to truly experience Parisian life, you need to head out of sight, since the trendiest way to get a taste of this lifestyle is to seek out a hidden terrace. These can be found in every nook and cranny of the capital: at the end of a nondescript cobbled alley, behind a doorway to a doctor’s, or lawyer’s office.
There are many such places in the French capital, including the plant-filled patio of the Hôtel Grand Amour, recommended by guidebooks for its great cocktail menu and decor by artist André Saraiva.
Hôtel Grand Amour/18 rue de la Fidélité, Paris 10th arrondissement
The stuff of legend
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A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without a drink in the oldest café in the City of Light. Le Procope opened in 1686 in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It was frequented by Enlightenment philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire and Diderot.
And the famous cafe will remain open during the Olympic Games. There are plenty of opportunities throughout the day to experience Le Procope: an afternoon ice cream, an early evening glass of wine or dinner. Check out the menu of traditional French dishes such as coq au vin and tête de veau, two of the house’s timeless favorites.
Le Procope/13 rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, Paris 6th arrondissement
Quintessentially Parisian
Photo: Le Barav Paris
If you want to enjoy a real taste of Parisian life — like a student, or like a lover of good, well-crafted wines — head to the Marais neighborhood to grab one of this wine bar’s highly sought-after tables. The Barav also serves as a wine store, where you can pick up a bottle to go.
A trendy haunt
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To see and be seen, you often have to head to the Left Bank. In this case, it’s to Saint-Germain-des-Prés to discover Ralph Lauren’s restaurant. In this ultra-stylish inner courtyard, the famous fashion designer’s culinary hotspot honors the US without shunning its Parisian roots.
The menu includes burgers and lobster rolls, along with a Caesar salad.
Ralph Restaurant/173 boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 6th arrondissement
Keeping it chic
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Paris wouldn’t be Paris without its luxury hotels and their stylish courtyard terraces. There’s the Bristol, the Crillon, and the Plaza Athénée. But at the Ritz, the arrival of Michelin-starred chef Eugénie Béziat is setting a new culinary agenda at L’Espadon.
The famous restaurant at the iconic Place Vendôme hotel has been joined by a delightful terrace, totally sheltered from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Sit back and enjoy a timeless moment soaking up some Parisian luxury.
Ritz Paris/15 place Vendôme, Paris 1st arrondissement
