Home to the Eiffel Tower and some of Paris's greatest museums, the 7th arrondissement attracts visitors from all over the world. While visiting the sights is a must, one of its charms is sitting at a little café and watching the world go by. Some of our favourite terraces in Paris for experience, view and atmosphere are in the 7th arrondissement. And by terrace, we essentially mean outdoor seating, whether for eating or drinking, or simply enjoying the atmosphere while doing both.
1. THE MARS FOUNTAIN
It is said that La Fontaine de Mars is Robert de Niro's favourite restaurant in Paris. Is this true? This is the place to go for classic French cuisine that's not too expensive, and although it's not a classic terrace like the others on this list, you'll find yourself right in the middle of all the action on Rue Saint-Dominique - and right next to an impressive 200-year-old fountain. Cheers!
Address: 129 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris
2. CAFÉ DU MARCHÉ
When you think of having a drink in the Seventh Arrondissement, it's a safe bet that many of you will head straight for the charming Rue Cler. This pedestrianised street is one of the best in the whole city for watching Paris go by, so why not take a front row seat at the Café du Marché to do just that?
Address: 38 Rue Cler, 75007 Paris
3. CAFÉ CENTRAL
Just opposite Café du Marché, you'll find an equally spacious terrace at Central. Order an Aperol Spritz like everyone else and sit back and watch Paris go by. Don't get stressed by the frenetic waiters, take things at your own pace. And remember, there's nothing wrong with taking all the time you want on a Parisian terrace. Once you've got the place, it's yours.
Address: 40 Rue Cler, 75007 Paris
4. FLUCTUART
This cool spot is an open-air terrace on a boat - which also doubles up as a local art centre. Fluctuart's rooftop bar is ideal for enjoying the sunset, with the Eiffel Tower in view on one side and the glorious Pont Alexandre III on the other. The ground floor is also worth a visit, as the place was built as part of a municipal plan to 'reinvent the Seine'. The result? Well, according to the official website, it's the world's first floating urban art centre, and it "promotes all trends in urban art, from pioneers to contemporary street art artists."
Address: Pont des Invalides, 2 port du Gros Caillou, 75007 Paris
5. CASTEL CAFÉ
This café is a top choice because it is in such a photogenic location, on the other side of the Champ de Mars from the rest of the 7th arrondissement. The nearby Eiffel Tower provides an incomparable backdrop. My advice: take a seat on the corner of the terrace. Order an espresso, maybe a copy of Le Monde, sit there and pretend you're having the most ordinary day in the world - and ask someone to take a photo from across the street. The Eiffel Tower is so close, so perfectly framed by the Haussmann buildings of Rue Buenos Aires, and so beautiful, that it's a photo you'll probably put on your mantelpiece. Make the most of it!
Address: 5 Avenue de Suffren, 75007 Paris
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