17 Outdoor Cafés to Visit in Paris

Paris and café culture go together like croissants and morning coffee. The city’s sidewalk cafés aren’t just places to grab a quick drink — they’re front-row seats to the theater of Parisian life. From the tree-lined boulevards of Saint-Germain to the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, these outdoor spots offer everything from people-watching opportunities to peaceful retreats from the bustling city.

Whether you’re looking for a classic bistro experience or something more modern, Paris delivers. Here is a list of 17 outdoor cafés that capture the essence of Parisian charm.

Café de Flore

This legendary café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés has been serving coffee and culture since 1887. The red awnings and wicker chairs create that quintessential Parisian atmosphere you see in movies — though today you’re more likely to spot fashionable locals and tourists soaking up the intellectual vibe. Famous writers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir once held court here. The outdoor terrace fills up quickly, particularly during golden hour when the light hits the boulevard just right.

Les Deux Abeilles

Tucked away in the 7th arrondissement, this charming spot feels like a secret garden in the middle of the city. The outdoor seating area is surrounded by greenery — making it feel more like a countryside retreat than an urban café. Their pastries are exceptional. The lemon tart practically melts in your mouth, while the atmosphere encourages you to slow down and savor the moment.

Café Charlot

Located in the trendy Maraisdistrict, Cafe Charlot perfectly captures the neighborhood’s hip, artistic energy. The outdoor tables spill onto the sidewalk — creating an impromptu social scene that buzzes from morning until late evening. The staff here knows how to make a proper espresso, though it’s their croque-monsieur that’s become legendary among locals. You’ll find yourself rubbing shoulders with fashion designers, artists, plus the occasional celebrity trying to blend in.

Le Procope

PARIS, FRANCE -November 30, 2024 : historical Cafe Procope is the oldest restaurant of Paris in continuous operation – it was opened in 1686 .
— Photo by KovalenkovPetr

History buffs will love this café, which claims to be the oldest in Paris — dating back to 1686. The outdoor seating area sits right in the heart of the Latin Quarter, surrounded by centuries of stories. Voltaire allegedly drank 40 cups of coffee a day here, though we don’t recommend following his example. The atmosphere is wonderfully old-world — with servers who take genuine pride in continuing a tradition that’s older than America itself.

Café de la Paix

Right next to the Opera House, this grand café offers some of the best people-watching in the city. The outdoor terrace provides a perfect vantage point to observe the constant stream of theatergoers, tourists — plus Parisians going about their day. The coffee might cost a bit more than at other places, but you’re paying for prime real estate. A view that’s been inspiring visitors for over 150 years doesn’t come cheap, though the Belle Époque interior spilling out onto the terrace creates an elegant backdrop worth every euro.

Pink Mamma

Cafe near the house with a lot of plants.
— Photo by A.Botvinovskaya

This trendy spot in Pigalle brings Instagram-worthy aesthetics to traditional café culture — though the food actually lives up to the hype. The outdoor area is decorated with plants and colorful umbrellas that create a Mediterranean vibe in the heart of Paris. The menu goes beyond typical café fare. Fresh salads and creative brunch options that actually taste as good as they look draw crowds, particularly among the younger set, so expect a wait during peak hours.

Le Mary Celeste

Despite its nautical name, this Marais café is firmly planted on dry land — with one of the neighborhood’s most coveted outdoor spaces. The terrace catches the morning sun perfectly. They’re known for their excellent oysters and natural wines, though their coffee game is equally strong, while the international crowd creates a cosmopolitan buzz that feels very modern Paris.

Breizh Café

This Marais institution puts a creative spin on traditional French café culture — focusing specifically on Breton specialties. The outdoor seating area is compact yet perfectly positioned for watching the neighborhood’s constant parade of interesting characters. Their buckwheat crêpes are outstanding. They serve some of the best cider in the city alongside excellent coffee, reminding visitors why regional French cuisine deserves just as much attention as Parisian classics.

Café Kitsuné

Housed in a former palace courtyard in the Louvre area, this Japanese-French fusion café offers one of the most unique outdoor settings in the city. The courtyard feels like a hidden oasis — completely removed from the tourist crowds just steps away. Their matcha lattes have developed a cult following, while the pastries blend French technique with Japanese flavors in surprisingly delicious ways. The atmosphere is zen-like, making it perfect for a peaceful moment between museum visits.

Le Consulat

Perched on a corner in Montmartre, this classic bistro offers outdoor seating with views that stretch across the city. The red checkered tablecloths and traditional French menu create an atmosphere that feels authentically Parisian — without being touristy. Their onion soup is legendary among locals, though it’s the wine list featuring excellent selections from small French producers that keep people coming back. On clear days, you can see for miles from the terrace, making the climb up the hill absolutely worth it.

Loustic

This specialty coffee roastery in the 3rd arrondissement takes their beans seriously, and it shows in every cup. The small outdoor seating area attracts coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the difference between good and exceptional espresso. The baristas are passionate about their craft, yet happy to explain the origins of whatever beans they’re featuring that week. It’s a quiet spot that feels more like a neighborhood secret than a tourist destination.

Ten Belles

With locations in both the 10th and 11th arrondissements, Ten Belles has become synonymous with Paris’s specialty coffee movement. The outdoor seating at both locations creates a laid-back atmosphere that attracts everyone from freelancers with laptops to friends catching up over weekend brunch. Their flat whites rival anything you’ll find in Melbourne. The homemade pastries change daily based on what looks best at the market, while the vibe remains international yet decidedly Parisian in its attention to quality.

Holybelly

PARIS, FRANCE – November 2021: Traditional Paris outdoor cafe, tables and chairs on the street, Paris
— Photo by natalia.milko@gmail.com

This Australian-influenced café near République has developed a devoted following for its exceptional brunch menu and outdoor terrace. The pancakes here are legendary — fluffy, perfectly cooked, though served with seasonal toppings that change throughout the year. The outdoor space fills up quickly on weekends. The wait becomes part of the experience as you watch the kitchen work their magic through the open windows, proving that Paris can embrace international influences while maintaining its own unique character.

Le Train Bleu

FRANCE, PARIS, MAY, 20, 2015 – Passengers waiting to board high-speed trains in cafe at the Gare de Lyon, Paris
— Photo by ursula1964

Located inside the Gare de Lyon train station, this ornate restaurant features an outdoor terrace that most travelers walk right past. The Belle Époque dining room is stunning, yet the terrace offers a quieter alternative with the same excellent service and classic French menu. It’s an unexpected oasis in the middle of a busy transportation hub. Perfect for a civilized meal before catching a train to the French countryside, while the wine list focuses on regions you can actually reach by train from this very station.

Hardware Société

This Australian café in the 10th arrondissement brings Down Under breakfast culture to a charming Parisian setting. The outdoor seating area is always buzzing with an international crowd enjoying what might be the city’s best avocado toast. Their coffee program is serious business — they roast their own beans while training their baristas to Melbourne standards. The weekend brunch scene here is legendary, though the quality remains consistently high throughout the week.

Costume Café

This specialty coffee shop in the 7th arrondissement combines serious coffee culture with a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. The terrace is perfect for afternoon people-watching, especially since it’s located on a quiet street that sees plenty of foot traffic from nearby shops and galleries. Their cortados are perfectly balanced, while they often feature guest roasters from around Europe. The crowd tends to be a mix of coffee aficionados plus neighborhood regulars who appreciate the consistent quality.

Le Peloton Café

Cycling enthusiasts will love this bike-themed café in the 1st arrondissement, complete with outdoor seating where you can keep an eye on your wheels. The terrace attracts everyone from serious cyclists fueling up for long rides to casual visitors who just appreciate the energetic atmosphere. Their smoothies and healthy breakfast options are perfect for active types, though their espresso game is strong enough to satisfy any coffee purist. The location near the Seine makes it a perfect stop during a riverside bike ride.

Timeless Parisian Rhythms

These outdoor cafés represent more than just places to drink coffee — they’re living pieces of Parisian culture that have adapted to modern times while maintaining their essential character. From the intellectual salons of Saint-Germain to the trendy brunch spots of the Marais, each location offers its own slice of the city’s personality. The tradition of spending hours at sidewalk tables, watching the world go by over a simple café au lait, continues to define the Parisian experience. Whether you’re seeking artistic inspiration, casual conversation, or just a moment of peace in a busy city, these terraces provide exactly what you need, just as they have for generations of visitors and locals alike.