In partnership with France.fr and Paris je t'aime.
The closest most Parisians will get to having a garden is a few geraniums in a window box, which is why you'll find a glut of wonderfully green-fingered bars and restaurants in the city. Often tucked away from street view, these verdant venues will fill the garden-shaped hole in your life, whether you're after a drink, dinner or a peaceful reading spot.
MOB Hotel, opened by the co-founder of the stonkingly successful Mama Shelter brand, is home to 92 bedrooms – as well as a whopping terrace. It might only be in Saint-Ouen but this place has a distinct Mediterranean feel. Order one of their excellent organic pizzas, admire the culivated veg patches and soak up the sun, Aperol in hand. Welcome to la bella vita.
Where? 4-6 Rue Gambetta, 93400, Paris
You can spot this badboy as you pull into the metro station, and you wouldn't be mistaken if you thought you'd pulled into Rome rather than Jaurès. A remainder of the old city wall of ancient Paris, the Rotonde was built a year before the French Revolution by Claude Nicolas Ledoux, one of the founders of the neoclassical movement. Now it's a hub for partying Parisians, with wooden hammock swing seats and comfy sofas on the garen terrace. Ideal for when the indoor sweating gets all too much.
Where? Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad, 19th
This magical courtyard, tucked behind the city's most iconic art house cinema, is a jewel in the crown of the already bar heavy Abesses area. Open daily from 3pm, the bar, salon du thé and restaurant is lined with tall bamboo and a large fresco of French cinema stars, in case you'd forgotten its silver screen roots. It livens up as the day goes on, as trendy Parisians pile in for apéro o'clock. The 18th arrondissement's best-kept secret. Until now.
Where? 10 Rue Tholoze, 18th
It might be under a youth hostel, but Bistrot des Dames is far from child's play. The interior décor is shabby chic perfection, although the real draw is the oasis-like garden. Come hungry – the food offering is impressive (think duck carpaccio, tuna medallions and buffalo mozzarella) and the expansive wine list is an oenophile's dream. Only open on evenings and weekends, our advice is make the most of this verdant paradise while before autumn comes knocking.
Where? 18 rue des Dames, 17th
A firm favourite with the Time Out Paris team, this former convent is known for its cloistered courtyard and secret garden. Expect an array of chaises longues, inviting you to relax with a book and a glass of wine in hand, plus an exciting entertainment programmeof intimate concerts, cine-concerts, artistic performances and DJ sets. Café A closes at midnight in the summer but come before 7pm to guarantee a seat.
Where? 148 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 10th
For a more luxe garden drinking experience, find your way to Le Très Particulier through the private-access street and a series of intercoms and buzzers. This glam hotel bar feels more like a forest thicket than a garden, with its towering trees, wild ferns and patches of creeping ivy. The service is discreet and attentive, while the clientele is an unusual mix of well-heeled older guests and trendy youth. Be savvy about what you order if you're in a group, as their cocktail pitchers are often better value than single drinks. But in a setting like this, it feels appropriate to treat yourself and order whatever tickles your fancy.
Where? Pavillon D, 23 avenue Junot, 18th
Find this hidden corner of paradise behind Place Edith Piaf, slotted between two old glass workshops. The passage to the side of this trad pizzeria leads you to a leafy terrace, with multicolour tables, red brick paving, lavender bushes, climbing wisteria, and strings of lights like a village fête. The coloured lightbulbs bring a summer charm to the terrace, which when a breeze flutters in, it really is Provence via Paris. Order one of their excellent thin crust pizzas, washed down with a mojito.
Where? 39 rue Pelleport, 20th
Despite its sleepy, winding streets, peace isn't always easy to find in Montmartre. But this café, in the ground of the Musée de la Vie Romantique, is bliss. Fringed with roses and fuchsias, the romantic courtyard garden is a must if your feet are aching and mouth is parched after pounding the Parisian pavements. The unique location takes the sting of the pricey drink selection.
Where? 16 rue Chaptal, 9th
Okay, this 'garden' isn't technically indoors but La Bellevilloise's multitasking events space is bursting with tree and bushes, with a charming outdoor terrace attached. Best admired at the live Sunday jazz brunch, the olive trees and foliage make you feel like you're outside, even when the weather is pitiful. It also runs film and music festivals on the top level (where there's a fake lawn with deckchairs and a massage area).
Where? 21 rue Boyer, 20th
Discover Time Out original video
