Our incredible rooftop hotels

Lydia Bacrie | 7/31/24, 8:49 AM

One overlooks the Bay of Angels in Nice, another the waters of the Garonne in Bordeaux, yet another a white sandy beach in the Bay of Valinco... Discover our tour of France's most spectacular rooftop hotels, to be enjoyed all summer long.

They can be found all over France, and are among the most sought-after hotels for their location, their charm and, above all, for the priceless privilege of an open-air terrace that's a world unto itself. A place of breathtaking beauty, versatile enough to welcome guests all day long, always fulfilling their deIt's a place of breathtaking beauty, versatile enough to welcome guests all day long, always catering to their desires - lazing in the sun during the day; festive evenings and a grand spectacle as the sun sets the horizon ablaze and the city lights twinkle in the night. Our five not-to-be-missed favorites...

In Paris, Madame Rêve

Transformed into a five-star hotel in 2021, the former Poste du Louvre, Hôtel Madame Rêve has it all... 82 luxurious rooms and suites, the delicious Plume restaurant on the top floor, a chic brasserie on the first floor, and above all one of the most extraordinary terraces in Paris. Firstly, for its view of Montmartre hill, the Centre Pompidou, Notre-Dame and the gargoyles of Saint-Eustache church. Then for its ultra-cosy ambience - sofas and armchairs for lounging in the sun, small or large tables for a romantic dinner or with your friends, trees and plants that give the impression of a real hanging gardenCOPY00 Last but not least, excellent cocktails, a short Japanese menu and, above all, a place large enough (1000 m²) to try your luck without reservations.

Rooms from 420 Euros
Entrance to the rooftop at 43 rue Etienne Marcel, 75001 Paris Tel: 01 80 40 77 70
www.madamereve.com

In Marseille, Les Bords de Mer

Set on the Corniche Kennedy overlooking the Plage des Catalans, Hôtel Les Bords de Mer offers arguably the finest view in Marseille, with the sea at 180° and the Iles du Frioul in the background. Here, we love it all: the 19 ultra-bright rooms, all facing the violet waters, the delicious restaurant led by young Filipino chef Chester Tsaï, the Asian-inspired spa built into the rock and, of course, the extraordinary roof-top that seems to rest on the water. Discover it at dusk, when the setting sun sets the sky, with a glass of wine or a cocktail accompanied by tapas inspired by both Asia and Marseilles (panisses to die for). An exceptional address.

Rooms from 341 euros
52 Corniche Kennedy 13007 Marseille. Tel: 04 13 94 34 00
www.lesdomainesdefontenille.com

Louis Vizet - DR

In Bordeaux, Renaissance Hôtel

It's THE place to be in Bordeaux. Set on the 9ᵉ floor of the Renaissance Bordeaux hotel - in the heart of the port district and a stone's throw from the Cité Internationale du Vin - this immense terrace combines all the pleasures... A swimming pool for laps while admiring the view over the waters of the Garonne and the forest of the city's rooftops, an excellent Italian-inspired table (Gina) and a bar with delicious cocktails. Best of all, throughout the summer, the venue hosts concert evenings, DJ sets and even pool parties. After these festive evenings, enjoy a well-deserved rest in one of the 149 chic, contemporary rooms and suites.

Rooms from 256 euros
16 rue de Gironde 33000 Bordeaux. Tel: 05 19 80 02 00
www.marriott.com

In Nice, Anantara Plaza Nice

Just a stone's throw from the old town of Nice and the Promenade des Anglais, the recently restored Anantara Plaza Nice hotel is now one of Nice's finest palaces, facing the sea. Many of the 113 rooms and 38 suites open onto a terrace or balcony, but most guests come here to enjoy the open-air terrace, unquestionably the most spectacular in the city. The former 50s rooftop has in fact been refurbished to house the bar and the excellent Seen by Olivier table, which serves up a range of Mediterranean cuisine, to be enjoyed by all.Mediterranean cuisine, enjoyed under a shady pergola with a 180° view of the Baie des Anges and the purple waters of the Mediterranean.

Rooms from 418 euros
12 avenue de Verdun 06000 Nice. Tel: 04 93 16 75 75
www.anantara.com

Comback-Air creative - DR

In Montpellier, Jost Hôtel

A newcomer to the Montpellier landscape, this hotel is helping to rejuvenate the Saint-Roch district, just a stone's throw from Place de la Comédie. A new-generation refuge, it features 94 rooms, 2 apartments and 52 dormitories, and is designed as a living space for locals and travelers alike. We come here for the delicious Gabie restaurant, the co-working spaces and, above all, the ultra-cool rooftop. What's on the menu? A 180° panorama - from the city's rooftops to the Big Blue, a swim lane for doing laps and a bar serving Spritz and other delights that you can sip while nibbling on fine Italian dishes and admiring the sunset.

Rooms from 108 euros
50 rue Isabelle Eberhardt 34000 Montpellier. Tel: 04 12 05 19 29
www.jost-hotel-montpellier.com

Louis Vizet - DR

A further escape, between sea and pine forest, A'mare Corsica Seaside Small Resort

In the heart of the Gulf of Valinco, this family-run hotel is a favorite for the charm of its 25 rooms and suites, the many activities on offer (billiards, paddle, boat excursions) and, above all, for its terrace where you can sip a cocktail in the setting sun while admiring one of the most breathtaking views of the sea.