Delightful spots for al fresco apéritifs in France

The apéritif (or apéro) is a pre-dinner drink enjoyed across France and was once dubbed by French author, Paul Morand, as the country’s ‘evening prayer.’ Apéro preferences differ depending on the region but when the weather’s good, there’s a universal consensus that these drinks are best enjoyed al fresco.

We’ve put together a list of some of the best terraces in France for you to enjoy your daily apéro ritual while on holiday.

Le Bonaparte, Paris

Right in the heart of upscale area of Paris that is Saint-Germain-des-Près, Le Bonaparte is an institution. It’s a bar that looks out onto the restored Saint-Germain-des-Près abbey and its soaring tower. But Le Bonaparte is brimming with history of its own, being a traditional haunt for the Parisian literati and arts students. Grab a seat outside beneath the pinstriped awnings and people-watch as dusk gathers, wine or Champagne in hand. Hotel d’Angleterre is right next door for when it’s time to call it a night.

Le Bistrot des Dames, Paris

Located in Paris’ 17th arrondissement, Le Bistrot des Dames is for those in search of a quieter atmosphere. It’s a neighbourhood institution and its leafy courtyard is a major draw, especially in summer when finding a seat outside at one of the city’s central brasseries is a bit of an art. Between canary-yellow buildings, the terrace is surrounded by ferns and spindly trees, strung with festoon lights and populated with an assortment of rickety chairs. It’s a bright but intimate environment, best enjoyed with a Kir (blackcurrant liqueur and white wine) or an apéritif made to your liking. Wander over to La Mandigotte restaurant afterwards for classic French fare done well – the bœuf à la bourguignonne is a highlight – and end the night at the Le Terrass” Hôtel, where you’ll find another pretty terrace for a digestif, perhaps?

Hôtel Monsigny, Nice

At the edge of Nice’s trendy Libération district, you’ll find the delightful Hôtel Monsigny. Up on the hotel’s seventh floor, a spacious roof terrace awaits visitors, decked out in wicker furniture, with a jacuzzi and fringed by pale olive trees. Overlooking the pedestrianised parts of Avenue Malausséna, this is the spot for people-watching and views of the Mediterranean behind the city’s sun-bleached terracotta rooftops. At sundown or in the late afternoon, have a cocktail mixed while you soak up some of the Côte d’Azur sunshine.

La Guinguette Chez Alriq, Bordeaux

Gloriously positioned along the Garonne river, La Guinguette Chez Alriq is for those long summer days that bloom into warm summer nights. An open-air bar that doubles as a music venue, it’s an atmospheric hideout. And – outfitted with an array of mismatched wooden furniture and tables cloaked in gingham – the bar has a hint of the French countryside to it. Mingle with locals and tourists in this relaxed setting beneath a canopy of lights, with crisp glasses of rosé and white in hand. Linger for the views and helpings of fresh sardines, moules-frites and bayonne ham, and stay for the music. Afterwards, cross the Garonne to spend the night at the Amicalement Hôte.

Café Lavinal, Bages

Just north of Bordeaux in Bages, you’ll find the ambient Café Lavina. An old stone cottage with a racing green facade, the café combines the charm of a Provençal-style farmhouse with a Parisian bistro and is a picture of life slowed down. Sit outside on the patio, shaded by the wine-coloured parasol, order yourself a glass of Bordeaux (the wine list has over 120 types on offer) and revel in the quiet. Make your way back through the cobbled town until you reach the Le Coeur des Vignes guesthouse.

Les Muses de l’Opéra, Lyon

For some of the best views of Lyon, head to the balcony of Les Muses de l’Opéra, a bar perched atop the city’s National Opera. Located on the seventh floor, the bar presents panoramic views of hill of Fourvière and the town hall, particularly seductive at sundown when the city glows dusty pink. Order a spritz or glass of Brut Champagne and sit next to the series of statues that line the bar’s balcony, looking down pensively onto the people below. The Loge de L’Opera is just opposite for when you can tear yourself away.