That One Thing: Le Perchoir

There’s almost nothing better than a rooftop bar except for a rooftop bar in Paris surrounded by cityscape views of Montmartre. Enter Le Perchoir, a stunning refuge high above the streets that’s only accessible by an unmarked doorway. Outfitted with twinkling lights, tall plants, and oriental rugs, it’s warmly inviting and evokes a feeling of magic from the moment you step off the elevator until it’s time to descend the spiral staircase. 

Of course, it follows that the drinks are equally as impressive as the environment in which they’re served. Le Perchoir’s bartenders are well-versed in their field of expertise, whipping up anything from a Negroni to a Blood and Sand with the utmost care and precision. Owner Adrien Boissaye has opened three more locations since the first’s 2013 inception, one of which can be found on top of the Gare de l’Est. Go straight from the train to the roof, where it’s a patio bar by day and discotheque by night. How genius is that?   

Every time I go to Paris I’m always looking out for those hidden spots frequented less by tourists than by locals, and the original Le Perchoir is my favorite new find. It strikes just the right balance between laid-back and lively, with a disco-heavy playlist and more than enough throw pillows to go around. Seated at a communal table atop the City of Lights, with a cocktail and a baked camembert at hand- in my opinion, that’s about as wonderful as it gets (and wonderful it is).