Without a doubt the hottest spot in Paris right now, this über-trendy roof terrace, situated on the top floor of the BHV department store in the chic Marais district, opens its doors Thursday through Saturday night when the shops downstairs close. Offering cocktails, finger food, top DJs and a spectacular 180-degree view that includes the Eiffel Tower, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame and Bastille, this is the place to be seen lounging away the night in the French capital. No reservations so be there early or get ready to queue.

The somewhat odd location in the Eastern Parisian suburb of Bagnolet is actually part of the appeal of the ultra-hip Mama Shelter hotel. Apart from serving the best Sunday brunch in Paris in its ground floor restaurant and terrace, this unconventionally funky budget boutique hotel, with its minimalist design by Philippe Starck, also has one of the city's coolest rooftops. As a non-resident, you can book a table on the terrace for dinner (weather dependent) or if you want a blow-out night you can book the whole thing for a candle-lit private party under the stars.

The top floor of the newly renovated Terrass" Hotel in Montmartre has been converted into a leafy green oasis with panoramic views of Paris, including the financial district and the shimmering Eiffel Tower. While the restaurant is arguably one of the most romantic dinner venues in town, the chilled-out rooftop bar has an impressive cocktail list. Reservations can be made at the (indoor) panoramic restaurant and tables on the terrace are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Barbès may be edgy but there's nothing shabby about the latest addition to the scene in this up-and-coming Parisian neighbourhood. With its huge panoramic windows and chic design, Brasserie Barbès is quite simply a beautiful space and its first floor open-air patio terrace is the icing on the cake. Open from early morning until late night, it serves breakfast, cocktails and everything in between. Watch this space for the spectacular roof terrace opening scheduled some time later this year.

One of Paris' best-kept secrets can be found just across the road from Brasserie Barbès. Situated on top of a beautiful vintage cinema built in 1921, abandoned in 1988 and finally renovated and re-opened in 2013, the terrace of Le Louxor offers a high-quality selection of food and drink before and after its film screenings. Why not take this unique opportunity to brush up on your French film culture, followed by a delicious meal overlooking the Sacré Coeur?

While not strictly a rooftop, it would be impossible to write a terrace guide to Paris without including at least one of its riverside barges. Rosa sur Seine is the latest offering from the team behind the immensely popular Rosa Bonheur in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. The guinguette tavern on the waterfront offers more of the same in a central location - situated just below the Alexandre III Bridge, with the Eiffel Tower glittering in the background. The crowd is laid-back and unpretentious, the music is upbeat and the pizzas from wood-fired oven on the riverside terrace ensure you don't leave hungry.