Good news for those who still enjoy having a coffee outdoors as autumn sets in. Paris’s temporary terraces, officially known as summer terraces, will not be dismantled on November 1, as they are every year. The City of Paris announced on Friday, October 23, 2026, that they would be extended until the end of November 2026 across all twenty arrondissements of the capital.
The goal is clear: to support Parisian cafés, bars and restaurants affected by the violence that broke out over the weekend of October 17 and 18, on the sidelines of the social mobilization. And there’s good news for businesses: this additional month comes with no extra fees or taxes.
In a letter to bars, cafés and restaurants, signed in particular by Lamia El Aaraje, first deputy to Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, the city says that the disturbances around October 17 pose a risk to Paris’s entire commercial sector.
For many establishments, the terrace accounts for a significant share of their business. This exceptional measure should therefore allow them to continue welcoming customers outdoors for a few more weeks. A breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively, before the big winter clear-up.
Normally, the summer terrace season runs from April 1 to October 31, with all structures required to be dismantled by November 1, as the City’s Terraces and Displays page reminds businesses. In 2026, authorized installations may remain in place until the end of November.
As for opening hours, the extension to 11 p.m. applied only during the summer period, from June 21 to August 30, 2026. Since August 31, the usual rule has applied again, with summer terraces closing at 10 p.m. to preserve the peace and quiet of local residents.
No, and that’s worth keeping in mind before sitting down at a restaurant in November. Since the Climate and Resilience Law, it has been illegal to heat or air-condition an open terrace, with fines of up to €1,500 (€3,000 for repeat offenses). Summer terraces, which must remain open-air spaces, are no exception.
So, a word of advice: keep a scarf close at hand and opt for a hot chocolate rather than a spritz.
The extension does not change the rules governing outdoor displays and terraces. Introduced in 2020 after the first lockdown and made permanent in 2021, these terraces can be set up on sidewalks, parking spaces, small squares, traffic islands and streets temporarily closed to traffic, provided they have obtained authorization from City Hall.
On a parking space, decking and side barriers are required, and reserved spaces (for deliveries, people with reduced mobility, taxis and bicycles) must remain untouched. Furnishings are limited to tables, chairs and parasols, with a maximum height of 1.30 metres.
Greening is encouraged, while roof structures, tarpaulins, marquees, pallet wood and audio equipment are prohibited. Outside opening hours, everything must be stored indoors or secured along the façade.
Inspections carried out by the city and municipal police can result in fines of €68 to €135 for causing a nuisance or failing to maintain premises, and up to €500, with forced dismantling, for more serious violations. In the event of repeat offenses, the establishment risks administrative closure and the withdrawal of its permit for three years.
Summer terraces aren’t just for bars and restaurants. Bookshops, record stores, florists and hotels can also benefit from them. Once granted, the permit is automatically renewed each year, provided the rules are followed. The GHR Paris Île-de-France also assists businesses with the application process.
For us, it’s a chance to make the most of these outdoor moments a little longer while supporting neighbourhood businesses. A coffee in the autumn sun, a drink after work: sometimes, that’s all it takes to bring a street to life. And if you’re looking for a terrace or a sheltered spot to relax, here are our guides:
Terraces and rooftops in Paris and Île-de-France in 2026, the definitive, must-read guide.
Looking for the perfect patio in Paris or Île-de-France? Whether you're after a drink, a dinner, or just want to soak in the view, here's the ultimate guide to the best terraces and rooftops in 2026! [Read more]
Looking for a covered terrace in Paris where you can meet up with friends, sheltered from the elements? Look no further! [Read more]
Terraces and rooftops in Paris and Île-de-France in 2026, the definitive, must-read guide.
Covered terraces in Paris and Île-de-France in 2026, our top sheltered spots.
