We set out to uncover the hidden terrace of the George V, and here’s the full story. This indoor courtyard in the 8th arrondissement of Paris is dressed in fuchsia pink orchids for the season, revealing a truly idyllic setting. Nestled in the heart of the Four Seasons Hotel George V, just a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées, this summer terrace this year takes on Italian inflections and welcomes guests daily from 3 p.m. until September 2026. People come for a drink, a bite, or a refreshingly chilled afternoon scoop.
We walked through the magnificent palace hall, elevated by the floral decorations of Jeff Leatham, the house’s artistic director since 1999. His monumental arrangements, refreshed every few weeks with thousands of stems from the Netherlands, have become as much a signature of the place as its Art Deco façade. We leave the avenue, push open the door, and the city noise drops to a hush. The courtyard then becomes an outdoor drawing room where the tables slip between the orchids.
One might feel they're in a Riviera villa tucked behind a Haussmannian façade. The service is the level of a palace—attentive without being stuffy, and the atmosphere is far more relaxed than you’d expect from the sidewalk. It’s this contrast that won us over.
The menu is conceived by Simone Zanoni, the Michelin‑starred head of Le George, who has been steering the house’s Mediterranean kitchens since 2016. Expect his signature touch: honest ingredients, plates meant for sharing, and a generous, sun‑drenched Italian vibe.
Our top pick is the classic stuffed focaccia, filled with mortadella, pistachios, confit tomatoes and burrata (40 euros). A generous warm loaf that we slice into shareable portions, and it sets the tone for the entire menu. The vegetarian version, with grilled zucchini, burrata and pistachio pesto, holds its own at the same price.
At the bar, Matteo Pascucci serves cocktails that lean into freshness. The Sgroppino, prepared before our eyes with a basil sorbet and gin (38 euros), is the one we recommend without hesitation. The mocktails, around 25 euros, don’t merely fill space: Jardin suspendu, built with Seedlip, verjus and cucumber, holds its own very well.
The desserts are the realm of Michael Bartocetti and Guillaume Cabrol (as with the focaccia). The selection of maritozzi (€40) runs from strawberry to pistachio, not forgetting the tiramisu, served with generous portions. We also can’t resist the affogato (€25), delivering a wonderfully indulgent hot-and-cold contrast. Fans of freshness will head straight for the Fraise Melba (€32).
No surprises about the price tag being steep, given the palace setting, and it’s wise to know that before you sit down. That said, it’s a delightful interlude to indulge in a refined moment under the sun, and the experience is worth a detour if you’re here for that specific moment rather than for a full meal. We found the offerings quite generous, and if you’ve skipped the main course, the focaccia should keep you satisfied. The strawberry Melba is also easy to share.
This terrace is for those in search of a quiet, time-stopping break in the Golden Triangle, whether for a birthday, a refined business meeting, or simply an afternoon without a clock. Service starts at 3 p.m.; summer reservations are highly recommended. The address is on Avenue George V, just a few minutes from the Grand Palais and the shopfronts of Avenue Montaigne. Information and bookings are available on the Four Seasons Hotel George V website.
If the idea of a secret courtyard appeals to you, we suggest checking out our guide to the hidden terraces of Paris and Île-de-France in 2026, as well as our selection of intimate and discreet terraces in 2026.
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Dates and Opening Time
Starts June 1, 2026
Location
George V Hotel
31 Avenue George V
75008 Paris 8
Route planner
Accessibility info
Official website
www.fourseasons.com
