Following last summer, the City of Paris has announced it will renew for 2026 the authorization to operate summer terraces until 11pm, from June 21 to August 30, 2026. While these ephemeral terraces are already allowed to stay open until 10pm since April 1, the Mayor of Paris has decided to restore the 11pm extension to provide Parisians with cooler, sociable evening spaces to cope with heatwaves, to foster outdoor social life, and to support Parisian cafés, restaurants, and traders.
Born in 2020, the ephemeral terraces have transformed the Parisian urban landscape by spilling onto sidewalks and parking spaces. Lauded for their conviviality, they have been made permanent under certain conditions by the City of Paris, which has regulated their use with a strict framework.
Now allowed only from April to October, they have become pay-to-use in order to better manage their presence and curb nuisances, while remaining an asset for street life and the economic vitality of the venues. In 2026, they return in April. Here’s everything you need to know.
With spring arriving, the pop-up terraces are making their return to the capital. From April 1 to October 31, 2026, Parisians can once again enjoy these lively outdoor spaces. Bars, restaurants and other venues may set up terraces under strict conditions, including a mandatory closing time of 10 p.m. to safeguard residents’ tranquility.
To launch a summer terrace, businesses must secure a permit from the Paris City Hall. Once granted, their setup can extend onto sidewalks, parking bays, small plazas, traffic medians, and temporarily pedestrianized streets. But beware, these installations are governed by precise rules.
On the sidewalk: extensions are allowed in front of the shop and, under certain conditions, in front of neighboring buildings. On a parking space: decking and side protections are mandatory, but occupying reserved spots (delivery, PMR, taxis, bicycles, etc.) is prohibited.
To harmonize the public space, only tables, chairs and parasols are allowed, with a maximum height of 1.30 meters. Vegetation is encouraged, but should not obstruct the view entirely.
Prohibited items include: roofs, tarps, canopies, pallet wood, as well as any audio equipment, heaters or air-conditioning units. Outside opening hours, furniture must be stored inside the establishment or secured along the building façade.
As every year, the town hall and the municipal police will carry out inspections. Offenders face fines ranging from €68 to €135 for nuisances or poor maintenance. For a more serious breach, penalties can go up to €500 and include forced dismantling. Repeated offenses can lead to administrative closure and a three-year withdrawal of the permit.
Terraces aren’t reserved for bars and restaurants. From now on, bookstores, record shops, florists, and hotels can also file an application. Once granted, the permit is automatically renewed each year, subject to compliance with the regulations.
So, save the date for April 1, 2026 to once again enjoy Paris’s ephemeral terraces and soak up the sunny days! And to find the terrace or rooftop of your dreams, be sure to check out our guide:
Terraces and rooftops in Paris and the Île-de-France region: the definitive, all-in-one guide for 2026
Looking for a showpiece terrace or rooftop in Paris or Île-de-France? Whether you’re after a drink, a meal, or simply a spot to soak in the views, here’s the ultimate guide to terraces and rooftops in 2026! [Read more]
Terraces and rooftops in Paris and the Île-de-France region: the definitive, all-in-one guide for 2026
