Come spring, as the al fresco aperitif hits its stride, Paris' rooftop bars also reopen for the season, allowing visitors to rise above the sticky stone streets to watch the sunset over an ocean of roofs instead. Set on the 7th floor, with heady views of the Pont de la Tournelle and Seine snaking into the distance, the venue is haute in all ways: more the place to splash serious cash on a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal perhaps with a rare cigar than grab a cheap glass of vino.
The food menu is similarly concise, nominally paying homage to Mexico but ranging further afield via dishes like Georgian-style pkhali tapenades , which arrive in spinach, beetroot and white corn versions.
Do try to get a table on the right-hand side β the bar at the far end also has excellent views β to drink in the splendour of the Eiffel Tower. Chef Dominique Crenn, whose San Francisco restaurant holds three stars, has leant a California vibe to the cocktails, which win extra points for their names the Twin Peaks Swizzle, say.
You can hear the sparkle of conversation before the lift doors even open. Well-heeled Parisians sprawl out playing pool, smoking at the bar, and reclining on the lounge chairs strategically oriented towards the golden sunset. The city also sprawls before their eyes: St. Eustache church, Notre Dame whose restoration advances apace and a distant Eiffel Tower all vying for attention alongside the dreamy cocktails and Japanese-style finger food.
When it comes to the menu, the finger food sushi, hummus, etc. At Brach, every detail counts as one would expect, given that the five-star design was by Philippe Starck. Cocktails, while as expensive as the chi-chi neighbourhood would suggest, are elevated takes on classics: the Aperol Spritz replaces standard prosecco with French Champagne and the Prado deploys premium Cuban rum.
