The 18th in May is that light hitting the cobblestones of Montmartre from 8am, the retro bars of Lamarck-Caulaincourt putting their tables out, and the smell of the Goutte d'Or canteens mixing with the pastries from the cafés. It's probably the most personality-packed arrondissement in Paris depending on which street you take, and every micro-neighbourhood has its good terraces for working.

We walked up rue des Martyrs, hung around Ornano, did a full loop of Montmartre, and came down towards Lamarck to find the terraces that genuinely deliver for work. Here are seven addresses we've tested and kept in our favourites for northern Paris.

La Recyclerie

Boulevard Ornano. La Recyclerie has become a Parisian institution: a former train station converted into an eco-friendly community space with a café-canteen, workshops, and a courtyard-terrace that completely changes the game when the weather is nice. The produce is local and sustainable, and prices stay reasonable for the quality on offer.

Wi-Fi available, power outlets and large tables provided, relatively quiet (the place is generous so you'll always find a corner). Google rating of 4.3 from over 6,000 reviews, making it one of the most-tested addresses in the neighbourhood. The courtyard is a real asset in season.

The go-to spot for full days when you want character, outdoor space, and lunch on-site to keep you productive into the evening.

Bistrot la Renaissance

Rue Championnet. Bistrot la Renaissance stands out for its spacious open terrace, its carefully chosen playlist, and a regular crowd of freelancers and creatives who have made it one of their go-to spots. Sunny in the afternoon, it benefits from a relatively quiet street compared to the rest of the neighbourhood.

Wi-Fi available, power outlets present, laptops welcome without reservation. Google rating of 4.4 from over 1,100 reviews. It's also a good option for switching to drinks at the end of the day.

The spot for afternoons when you want full sun and a lively setting without it getting overwhelming.

Le Bimbo

Rue des Trois Frères. Le Bimbo has set up its tropical-chic décor a stone's throw from the place du Tertre. Cushioned banquettes, affordable breakfast formula, unlimited Wi-Fi: it's calibrated for morning and mid-afternoon sessions (8am–12pm or 3pm–6pm).

Small but decent terrace, deliberately quiet, food at accessible prices. Google rating of 4.4 from over 1,100 reviews. Avoid the lunch rush when the space turns into a full dining room.

Our favourite for small-group writing sessions in a retro setting.

Le Sunset

Rue Ordener. Le Sunset is a pleasant bar with a large room for working in groups and a sunny terrace. The staff are friendly, and the atmosphere lends itself well to long sessions without pressure.

Wi-Fi available, power outlets, large tables, laptops welcome. Google rating of 4.3 from over 1,400 reviews. It's less polished equipment-wise than a coffee shop, but the space more than makes up for it.

Good spot for working in groups or for relaxed afternoon sessions.

Holiday Inn

Rue Damrémont. The Holiday Inn opens a sheltered terrace and a dedicated work area to the public. High-speed secure Wi-Fi, guaranteed quiet, and a bar for hot drinks.

Google rating of 4.2 from nearly 600 reviews. It's the typical hotel lobby option — functional rather than charming, but it gets the job done for important calls.

The spot for serious sessions where you need silence and reliable connectivity.

Café Studio 28

Rue Tholozé. Café Studio 28 is a little secret café tucked inside Studio 28, a historic cinema. A haven of peace dedicated to concentration, an open-air terrace, and homemade savoury tarts worth the detour.

Google rating of 4.7 from over 600 reviews, a sign of genuinely high quality atmosphere. Less well equipped with power outlets and Wi-Fi than elsewhere, but the setting makes up for it.

Our favourite for short afternoon sessions when you want something beautiful, quiet, and a snack that makes a change.

How to work well on a terrace in the 18th

A few useful rules for northern Paris:

  • Avoid the tourist terraces. Place du Tertre, around the Sacré-Cœur: the noise and foot traffic make any concentration impossible. Move a few streets away.
  • The 18th has serious elevation changes. If you're targeting a terrace near Lamarck or Abbesses, plan your arrival and don't underestimate the uphill walk.
  • Tourist rushes put pressure on service. During tourist peak hours, staff are overwhelmed and it becomes harder to hold a work atmosphere. Aim for mornings.

Going further

If you want our complete selection of spots in Paris 18e, we also have a guide covering all the good spots in the arrondissement (cafés, coworking spaces, community spaces), not just terraces. For the detailed listings of places in Paris 18e, head to our neighbourhood page.

Looking for terraces in another city this summer? We also have selections for Courbevoie, Boulogne Billancourt, Rueil-Malmaison.

In summary

The 18th has the density of good cafés and diversity of atmospheres that make it a perfect playground for nomadic terrace work — as long as you pick your spots wisely. Our selection covers every use case: community space for a full day, bistro for a long break, hidden terrace for productive quiet.

Want to explore another part of Paris? Find our selections by arrondissement and our city guides on Deskover.