Belleville in the morning, the gentle climb up rue des Couronnes, the sound of conversations spilling out of cafés that have been open since 8 am. The 20th has that rare quality in Paris: it's still a neighbourhood where you can find a quiet terrace ten minutes from home, without paying République or le Marais prices. The neighbourhood lives outdoors as soon as the weather allows, and there are plenty of good working spots here.

We looked for terraces that go beyond décor, the ones where you can set up your computer without it being a big deal. Here are seven addresses we particularly love for sunny days.

Trombone

Rue des Haies. Trombone is a neighbourhood coffee shop tucked into a quiet street, with a reinvented Lebanese kitchen that accounts for the other half of its appeal. The terrace is set away from the noise, and the interior keeps a real density of workers during off-peak hours.

Quiet atmosphere, computers welcome without debate. The value for money is genuinely good for Paris, with a menu that goes well beyond the emergency sandwich.

The spot for a quiet morning away from the bustle, with a lunch on-site to keep you productive until evening.

Candle Kids

A former dry cleaner transformed into a chic, minimalist café, Candle Kids has set up on rue des Couronnes. The terrace is small but well positioned, and the interior is genuinely well done: natural materials, soft light, a suspended atmosphere.

Computers welcome on weekdays only (no computers at weekends). The menu is more limited than a classic coffee shop, but what's on offer is carefully done.

Our favourite for sessions where the setting matters as much as the work you've got to get through.

Le Floréal Belleville

A retro bar-restaurant with a generous terrace, Le Floréal Belleville has become an institution on rue des Couronnes. The atmosphere is welcoming, with that typical mix of freelances during the day and after-work drinks from 6 pm. You can work outside when the weather is nice or inside when the Parisian wind picks up.

Wi-Fi available, power outlets present, and a real food menu that keeps you going from morning to lunch break without any trouble.

The go-to spot for freelances who like to make a place their regular haunt, with enough space not to feel cramped.

Bistrot Les Rêveuses

Rue Saint-Blaise. Bistrot Les Rêveuses hides a charming terrace on one of the most picturesque streets in the 20th. It's a bistro: you can fit in an afternoon session outside service, in a holiday-like setting.

The food is genuinely good. Best to visit after the midday service to have the terrace to yourself.

The hidden spot for an afternoon of writing where you want to feel far from Paris without leaving the 20th.

Le Monte-en-l'air

Rue de la Mare. Le Monte-en-l'air is a three-in-one: an alternative bookshop, a café with a small terrace, and an art gallery. You push the door open and immediately understand: this is a place made by people who love reading, talking, and leaving you in peace.

A relaxed quietness, computer welcome without question. The food menu is limited but well done, and you can spend several hours here without any problem.

The smart choice for sessions where you want to be able to break from your work and browse a few books between blocks of focus.

Bokbar Librairie-Café Nordique

Rue Julien Lacroix. Bokbar, a Nordic bookshop-café, plays the small, quiet, well-designed card. Opening hours are limited (Tuesday to Sunday, closing at 4:30 pm on weekdays, 5 pm on Saturdays and 4 pm on Sundays): check before you go. The terrace is minimalist but well positioned, and the interior is genuinely restful.

A studious atmosphere, coffee and pastries. Regulars come for the quality of the quiet.

The spot for in-depth working days when you need silence and a decent coffee without breaking the bank.

Jo & Joe Paris Nation

Rue de Buzenval. Jo & Joe is a youth hostel that had the good idea of opening its ground floor and rooftop terrace to remote workers. Relaxed setting, international atmosphere, and a shaded rooftop that changes everything in the height of summer.

Wi-Fi in place, affordable food, and the option to work on the roof once the sun isn't too harsh. The price-to-comfort ratio is unbeatable for the neighbourhood.

A gem for summer sessions when you want to be outside with some shade and don't want to pay premium coworking prices.

How to work well on a terrace in the 20th

A few rules specific to the 20th:

  • Belleville gets steep fast. If you're heading to a terrace on the Couronnes or Ménilmontant side, bring water and accept that your first coffee will be warm by the time you arrive sweaty.
  • Neighbourhood terraces close early. Many addresses stop service around 6 pm. If you want to work into the evening, check the hours before settling in.
  • Lunch rushes are serious. The best terraces in the 20th fill up between 12:30 and 2 pm. If you're already set up, politely put your computer away during service or order something.

For more

If you want our full selection of spots in Paris 20th, we also have a guide covering all the best spots in the arrondissement (cafés, coworking spaces, community spaces), not just terraces. For detailed listings of places in Paris 20th, head to our city page.

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

In summary

The 20th is one of the Parisian arrondissements where you can still work on a terrace without feeling like you're in a tourist zone. High density of neighbourhood cafés, lively atmosphere, and prices that stay human. Our selection covers all use cases: a coffee shop for the morning, a retro bistrot for a working lunch, a bookshop-café for quiet afternoons.

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