Maison Maison

The votes have been tallied, and I’m ready to share with you THE best outdoor terrace in all the city of Paris. It was a very official voting process involving many important people. Let me tell you about it. I went to a place and decided it was the best. The end.

There it is. Maison Maison. And why is it the best? Let me count the ways.

1. The view

And I don’t just mean the attractive men hanging out next to my bike. Hello, garcons. You’ve got Pont Neuf basking in the glow of the setting sun to your left, with the classic Parisian buildings popping out from just behind.

And to your right, the always beautiful Tour Eiffel (That’s French for Eiffel Tower, you’re welcome) off in the distance. Honestly there are so few places where you can sit outside and see the Eiffel Tower without being at an overly priced crappy tourist trap or a hoitey toitey expensive place. This is the dream. And of course you’re right there on the bank of the Seine.

2. Delicious and Interesting Natural Wines

It’s no secret that I’m a double thumbs up fan of natural wine. I submit to you that there is nothing more refreshing than a crisp and minerally pet nat (sparkling natural wine = pétillant naturel = pet nat) on a warm evening as the sun sets. This one was lovely beyond lovely, and I wish to drink it every day.

3. The Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Maison Maison in the early evening is just your average, fun loving, slightly cooler than you, young, beautiful crowd hanging out, laughing, maybe smoking, sorry, but just having a good ‘ol time. The place is a-buzz with summer excitement. It has a fun energy because everyone’s happy to be alive in Paris drinking wine and staring at some of the most beautiful views a city can offer.

What are the chances that a table will be available when you arrive? I will not lie to you, the chances are slim. We had to go around stalking for an extra chair and ask to squeeze in between two separate groups at a long community table. But we made it. Go on the early side, is what I’m saying. Or go for lunch.

4. Apero Snacks

Which I did not take a photo of because I was too busy eating them. Maison Maison offers simple stuff at night – Saucisson, ham, burrata, sauteed shishito peppers. It wasn’t enough to fill me up, so we had to head elsewhere for more substantial food, but if you can fill up on cheese and cured meats, then by all means, stay the evening. They do offer a nice formule at lunch where you can get a true meal. The chef used to work at Aux Deux Amis, which has long been known for their fantastic small plates. That’s the only reason I was disappointed that I couldn’t order some delish small plates at night. Missed expectations. And a raging love for small plates.

5. Pont Neuf

I recognize that this falls under category one, “The View”, but just wanted to remind you. Pont Neuf is beautiful, reminding everyone of the long history of Paris through the ages. Puts you in your place, Pont Neuf. Literally named “New Bridge” because it was the new bridge in the late 1500’s. It’s now the oldest remaining bridge in Paris. There you are on the bank of the Seine, sipping your wine and watching the sun set against a 400 and something year old bridge that’s seen a whole lot of life go past it. And she still looks as beautiful as ever.

Anyway, as far as terraces go, this is a good one. You should go.

Maison Maison

Address: 16 Quai du Louvre, 75001 Paris, France (just west of Pont Neuf down on the quai)

Hours: 12pm-11:45pm daily