Proof if you please with my selection of favourite rooftops. Try them out as the sun sets, it’s totally magical!
Night Beach in Bordeaux
Make no mistake, this rooftop is located at the very heart of Bordeaux, more precisely on the roof of the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel. The terrace, with its elegant yet perfectly casual setting, invites you to delight in its 360-degree vista embracing all of Bordeaux: from the Grand-Théâtre and place de la Comédie in the foreground to the Garonne on the horizon line.
Check out weather conditions before going. The terrace is only open when the weather is calm and clear.
Address:
2-5 Place De La Comédie, Bordeaux. Access by Tram B (stop: Grand Théâtre).
https://bordeaux.intercontinental.com
For other vistas over Bordeaux, I recommend two addresses: the semi-covered Mama Shelter rooftop or the Radisson Blu in the new Bassins à flot and Cité du Vin district.
Indigo by Martell
The place-to-be in Cognac. Located on the roof of the Gâtebourse Tower, home to the Martell Foundation, this bar invites to enjoy a 360° vista over the town, its historic centre, its roofs, the banks of the Charente River and its sunset. Sip one of the delicious Cognac-based cocktails for which Head Barman, Maxime Le Gal, holds the key.
Open from July to September.
Address:
16, Avenue Paul Firino Martell, Cognac.
www.martell.com
For another panoramic view over Cognac, I suggest the new rooftop at the Hotel Chais Monnet this summer, another exceptional establishment at the heart of the cognac countryside.
Music & chill-out in Poitiers
The “Rooftop”, set up in the Théâtre Auditorium Poitiers, proposes ‘bistronomic’ cuisine and an extensive selection of cocktails and wines. Trendy and relaxed with its sofas and giant cushions scattered around the terrace, the perfect place to take in the view over Poitiers whilst enjoying a drink. DJ set and concerts liven up summertime evenings.
Open all year round.
Address:
6 rue de la marne, parvis du TAP, Poitiers.
www.rooftop-poitiers.com
Les Baigneuses in Biarritz
A place with a pretty offbeat, laid-back, forget-your-inhibitions spirit which comprises a 3-star hotel, a restaurant, a bar and a rooftop. On the rooftop terrace you’ll enjoy an amazing panorama and view over the Port Vieux beach. The perfect place to relax with a glass at the end of the day, to taste a dish overflowing with Basque flavours and even play a game of pétanque (French-style bowls). Yes, exactly, there’s a bowling ground on the terrace!
On the agenda on the rooftop: concerts and live DJ during aperitif time, then chill-out to 2am.
Address:
14 rue du Port-Vieux, Biarritz.
www.lesbaigneusesdebiarritz.com
Always ready to head off at the last minute, Samuel lives with a tent and a sleeping bag in his car! Follow him on the road through Nouvelle-Aquitaine to frenzied bullfights, out-of-the-ordinary concerts and well-known festivals. He'll tell you where to go to see a live show and also where to party...without going over the top of course!
