Right in the heart of Paris, all you have to do is head up to the top floor of Galeries Lafayette to enjoy lunch with a view of the Opéra Garnier and the capital’s rooftops. Since May 2026, the department store’s terrace has been home to Balcon, Julien Sebbag’s new restaurant. After five years dedicated to vegetarian cuisine at Créatures, the chef is changing gears completely and bringing French bistro classics back to the forefront.
A rooftop with a panoramic view at the very top of Galeries Lafayette
Located on the eighth floor, Balcon faces the Opéra Garnier directly. With just a slight turn of the head, the panorama stretches toward Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur, and the Eiffel Tower. The setting remains exceptional, but the menu has taken a rather sharp turn. Balcon has abandoned its predecessor’s entirely plant-based concept to return to the familiar dishes of Parisian brasseries. Julien Sebbag has retained his cooking style, however: seasonal ingredients, dishes designed to be shared, and a few more personal combinations that prevent the menu from feeling like a carbon copy of an old bistro.
The eggs with mayonnaise are served with black garlic, while the leeks in vinaigrette are garnished with tarragon or elderflower, depending on the version on the menu. Other offerings include a salad of heirloom tomatoes and burrata, beef skirt steak with pepper sauce, and coquillettes with truffle and Parmesan. For dessert, the profiterole is reimagined with chocolate and pistachio. The selection is intentionally limited and is designed to change with the seasons.
In short, a carefully crafted menu, a highly prestigious location, and a panoramic view of all of Paris: Balcon checks all the boxes for the perfect summer spot. Head to the top of Galeries Lafayette to discover this extraordinary spot.
Balcon – Galeries Lafayette Rooftop