Every exposition should have a terrace

Summer is filled with major exhibitions in Paris, and the finest museums in the capital offer some delightful terraces. In the verdant and lovely summer garden which extends from the terrace of the Café Branly, the atmosphere echoes the current exhibitions of the Musée du Quai Branly; Plains Indians (until 20th July), Tattooists Tattooed (until 18th October) and Tiki Pop, America Dreams of a Polynesian Paradise  (until September 28th). The museum gardens are an invitation to wander. There are 169 trees and thirty plant species in an extraordinary green space designed by Gilles Clément. It is a place of culture and nature trails, paved stone paths and streams, ponds conducive to meditation and daydreaming. A place where every day is a Sunday in July, far from the bustle of the city, a tranquil haven, yet with the Eiffel Tower still soaring majestically within your sight. On the other bank of the Seine, the Mini-Palais of the Grand Palais and its 300 square metres of terrace offers a breathtaking view over the mighty river and the Pont Alexandre III. Beneath the columns of the Grand Palais, we still hear the whispers of the 1900 World Exposition which gave it birth; whispers which resonate with the bold colours of Matisse, Braque and Derain, who caused a scandal at the Salon d'Automne in 1905. Lovers prefer the tranquillity of the terrace of the Musée de la Vie Romantique and wandering hand in hand in the shade of trees which cast a dappled shade about the roses and lilacs of the floral garden. Available in the delightful surroundings of a greenhouse from March to October, you can take Tea in the Garden at a delightful location which has to be considered one of the best kept secrets in Paris. The former home of painter Ary Scheffer is an annex of the Carnavalet Museum, and provides a compelling glimpse into the past. The Couvent des Récollets, a former Franciscan order convent that is a wonderful example of 17th and 18th century religious architecture houses the Maison de l'Architecture en Ile de France, another place where you can find a delightful garden and, yes, another terrace and cafe. The Café A is a wonderfully and typically Parisian hangout, drawing artistic types who come during the day to lounge and read in the sunshine. Terraces throughout Paris offer evening cinema, live music concerts, DJ sets or artistic performances. Whatever you enjoy, you will find a terrace to match.

Café Branly, 37 quai Branly, 7th
Open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 9:30 to 6 p.m. and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 to 8 p.m.
Full breakfast, salads, hot dishes and snacks and children's menu.
Tel. 01 47 53 68 01
News of the Musée du Quai Branly at www.quaibranly.fr

Mini Palais, 3 avenue Winston Churchill, 8th
Open every day from 10: 00 to 2 a.m.
Tel. 01 42 56 42 42 minipalais.com
News of the Grand Palais at www.grandpalais.fr

Tea in the Garden at the Musée de la Vie Romantique, 16 rue Chaptal, 9th
Open every day, except Monday and holidays, from 12:00 to 17:30.
Tel. 01 55 31 95 96
News of the Musée de la Vie Romantique at http://www.paris.fr/pratique/musees-expos/musee-de-la-vie-romantique/p5851

Coffee A, 148 rue du Faubourg Saint Martin, 10th
Open from Tuesday to Friday from 10: 00 to midnight and Saturday from 12:30 to midnight.
Tel. 09 81 29 83 38. News programming on the Facebook page
News of the Maison de l'Architecture en Île de France at http://www.maisonarchitecture-idf.org/

Photo Café Branly / Quai Branly