Preparing Your Terrace for Summer

It's official: the weather is glorious!

With the clear skies and the onset of good weather, everyone's sole desire is to relax on a terrace, soaking up the first rays of sun with a glass of rosé (on the rocks).

Recognizing that a terrace is a significant asset for increasing turnover, we have examined this topic. In this guide, you will find legal constraints, our best-selling rosés, inspiration from France's most beautiful terraces, and even our opinion on the Ice Bag trend.

What Does the Law Stipulate?

In terms of regulation, the law is very stringent regarding the setup of terraces outside commercial premises.

A temporary occupation permit (AOT) for public land is mandatory for professionals wishing to occupy a portion of the sidewalk, which is primarily reserved for pedestrians. This permit must comply with the conditions set by the administrative authority responsible for its management, typically the municipality. This AOT is issued as a decree and requires the payment of a fee, the amount of which varies based on the duration of operation, the commercial value of the occupied public space, and the size of the terrace.

It should first be noted that only owners of commercial premises, located on the ground floor and open to the public, can obtain a permit for a terrace or display. This permit is personal (cannot be sold), precarious (valid for a determined period), and revocable (can be withdrawn at any moment).

There are three types of terraces:

• The open terrace: must be directly adjacent to the establishment's storefront. It must be furnished with tables and chairs.
• The counter-terrace: must be located at the edge of the sidewalk.
• The enclosed terrace: This requires a specific application for a road occupancy permit. The components must be demountable within 8 hours.

Conditions to be met:

• Pedestrians must be able to circulate without hindrance, especially those with reduced mobility.
• The tranquility of the neighborhood must be preserved.
• Hygiene regulations must be observed (especially concerning foodstuffs).

What must the AOT application file include?

• A copy of the certificate of registration in the commercial register or trades register (Kbis extract);
• A copy of the license in the name of the owner or operator of the commercial premises for beverage retailers and restaurateurs;
• A copy of the commercial lease or the title deed;
• The insurance certificate for the occupation of public land;
• The description of the terrace or display and the materials used, typically a dimensioned plan specifying the placement of the setup on the sidewalk;
• Bank account details...

The Rosés That Are a Hit

After long being criticized, rosé has recently become the ultimate trendy drink! It's true that it's a wine accessible to the palate (fruity, fresh), with a refined color, well-designed packaging, and easy pairing with various dishes. This enthusiasm extends far beyond our borders, even though France remains the world's leading consumer of rosé wine, but it remains intimately linked to the summer season. Here is our Top Summer Rosés!

A summer rosé that goes off the beaten path: the Bourgogne Rosé from Domaine Céline & Frédéric Gueguen

Even Burgundians, from the prestigious land of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are embracing rosé! Domaine Gueguen presents a cuvée of pure elegance. A beautiful rosewood color. A subtle nose of peach blossom and Mara des Bois strawberry, enriched with a pleasant smoky hint. A straightforward palate with an acidic finish.

A refreshing rosé for a fresh apéritif dinner: zucchini and feta salad, mixed tomato, strawberry, and basil salad, shrimp and avocado verrine.

A reliable choice: A Provence rosé from Château de Calavon

A fleshy and round rosé, pale pink with salmon reflections. The nose is fruity and slightly spicy, full of roundness and freshness... A wine that breathes sunshine!

Ideal as an aperitif, but also throughout the meal, with grilled red mullet with garlic cream, a lamb tagine with preserved lemon, a bouillabaisse, and even an osso bucco.

Fruit, fruit, fruit: the promise of this Rhône Valley rosé produced at Château de Nages

Château de Nages is not only a fabulous Rhône terroir, it is also the birthplace of the Gassier family. In search of true pleasure wines, they have freed themselves from the constraints of appellation and modern oenology.

When tasting this wine, on the nose, it feels like smelling candy: a symphony of strawberries, blackcurrants, and redcurrants... on the palate, this rosé is very fruity and aromatic, revealing sparkling, pure, and lively notes. In short, a successful composition!

What if we dared a rosé with bubbles? The Rosé de Saignée from Champagne house Jeaunaux Robin

Because summer is also the season for weddings and numerous festivities, rosé Champagne is our guest.
A traditional rosé from Jeaunaux-Robin, resulting from a brief maceration. A deep color, for exceptional fruitiness. A gourmet rosé Champagne to toast to summer!

The Most Beautiful Terraces in France

Terrace with panoramic view, terrace with garden, terrace in a small inner courtyard, rooftop terrace... Les Grappes brings you its selection of the most beautiful terraces in France so that you, in turn, can create THE terrace that will make your neighbors green with envy and make you the hippest bar/restaurant in the area... or simply to take you on a little journey.

Le Plongeoir – Nice

In the heart of a typical Nice site, Le Plongeoir will amaze you. This restaurant, perched on a rock in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, is an extraordinary place divided into two spaces: the diving board (le plongeoir) and the rock (le rocher). A must-discover for all lovers of the open sea and gastronomy!

Le Bistrot des Dames – Paris

A true institution in its neighborhood, Le Bistrot des Dames, ideally located between Montmartre and Place de Clichy, boasts an idyllic interior garden reminiscent of the countryside. Thus, for all Parisians longing for greenery, this little corner of paradise is the place that will fulfill your need for escape for an evening or an afternoon.

Le Nid – Nantes

With a panoramic view of the city of Nantes, this rooftop terrace perched atop the Tour Bretagne invites imagination. As soon as you arrive at the top, the magic immediately takes hold. Reaching the end of the 32 floors that lead to Le Nid is a bit like reaching seventh heaven, so it's your turn to play!

Frida – Bordeaux

Located in the heart of old Bordeaux, Le Frida is a true delight for both the eyes and the palate. The exotic colors of its indoor garden and its festive outdoor ambiance will lift your spirits in any situation!

Le Moulin du Roc – Champagnac de Bel-Air

Indeed, paradise has a name, and it's Le Moulin du Roc. Located in Périgord, this hotel-restaurant offers a bucolic setting. Straddling a canal, this little gem is a true haven of peace and an invitation to relaxation.

The Ice Bag Trend

Ice Bags, or bottle chillers as they are known in French, have enjoyed considerable success for several years. A genuine solution for keeping bottles cool in all circumstances and at any time of year, this small, flexible, and easily transportable ice bucket will quickly become indispensable! Indeed, for several years now, Ice Bags have been a huge hit with both individuals and professionals.

As a true communication tool, the Ice Bag stands out as the trendy and fun item of the moment, found on any table!

It comes in several collections, including one specifically for professionals. This collection offers 19 models in various sizes and thicknesses, ranging from can to jeroboam. It is also possible, depending on preferences and tastes, to create personalized Ice Bags, with 3 available models: the classic shape (tube handles), the Square (square shape, cut-out handles), and the Vask (trapezoid shape, cut-out handles).