When France and balconies are mentioned together, a particular image often arises: ornate iron railings and doors that barely open, allowing just enough space to lean out with a coffee or a cigarette. While the classic French balcony is beloved for its charm, France also boasts larger terraces that are functional and versatile. From expansive planted platforms to deep loggias, these outdoor areas are integral to modern architecture, serving practical purposes while enhancing aesthetic appeal. This collection highlights nine notable projects across France that redefine terraces, emphasizing their role in shaping buildings and enhancing views while providing space for outdoor living.
Emblem
By Hamonic+Masson & Associés, Lille, France
Positioned at the edge of Parc Matisse, Emblem rises amidst roads and rail lines, gradually increasing in height from the park to its tallest point of 50 meters. This design maximizes light and views, featuring continuous balconies that wrap the building in smooth lines of perforated metal. These terraces extend living spaces, providing shade and airflow while harmonizing with the park’s colors.
ARBORESCENCE – Winner of Imagine Angers
By WY-TO Group, France
Located between Angers’ historic center and the Maine, Arborescence features a layered design that integrates nature throughout. With a mix of housing, senior living, childcare, and co-working spaces, the project caters to all generations. Terraces mimic branches, providing privacy and greenery while enhancing the living experience.
The building encircles a planted courtyard, fostering community interaction through shared spaces and gardens, ensuring every unit enjoys light and views.
Apartments in Illkirch – Graffenstaden
By tectône architectes, France
Situated in a tranquil woodland near the Rhine-Rhône Canal, this six-story project features a compact rectangular design that accommodates gardens and communal areas. Each of the 31 apartments includes a private loggia, framed by a concrete exoskeleton that enhances privacy while providing outdoor access. A shared rooftop terrace offers residents a communal space to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
L’Arboretum
By Leclercq associés, Nanterre, France
Located along the Seine, L’Arboretum redefines the office campus with a focus on sustainability. Constructed primarily from cross-laminated timber, the complex features terraces that extend from each office, providing outdoor meeting spaces and quiet areas for work, enhancing the connection to the landscape.
Tale of Transformation La Fantaisie Hotel, Paris
By PETITDIDIERPRIOUX, Paris, France
Nestled within Paris’ 13th arrondissement, Hotel Rosalie transforms a former establishment into a garden-centric retreat, preserving the original structure while introducing a new façade. The terraces extend the hotel experience outdoors, providing guests with serene spaces to unwind and enjoy the courtyard garden.
Tolbiac Apartments
By Atelier Architecture Vincent Pareiram, Paris, France
On a corner site in Paris’ 13th arrondissement, Les Étoffes de Tolbiac transforms former workshops into residential and retail spaces, integrating generous outdoor areas. The project features a grid of balconies that vary in depth, enhancing outdoor space while creating a harmonious architectural flow.
I Park
By NBJ architects, Montpellier, France
Facing Montpellier’s new city hall, I Park explores housing design adapted to the Mediterranean climate. The eight-story building features terraces that enhance outdoor living, designed to optimize shade and airflow, creating a series of stacked gardens.
Ateliers Vaugirard
By Hamonic+Masson & Associés, Paris, France
This housing project stretches 130 meters along a busy street, offering 96 apartments in 37 unique layouts, each enhanced by spacious terraces. The design breaks the monotony of traditional structures, providing ample outdoor space for residents to enjoy the outdoors and interact with the vibrant street life.
BEAUPASSAGE
By Franklin Azzi Architecture, Paris, France
In Paris’ 7th arrondissement, a former industrial block is revitalized through a blend of rehabilitation and new construction, preserving historic features while introducing modern elements. Terraces are meticulously integrated, serving as transitions between homes and the urban environment.
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