City living has its pros and cons, no doubt about it. What you trade in open space and plentiful parking is exchanged for quirky views, closer neighbours and a vast array of cultural and culinary delights on your doorstop.

Yet city living doesn’t mean you have to scrimp on space, just look up! This same piece of advice is equally viable to a tourist or resident, as peering skywards in a city will give you a glimpse of often missed architecture, beautiful residences and sometimes the best secret bars and restaurants reserved for those in the know.

Rooftop retreats, private or public, remain a discreet and luxurious means of escaping from the city buzz. Whatever city living may lack in greenery can be reclaimed in these skyline oases. Clever design and engineering ensure anything is possible, from communal roof-top gardening to private plunge pools, summer kitchens, cinemas, yoga centres, meeting rooms or revered watering holes - all with a bird’s eye view are within reach.

But the trend is not reserved for city dwellers alone, employers are increasingly realising the need to offer a range of work spaces and environments to ensure zones of creativity and calm within work spaces. Beanbags and chill-out zones have been replaced by rooftop meeting rooms and open spaces for employees to relax, discuss, concentrate and contemplate – all with positive impacts on staff moral and results. 

With apartment living and shared office space on the rise, such spaces are at a premium and prized possessions high on the wish list of buyers. Anyone looking for inspiration for their own rooftop retreat is bound to find some suggestions within this selection of French rooftop residences and work spaces, all available for sale and rent via Savills.