Paris has an international status as one of the best cities in the world for eating and drinking. The variety of mysterious, charming, quirky spots is what makes Paris bars an institution. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down where you’d like to go. These choices are just a sample of most unique & enigmatic bars in the City of Lights.
Lavomatic
Arriving at this laundromat near Paris’ Canal St Martin neighborhood, you might be wondering if you’ve got the right address. But there is a whole world hiding behind one of the machines in the back. Head down the hidden door in the laundry room, climb the staircase, and you’ll be transported to a lively bar that forgoes the usual quiet of speakeasies for energetic, friendly vibes. Lavomatic truly is an experience like no other.
Lulu White
What trip to Paris is complete without a taste of the green fairy? Lulu White (named after a famous brothel madam in turn-of-the-century New Orleans) is a true hidden gem, it’s windowless facade giving way to a bustling, fantastic art-deco interior. What better atmosphere to try one of their absinthe-laced cocktails? This place is known for attracting all types of Parisian night wanderers, so you’ll get the sense you’ve stepped foot into a true midnight wonderland.
Rosa Bonheur
A bit off the beaten path, you can find this undeniably beautiful spot sitting high atop a hill in the Parc de Buttes Chaumont. The space dates back to the 1800s, when it was used as an open-air dance hall. Now it is a popular gathering space for locals and in-the-know visitors, who are drawn to the lush surroundings and the contagious good energy. Add to that good drinks and a fun atmosphere, and you’ll find your experience here is well worth traveling outside the city center (and any lines you might encounter to get in!)
Paname Brewing Company
Looking to enjoy a craft beer at cheap prices on the water? Paname Brewing is the place to go. You can lounge on their floating terrace by day, sipping local brews with the sun on your skin, or head there in the early evening to catch a stunning sunset.
Le Syndicat
Known as one of the best bars in the world, Le Syndicat is full of surprises. It might not look like much from the outside, but once you enter you’ll be greeted by a warm, friendly atmosphere in a speakeasy-style setting. Hip-hop lovers will appreciate the soundtrack, while cocktail aficionados can bask in the variety of rare French liquors and creative drinks. Le Syndicat is quintessential Paris.
Le Comptoir General
One of the most unique spots in the trendy, bar-heavy Canal St Martin, Le Comptoir General combines a bar, restaurant, concept store and, on the weekends, a disco-ball-lit dance party. You’ll be blown away by the lush, antique decor and walls covered in vintage goods and African cultural memorabilia. The crowd is as eclectic as you’ll find in Paris, but everyone is on the same page here, happy to drink and dance and meet new people.
Little Red Door
The first thing you’ll notice about Little Red Door is that, well, the door isn’t red. Enter the little black door in an unremarkable street in Le Marais, and you’ll be greeted, first, by the famous little red door, and then through that door, by a cozy, plush space with loads of red velvet and quirky decor. Considered another one of the best bars in the world, this space takes local appreciation to a new level, with not only inventive, boundary-pushing cocktails using local ingredients, but menus in the style of comic books, where each page is designed by a different local artist and represents a different cocktail. Rounded out with warm atmosphere and some of the friendliest bartenders in town, it’s easy to see why Little Red Door is so beloved.
Chez Georges
Located in Paris’ classy Saint Germain des Pres neighborhood, you might expect a wine bar like Chez George to come off a bit too fancy for the student crowd. But at Chez George, good times reign, and you’ll discover a fun-loving and friendly mix of older locals, young bohemes and students. The space itself is stunning, most of the drinking taking place in the old wine cellar. The food is excellent at this authentic Parisian bistro, so this might be the place to start the night when you’re hungry. Stay late enough, though, and you could be rewarded with an impromptu dance party.
Ready to experience the City of Lights? Come along with us for our Paris weekend trip, coming up Spring 2022!
