15 Best Bars in Lyon and the Alps, France

Hot both figuratively and literally (you'll probably end up stripping down to a T-shirt), this popular music bar near Plaza de l'Église packs in the après-ski party animals as soon as the sun is over the yardarm, which can be as early as 4 or 5 pm in December.

Set in Lyon's hip Hôtel Dieu complex, L'Officine's elegant decor, featuring leather banquettes, plush velvet chairs, wood paneling, and mood lighting, conveys a luxe private club atmosphere. It's the perfect backdrop for a menu of sublime cocktails made by Lyon's star mixologists. An ample selection of whiskeys, bourbons, gins, wines, and champagnes attract aficionados, and the outdoor terrace is a delight in warm weather. Small gourmet plates mean you can get there early and sample for dinner, a good idea at this popular address.

A carefully staged scene of plush velvets, romantic lighting, vintage touches, and mood music on a phonograph create a delicious atmosphere, and that's even before you get to the drinks. Inventive ambrosias with expressive names like Monkey Shoulder or Sex on the Beach are concocted from house-made syrups and fresh juices, and change monthly according to what's in season. There's also an impressive list of spirits and wines as well as small plates of cheese and charcuterie to keep you going through the night.

Resembling a pirate ship, Barberousse is an always-popping rum mill.

Besides games of chance like roulette and blackjack, the Casino de Chamonix has a bar and restaurant. Entrance is free with a passport or driver's license.

Fabled landmark Chambre Neuf is a hot après-ski bar in the Hotel Gustavia.

Live jazz has been played in the stone basement of the Hot Club since 1948, so they are obviously getting it right.

If you'd rather avoid elbow-to-elbow crowds at the slope-side bars, head to Le Poste de Secours. Dispensing with the chalet-chic decor that's so popular in the region’s watering holes, it has a futuristic feel. In the purple haze, spherical lighting fixtures float like planets while clusters of podlike chairs sit low to the ground. This is the best place in town for classic cocktails, made by bartenders who know their stuff.

Just below the St-Paul train station, La Cave des Voyageurs is a cozy place to sample some carefully selected wines and tuck into a plate of Lyonnais charcuterie while waiting for your train.

Live music from salsa to hip-hop rules at Le Marché Gare.

For the hottest English pub in Lyon, the Smoking Dog is the place to head. You can't miss the bright red awning out front.