Cave des Abbesses
Locals head to this charming retro-looking caviste (wineshop) and wine bar for a glass of something special with a side of oysters, or perhaps La Grande Mixte, a platter of charcuterie, terrine, and cheese (€23).
5 Best Bars in Paris, France
You haven't seen the City of Lights until you've seen the city at night. Throngs pour into popular streets, filling the air with the melody of engaged conversation and clinking glasses. This is when locals let down their hair and reveal their true bonhomie, laughing and dancing, flirting and talking. Parisians love to savor life together: they dine out, drink endless espressos, offer innumerable toasts, and are often so reluctant to separate that they party all night.
Parisians go out weekends and weeknights, late and early. They tend to frequent the same places once they've found spots they like: it could be a wine bar, a corner café, a hip music club, or, more and more, a chic cocktail bar in an out-of-the-way neighborhood. A wise way to spend an evening is to pick an area in a neighborhood that interests you, then give yourself time to browse. Parisians also love to bar-hop, and the energy shifts throughout the evening, so be prepared to follow the crowds.
Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
After jump-starting the Paris cocktail bar scene, the partners behind the Experimental Cocktail Club applied the same winning formula to this hybrid wine bar–nightclub. Plush surroundings, an extensive wine list, and a tasty tapas menu draw a crowd of hip young Parisians who can hone their wine-tasting skills on classics in every price range.
Le Garde-Robe
One of the first bars to bring natural wine to the capital, Le Garde-Robe unites a casual atmosphere and truly knowledgeable staff for a fun, funky experience steps from the Louvre. Order a platter of cheese or charcuterie to accompany your sulfite-free bottles, and take advantage of this bar with a neighborhood feel in the heart of the city.
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Les Caves du Louvre
This 18th-century wine cellar was built by Trudon, the sommelier to King Louis XV, and tastings here are truly an experience fit for royalty. Book in advance for a tasting, cheese pairing, or even a make-your-own-wine workshop.
Ô Château
This wine bar and tasting space is the go-to for Anglophones wanting to deepen their wine knowledge and refine their palates. With more than 1,000 options, 80% of which are organic, biodynamic, or vegan, it's ideal for sampling the best French vintages. Classes in wine tasting are offered; the two-hour "Tour de France" is a best-seller and a bargain at €75. More in-depth options are also available including cheese pairings and champagne cruises. Although the restaurant is closed Sunday, tastings are available daily.
