Paris, France
Paris’s 5 best cocktail bars (and must-try drinks)
A selection of the 5 most spectacular Paris cocktailbars
As night falls over Paris, the city’s legendary allure takes on a new life, with its bars becoming the heartbeats of the nocturnal landscape. These Parisian sanctuaries offer more than just cocktails and conversation; they are where history, art and the Parisian way of life converge under a canopy of twinkling lights. Each venue, with its distinct vibe and story, blends masterful mixology with a vibrant atmosphere, all set against the backdrop of the city’s iconic skyline. This journey invites you to discover the Paris bar scene, as timeless as the city itself.
01
Little Red Door
Known for its unique entrance through an unmarked red door, reminiscent of Prohibition-era speakeasies, the Little Red Door welcomes guests into a cosy, intimate world. Dark wood panelling, leather banquettes and dim lighting create an inviting atmosphere. As a consistent feature in The World’s 50 Best Bars list, it stands out for its commitment to sustainable bar practices, with a farm-to-glass approach that brings producers and cocktail crafters together. Drinks like Melon, Apple, Holy Basil and Olive are not only creatively named but also crafted using modern techniques, showcasing the bar’s dedication to both tradition and innovation.
Little Red Door
60 Rue Charlot
Paris
France
Photography courtesy of Little Red Door
02
The Cambridge Public House
In Paris’ Marais district, The Cambridge Public House, opened in 2019, ingeniously merges the warmth of a local pub with the finesse of a high-end cocktail bar. Founders Hyacinthe Lescoët and Hugo Gallou have elevated the classic British pub, offering Guinness, live sports and delightful sausage rolls. The Cambridge Public House is committed to sustainability, evident in its menu which reflects the bar’s ethos, changes regularly with seasonal produce. A highlight is the continuously reinvented Summer Cup, now in its fifth rendition. This establishment embodies tradition and transition, seamlessly blending its reverence for classic influences with a pioneering spirit, redefining the essence of contemporary pub culture.
The Cambridge Public House
8 Rue de Poitou
Paris
France
Photography courtesy of The Cambridge Public House
03
Danico
Danico in Paris, once the flagship store of fashion icon Jean Paul Gaultier, is a cocktail haven where edgy meets elegance. Located behind the bustling Daroco Bourse, its speakeasy-style entrance leads to an ambiance of urban tropical chic, accented with quirky wallpaper, velvet furnishings, and a striking herringbone marble bar. The nautical-striped shirts of the barmen pay homage to Gaultier’s legacy. Mastermind Nico de Soto, also the brains behind New York’s Mace, brings his cocktail wizardry to Danico’s adventurous 12-drink menu. Signature concoctions like La Myrtille, a turbo-charged kir royale with cognac, hazelnut butter and tonka beans, exemplify the bar’s bold yet delicious creativity.
Danico
6 Rue Vivienne
Paris
France
Photography courtesy of Danico
04
Bar Nouveau
Bar Nouveau in Paris’ 3rd arrondissement is a striking fusion of Art Nouveau elegance and brutalist edge. Designed by Amélie Dupont, the main floor showcases organic curves and intricate motifs that nod to the iconic 1900s style, while the basement starkly contrasts with raw, minimalist brutalism. The bar’s signature drink, Gustave, is a clever homage to the Art Nouveau movement. Upstairs, it’s served as a refined Old-Fashioned, featuring olive vodka and raicilla. Downstairs, it’s reimagined as an avant-garde tequila-soda, blending chamomile cordial with a bespoke tequila distillate. This innovative duality in both design and mixology makes Bar Nouveau a true Parisian gem.
Bar Nouveau
5 Rue des Haudriettes
Paris
France
Photography courtesy of Bar Nouveau
05
Bar Joséphine
Set on the Left Bank, between Le Bon Marché and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Bar Joséphine is the crown jewel of the iconic Hôtel Lutetia. This legendary hotel, which opened in 1910, has a rich history, having hosted figures like Picasso, André Gide and General de Gaulle. After a stunning 2018 refurbishment by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, Bar Joséphine now radiates with Art Deco elegance and the exuberance of the Années Folles. The bar pays tribute to Joséphine Baker, who once called the Lutetia home, with a cocktail menu inspired by her life. Signature drinks include J’ai Deux Amours, a vodka creation with smoked essence and clarified mango, and You’re Driving Me Crazy, a gin cocktail featuring apricot, plum vinegar, chamomile and Chartreuse.
Bar Joséphine
Hôtel Lutetia
45 Bd Raspail
Paris
France
Photography courtesy of Bar Joséphine
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