Paris isn’t just about wine. If you think the city’s nightlife ends at bistros and champagne bars, you’re missing out. Over the last five years, craft beer has exploded here-turning quiet alleys and former workshops into some of the most vibrant beer spots in Europe. By 2025, Paris had over 120 independent breweries and nearly 200 bars dedicated to local and international craft brews. This isn’t a trend. It’s a full-blown revolution.
Why Craft Beer in Paris Works
For decades, French drinkers stuck to wine, cider, or the occasional lager. But a new generation of brewers-many trained in Belgium, the U.S., or Japan-brought bold flavors, experimental hops, and a hands-on approach. Today, you’ll find barrel-aged stouts brewed with French cherries, IPAs made with local Saaz hops, and sour ales fermented with wild yeast from the Loire Valley. These aren’t imports. They’re made right here, in warehouses near Montmartre, in former train stations in the 13th arrondissement, and in converted bakeries in Belleville.
What makes these bars special isn’t just the beer. It’s the vibe. No stuffy sommeliers. No rigid dress codes. Just people leaning against wooden counters, talking about fermentation temperatures and hop varieties like it’s the most natural thing in the world. The scene is casual, curious, and growing fast.
La Biennale
Open since 2019, La Biennale in the 10th arrondissement is where Parisians go when they want to taste the full range of what’s brewing in France. The bar has 24 taps, all rotating weekly. You’ll find everything from a crisp Pilsner from Lyon to a hazy IPA brewed with elderflower and honey from Normandy. Their tasting flights let you try four different styles in one go-perfect for newcomers.
They also host monthly taproom nights where local brewers pour their latest batches straight from the fermenters. On a Friday night, the place fills with young professionals, artists, and even a few old-school wine lovers who came out of curiosity-and stayed for the sour cherry lambic.
Brasserie des Frères
Don’t let the name fool you. This isn’t your grandpa’s brasserie. Founded by two brothers who trained in Belgium, Brasserie des Frères in the 11th arrondissement is a temple to Belgian-style ales with a Parisian twist. Their flagship beer, Le Parisien, is a 7% ABV tripel brewed with orange peel and coriander from Provence. It’s light, spicy, and dangerously drinkable.
The bar serves food too-think duck confit sliders with beer-braised onions and truffle fries dusted with smoked sea salt. But the real draw is the wall of 60+ bottles, many from small French microbreweries you won’t find anywhere else. They keep a rotating selection of barrel-aged sour ales, some aged over two years. If you’re lucky, you might catch one of their bière de garde releases, which sell out within hours.
Le Chant des Sirènes
Nestled in a basement near Place des Vosges, Le Chant des Sirènes feels like a secret club. No sign. Just a narrow staircase down to a dimly lit room lined with wooden shelves holding hundreds of bottles. The owner, a former sommelier turned brewer, hand-selects every beer on the menu. There are no taps here-only bottles and growlers.
The focus is on rare, limited releases. You’ll find Belgian sours from De Garde, imperial stouts from Maine’s Allagash, and experimental batches from Tokyo’s Kita Ward. The staff will guide you based on your taste-whether you like tart, bitter, sweet, or funky. They don’t do flights. They do conversations. Come here if you want to taste something you’ve never heard of-and probably won’t find again.
La Dernière Goutte
Located in the heart of the Marais, La Dernière Goutte is the kind of place you stumble into and never want to leave. It’s small, cozy, and smells like toasted malt and citrus peel. Their tap list changes daily, but you can always count on at least three French brews, two from Belgium, and one wild card from the U.S. or Japan.
What sets them apart is their “Brewer of the Month” program. Each month, they invite a different French brewer to design a custom beer just for them. Last January, a brewer from Bordeaux created a black IPA infused with roasted chestnuts-a deep, earthy beer that paired perfectly with their house-made charcuterie board. The bar also hosts blind tasting nights, where you guess the beer style and origin. It’s fun, educational, and a great way to meet other beer lovers.
Le Petit Verdot
Yes, it’s named after a red wine grape. But don’t let that scare you off. Le Petit Verdot in the 12th arrondissement is one of the most innovative beer bars in Paris. They don’t just serve beer-they pair it. Like a sommelier would with wine, they match each beer to a specific dish. A crisp saison goes with goat cheese tartlets. A smoked porter? Perfect with duck liver pâté.
They also run a “Brewery Passport” program. Buy five beers from different French breweries, get a free tasting flight. It’s a smart way to explore the country’s beer scene without overspending. The bar’s interior is minimalist-exposed brick, Edison bulbs, and a long counter where you can watch the bartender pour each glass by hand.
What to Expect When You Go
Parisian craft beer bars aren’t like American dive bars. They’re quieter, more intentional. Most open around 5 p.m. and stay open until midnight. Weekends get busy, especially in the Marais and Belleville. Arrive early if you want a seat. Most places don’t take reservations, but they’ll usually save you a spot if you call ahead.
Pricing varies. A pint runs €6-€9. Bottles start at €8 and go up to €25 for rare or aged beers. Tasting flights usually cost €12-€18 and include four 150ml pours. Many bars offer growlers to-go-fill a 1L or 2L jug to take home. Just bring your own clean container, or buy one there for €5.
Don’t be shy to ask questions. Staff are proud of what they serve and love talking about it. Say “Je voudrais essayer quelque chose de différent” (“I’d like to try something different”) and they’ll point you to something unexpected.
How to Navigate the Scene
Start in the 10th or 11th arrondissement-they’re the heart of the movement. Use the Paris Beer Map app (free, updated weekly) to find new spots. It shows current tap lists, events, and user ratings. You’ll also see which bars are hosting live music, trivia nights, or brewery pop-ups.
Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Weekends are crowded. Midweek nights are when locals go, the staff are more relaxed, and you’re more likely to get a seat at the bar. Some places even offer half-price tastings on slow nights.
Bring cash. Many small bars still don’t take cards. And always try at least one French beer. The local ones-especially from Alsace, Normandy, or the Loire-are where the real innovation is happening.
What’s Next for Paris Craft Beer
The scene is evolving fast. New breweries are opening every month. One in the 18th arrondissement just started using French-grown barley and hops in their lagers. Another in the 19th is brewing gluten-free beers with buckwheat and chestnut flour. The city even launched a “Craft Beer Week” in late 2025, with over 50 bars participating in special releases and collaborations.
It’s no longer about replacing wine. It’s about expanding what Paris drinks. And for anyone who loves flavor, community, and a good story over a cold pint-it’s the best time to be here.
Are craft beer bars in Paris expensive?
Not necessarily. A pint usually costs between €6 and €9, which is similar to a glass of good wine. Tasting flights (€12-€18) let you sample multiple styles without spending too much. Some bars offer discounts on weekdays or during happy hours, and growlers to-go are a cost-effective way to enjoy beer later.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy these bars?
No. Most staff speak English, especially in popular areas like the Marais or Belleville. But learning a few phrases like "Quelle est votre bière la plus unique?" (What’s your most unique beer?) goes a long way. Many places have English menus or photos of the beers, so you can point if needed.
Can I find American-style IPAs in Paris?
Yes, but they’re not the main focus. Many Parisian brewers make hazy IPAs and double IPAs, but they often use local ingredients-French hops, wild yeast, or even honey from the Alps. The flavor is different: less citrus, more earthy or floral. If you want something closer to a West Coast IPA, try La Dernière Goutte or Le Chant des Sirènes-they often carry imports.
What’s the best time to visit these bars?
Weeknights-Tuesday to Thursday-are ideal. Crowds are smaller, staff have more time to chat, and you’re more likely to get a seat. Friday and Saturday nights get packed, especially in tourist-heavy areas. If you’re visiting on the weekend, arrive before 7 p.m. to avoid waiting.
Are there any beer festivals in Paris?
Yes. The main one is Paris Craft Beer Week, held every November. But there are also smaller events like the Bière & Boulangerie festival in spring and the Saison Festival in late summer. Many bars host their own mini-festivals too-check the Paris Beer Map app for updates.
Write a comment