Paris isn’t just about cafés and croissants after dark. By 9 p.m., the city wakes up in a whole new way-glowing neon signs, live jazz drifting from basement venues, cocktails poured with flair, and groups of women laughing under string lights on hidden courtyards. If you’re planning a girls’ night out in Paris, you don’t need to guess where to go. The city has curated experiences made for groups who want fun, safety, and real atmosphere-not just crowded tourist traps.
Le Comptoir Général: Where Art Meets After-Dark
Forget the typical bar scene. Le Comptoir Général in the 10th arrondissement feels like stepping into a forgotten explorer’s lounge. Think vintage suitcases stacked as shelves, African textiles draped over couches, and a bar made from a repurposed ship’s hull. The cocktails? Creative and not overpriced. Try the Parisian Mule-ginger beer, lime, and a splash of violet syrup-with a side of live Afrobeat or jazz on weekends. It’s not a club. It’s a vibe. Groups of four to six can grab a corner booth, order a round of petits fours (free with drinks), and stay for hours without feeling rushed. Locals love it. Tourists? They leave talking about it for weeks.
Bar à Vins: Wine Bars That Don’t Take Themselves Too Seriously
Wine bars in Paris can be stuffy. Not here. Bar à Vins in the 11th is where friends gather after dinner to sip natural wines from small French vineyards. The staff doesn’t recite tasting notes like a textbook-they ask, "What do you usually like?" Then they pour you something unexpected. A crisp Chenin Blanc from the Loire? A light Gamay from Beaujolais? All under €10 a glass. They serve charcuterie boards with local cheeses, crusty bread, and olives that taste like they were picked yesterday. No reservations needed. Just show up around 8:30 p.m., claim a stool at the bar, and let the conversation flow. It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends by the third glass.
Le Perchoir: Rooftop Views Without the Price Tag
If you want to see Paris glittering from above without paying €25 for a single cocktail, head to Le Perchoir. There are three locations, but the one on Rue de la Fontaine au Roi in the 12th is the most popular with locals. The rooftop terrace wraps around the building, offering unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the Seine. The music? Indie French pop and chill electronic beats. The crowd? Mostly women in their 20s and 30s, dressed up but not overdressed. Order the Perchoir Spritz-Aperol, prosecco, soda, and a twist of orange-and sit on the cushioned benches. It’s open until 2 a.m. on weekends, and the staff never rushes you. Pro tip: Go before 10 p.m. to snag a good spot. After that, it’s standing room only.
La Dame de Canton: Chinese-French Fusion with a Side of Bass
Who says nightlife in Paris has to be all French? La Dame de Canton in the 11th is a surprise gem: a dimly lit, moody space that blends Cantonese decor with underground club energy. Think red lanterns, velvet booths, and a DJ spinning house and disco mixes that make you want to dance even if you haven’t moved in years. The menu? Unexpected. Duck spring rolls with hoisin glaze. Black garlic dumplings. And yes, cocktails with soy sauce and yuzu. The crowd is diverse-artists, designers, expats, and Parisian women who know where the real fun is. It’s open until 3 a.m. on weekends, and the bouncers are polite but firm: no baggy clothes, no sneakers. Dress well, and you’re in. It’s the kind of place that feels secret, even though it’s been around for five years.
La Belle Équipe: The Neighborhood Bar That Feels Like Home
Not every night needs a spectacle. Sometimes, you just want to sit, talk, and sip something good without the noise. La Belle Équipe in the 10th is that place. It’s small, warm, and smells like toasted almonds and old books. The owner, a former sommelier from Bordeaux, pours wines by the glass that change weekly based on what’s fresh. They have a rotating selection of charcuterie from small French producers. On Thursday nights, they host "Vin & Vinyl"-wine tasting paired with vinyl records from the 70s and 80s. No loud music. No flashing lights. Just good conversation, soft lighting, and a playlist that makes you feel like you’ve known everyone there for years. It’s perfect for winding down after a longer night out.
What to Wear and How to Get Around
Parisians dress for the mood. For rooftop bars like Le Perchoir, think chic casual: tailored jeans, a nice top, ankle boots. No sneakers, no hoodies. For Le Comptoir Général or La Dame de Canton, you can go a little more creative-bold prints, statement jewelry, or a velvet blazer. For wine bars, comfort with style works: a dress, a sweater, loafers. You don’t need to look like a model, but you should look like you tried.
Getting around is easy. The metro runs until 1:15 a.m. on weekdays and 2:15 a.m. on weekends. For late nights, use the Noctilien night buses or Uber. Avoid walking alone after midnight, even in safe neighborhoods. Stick to well-lit streets and group up. Most bars close between 2 and 3 a.m., and the city quiets down fast after that.
What Not to Do
Don’t go to the Eiffel Tower’s nightclub on the first floor. It’s overpriced, crowded with tourists, and the music is terrible. Don’t follow Instagram influencers to "hidden" spots that don’t exist. Many "secret" bars are just paid promotions. Don’t order a Mojito in Paris unless you want to pay €18 for a drink that tastes like syrup and mint. Stick to local specialties: Kir Royale, Aperol Spritz, or a simple red wine from the region.
And don’t assume all Parisian nightlife is upscale. Some of the best nights happen in unmarked doors, alleyway entrances, or basements with no sign. If you see a line of women laughing outside a place with no name, go in. You’ll probably find the best spot of the night.
Final Tip: Timing Is Everything
Parisians don’t start their nights early. Dinner is at 8:30 p.m. at the earliest. Bars fill up after 10. Clubs don’t get busy until midnight. Plan your night around that rhythm. Start with wine or cocktails, move to a lively bar, then end at a quiet spot to talk. If you rush, you’ll miss the magic. Slow down. Let the city guide you.
Is Paris safe for girls’ nights out?
Yes, Paris is generally safe for groups of women at night, especially in areas like Le Marais, Saint-Germain, and the 10th and 11th arrondissements. Stick to well-lit streets, avoid walking alone after 2 a.m., and use Uber or the Noctilien night bus if you’re tired. Most bars and clubs have security, and locals are used to seeing groups of women out together. Just use common sense-you wouldn’t do anything different than you would in any major city.
Do I need to make reservations for these spots?
Most places don’t require reservations, especially for groups under six. Le Perchoir and La Dame de Canton get busy on weekends, so showing up before 10 p.m. helps. Le Comptoir Général is first-come, first-served. Bar à Vins and La Belle Équipe rarely fill up. If you’re planning a larger group or want to guarantee a table, call ahead. But most nights, you’ll find space without booking.
How much should I budget for a girls’ night out in Paris?
You can have a great night for €50-€70 per person. That includes two cocktails or glasses of wine, a small plate or two, and transport. Cocktails range from €12-€16. Wine by the glass is €8-€12. Snacks are €5-€10. Uber rides within central Paris cost €8-€12. Skip the tourist traps, and you’ll stretch your budget further.
Are there any all-women nightlife events in Paris?
Yes. Every month, groups like "Paris Women’s Night Out" host themed events-wine tastings, live music nights, and even dance classes in hidden courtyards. Check their Instagram or Eventbrite for upcoming dates. Some bars, like La Dame de Canton, host women-only nights on the first Thursday of the month. These aren’t exclusive, but they’re designed to be welcoming spaces for women to connect without the usual bar atmosphere.
What’s the best time of year for nightlife in Paris?
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) are ideal. The weather is mild, outdoor terraces are open, and the city feels alive without being packed. Summer can be hot and crowded. Winter is quiet, but December brings magical holiday lights and cozy indoor bars. If you’re visiting in December, don’t miss the pop-up Christmas bars in the 1st arrondissement-they serve mulled wine and chocolate cocktails under twinkling trees.
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