Paris isn’t just about croissants and museums. When the sun sets, the city transforms into a glittering playground for women who want to dance, drink, and laugh without worrying about being overlooked. Forget the clichés-this isn’t about fancy cocktails at rooftop lounges only. It’s about finding places where you feel seen, safe, and totally alive. Whether you’re in Paris for a weekend or a month, these are the spots where real girls’ nights happen.
Le Perchoir: Rooftop Vibes Without the Crowds
Le Perchoir isn’t one place-it’s a chain of rooftop bars scattered across Paris, but the one on Rue de la Grange-Batelière in the 9th arrondissement is the favorite among locals. The view? Unbeatable. The crowd? Mostly women in their late 20s to 40s, dressed up just enough to feel special but not like they’re at a gala. The cocktails? Creative, not overpriced. Order the Parisian Mule-vodka, ginger beer, lime, and a splash of rose syrup. It’s refreshing, pretty, and doesn’t taste like sugar water.
What makes this spot work for a girls’ night? No bouncers who act like they own your vibe. No overpriced bottle service. Just good music, low lighting, and enough space to move around without bumping into strangers. Arrive before 9 p.m. to snag a terrace seat. By 11, it fills up fast, but the energy stays chill.
La Belle Hortense: Where Jazz Meets Girl Power
Tucked under the railway arches in the 11th, La Belle Hortense feels like a secret your best friend told you about. It’s a jazz bar with a twist-women-run, women-focused, and women-loving. The stage hosts female musicians every night: pianists, vocalists, and even a cello player who makes Miles Davis sound like a love letter.
The drinks are simple: red wine by the glass, craft beer from local breweries, and a signature Blackberry Sour that’s tart, sweet, and strong enough to loosen up even the most reserved group. The crowd? Mostly women, some couples, and zero guys trying to pick up anyone. The staff remembers names. The playlist? No EDM, no pop remixes-just soul, blues, and swing.
Pro tip: Come on a Thursday. That’s when they host Les Soirées des Femmes-a monthly event where female DJs spin vinyl and the bar donates 10% of sales to women’s shelters in Paris. It’s not a charity night. It’s just how they roll.
Bar Hemingway: For When You Want to Feel Like a Movie Star
If you’ve ever watched Midnight in Paris and thought, “I want to be in that scene,” Bar Hemingway at the Ritz is your chance. It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. But it’s the kind of place where you feel like you’ve stepped into a 1920s novel. The bartenders are quiet, polished, and know exactly how to make a perfect Old Fashioned.
Here’s the catch: it’s expensive. A cocktail runs €22-€28. But here’s the twist-it’s worth it. The atmosphere is intimate. The lighting is golden. The chairs are deep enough to sink into. You don’t come here to dance. You come here to talk. To laugh. To feel like you’re part of something timeless.
Book a table in advance. Wear something that makes you feel confident. Don’t worry if you’re not dressed to the nines-this place doesn’t care about labels. It cares about presence. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a live pianist playing Debussy in the corner.
Le Baron: The Club That Doesn’t Take Itself Seriously
Le Baron is the only club on this list that actually feels like a party. It’s in the 8th arrondissement, above a boutique hotel, and it’s been a favorite since the 2000s. But here’s what’s changed: it’s no longer a place for influencers and celebrities. It’s a place for women who want to dance like no one’s watching.
The music? A mix of 90s R&B, French house, and new indie pop. The crowd? 70% women. The dress code? No jeans. But sneakers? Totally fine. The bouncer? She’s a former dancer from Lyon who smiles and says, “You look amazing,” before letting you in.
They don’t do VIP tables. No bottle service. Just a bar that stays open until 3 a.m. and a dance floor that never gets too packed. The sound system? Crisp enough to hear every beat. The lighting? Flashy, but not blinding. And the best part? No one checks your bag. No one stares. You just walk in, grab a drink, and let go.
La Cigale: For a Night That Feels Like a Musical
La Cigale isn’t a bar or a club. It’s a concert hall with a bar. And on weekends, it becomes the go-to spot for women who want to see live music without the chaos of a festival. The venue is old-school Parisian-high ceilings, velvet curtains, and a stage that feels like it’s been lit by candlelight since 1897.
Check the calendar. You’ll find everything from French indie bands to female-led electronic acts. Last month, it was Clara Luciani, a singer-songwriter whose lyrics about heartbreak and freedom had half the room crying and the other half screaming along.
Grab a seat on the mezzanine. Order a glass of Champagne. Watch the lights dim. Feel the music move through you. It’s not a party. It’s an experience. And it’s the kind of night you’ll remember long after your shoes hurt and your voice is gone.
Le Comptoir Général: The Hidden Gem You’ll Want to Tell Everyone About
This place doesn’t look like a nightlife spot. It looks like a thrift store that got drunk and decided to become a bar. Located in the 10th arrondissement, Le Comptoir Général is part bar, part art installation, part jungle. Plants hang from the ceiling. African masks line the walls. A giant elephant statue stands in the corner.
The drinks? Unusual. Think Spiced Hibiscus Mojito or Coconut Rum with Cardamom. The music? Afrobeat, reggae, and French pop. The vibe? Warm, welcoming, and completely unpretentious. You’ll see women in suits, women in hoodies, women in hijabs-all laughing, dancing, taking photos with the elephant.
It’s open until 2 a.m. on weekends. No cover. No lines. Just good energy and a staff that remembers your name after one drink. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to bring your sister, your cousin, your best friend from college. And you’ll probably come back alone just to sit in the garden and read a book.
What to Wear (And What Not To)
Parisians don’t dress for attention. They dress for comfort and confidence. You don’t need designer labels. You need a good pair of shoes-because you’ll walk. You need a jacket-because the nights are cold. And you need something that makes you feel like yourself.
At Le Perchoir and Bar Hemingway, opt for a dress or tailored pants. At La Belle Hortense and Le Comptoir Général, jeans are fine. At Le Baron, avoid sneakers with socks. At La Cigale, dress up a little-it’s a concert, not a dive bar.
And here’s the golden rule: if you’re not comfortable in what you’re wearing, change it. Paris doesn’t judge. But you will.
How to Stay Safe and Have Fun
Paris is safe for women at night-if you know where to go and how to move. Stick to well-lit streets. Use the metro after midnight; it runs until 2 a.m. on weekends. Avoid empty alleys near Gare du Nord or Châtelet. Don’t accept drinks from strangers. Carry your own water bottle. And if you’re ever unsure, ask the bartender or a shopkeeper for help. Parisians are polite. They’ll guide you.
Group up. Always. Even if you’re with one other person, you’re not alone. And if you’re traveling solo? Pick a spot with a good reputation. Le Comptoir Général and La Belle Hortense are both known for being safe and friendly to solo women.
When to Go and How to Plan
Weekends are the busiest. Friday and Saturday nights are packed. If you want space and a real conversation, aim for Thursday or Sunday. Weekdays are quieter, but the energy is still there.
Book ahead for Bar Hemingway and La Cigale. No reservations needed for Le Perchoir, Le Baron, or Le Comptoir Général-just show up before 9 p.m. and you’re golden.
And here’s one last tip: don’t try to hit all five spots in one night. Pick one. Savor it. Let the night unfold. Paris doesn’t rush. Neither should you.
Is Paris safe for women at night?
Yes, Paris is generally safe for women at night, especially in popular nightlife areas like Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the 9th and 11th arrondissements. Stick to well-lit streets, avoid isolated alleys near train stations, and always travel in groups. Bars like La Belle Hortense and Le Comptoir Général are known for being welcoming and secure for solo women.
What’s the best time to start a girls’ night out in Paris?
Start around 8 or 9 p.m. Most bars open at 7, but the real energy kicks in after 9. If you’re going to a club like Le Baron, aim for 10:30 p.m. to avoid long lines. For a relaxed evening at La Belle Hortense or Le Perchoir, 8:30 p.m. is perfect for catching sunset views and settling in.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy Paris nightlife?
No, you don’t need to speak French. Most bartenders and staff in popular nightlife spots speak English. But learning a few phrases-like “Bonjour,” “Merci,” and “Une verre de vin rouge, s’il vous plaît”-goes a long way. It shows respect, and you’ll get better service. Plus, it’s fun to say.
Are these spots expensive?
It depends. Le Perchoir and Le Comptoir Général have cocktails around €14-€18. La Belle Hortense is similar. Bar Hemingway is pricier at €22-€28, but it’s an experience, not just a drink. Le Baron doesn’t charge cover, and drinks are mid-range. You can have a great night out for €40-€60 per person, including a few drinks and snacks.
Can I go alone to these places?
Absolutely. Many women do. Le Comptoir Général and La Belle Hortense are especially welcoming to solo visitors. The staff remembers names. The vibe is calm. You can sit at the bar, read a book, or strike up a conversation. Paris is full of women who come alone to enjoy a quiet drink or a great playlist. You’re not odd-you’re normal.
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