Paris isn’t just about the Eiffel Tower and croissants. By night, the city transforms into a labyrinth of hidden doors, velvet curtains, and whispered passwords. Forget the crowded tourist pubs-what you’re really after are the speakeasies that feel like secrets only locals know. These aren’t gimmicks. They’re carefully crafted experiences where the mixology is serious, the lighting is low, and the vibe is pure Parisian mystery.
How to Find a Hidden Bar in Paris
You won’t find these places on Google Maps with a big red pin. Most don’t have signs. Some are behind refrigerators, others behind bookshelves, and a few require a password you get by texting a number. That’s the point. If it’s too easy to find, it’s not worth your time.
The best way to start? Ask a bartender at a quiet, well-known bar in Le Marais or Saint-Germain. They’ll nod, glance around, and say something like, “Try La Chambre aux Oiseaux.” No explanation. No website. Just a name. That’s how it works.
Don’t show up before 9 PM. These places aren’t for early birds. They’re for people who want to disappear into the night. Dress well-not formal, but intentional. No sneakers. No hoodies. You’re blending in with the crowd, not standing out.
Le Comptoir Général
Hidden behind a faded green door in the 10th arrondissement, Le Comptoir Général doesn’t look like a bar at all. It’s part vintage curiosity shop, part African art gallery, part jungle-themed lounge. Walk in and you’re greeted by stuffed monkeys, old typewriters, and shelves of dusty bottles.
The drinks here are wild. Try the “Sangria du Congo”-a mix of rum, hibiscus, orange, and a splash of absinthe. It’s served in a mason jar with a cinnamon stick. The music? Afrobeat mixed with 1970s French chanson. It’s chaotic, colorful, and utterly unforgettable.
They don’t take reservations. Show up between 9 and 10 PM on a weekday if you want a seat. Weekends are packed with tourists who stumbled in by accident. Don’t be one of them.
La Chambre aux Oiseaux
Nestled in the 11th arrondissement, this place feels like stepping into a bird lover’s dream. The walls are lined with antique birdcages. A taxidermied owl watches from above the bar. The lighting is soft, golden, and warm.
The cocktail menu changes monthly, but the “Oiseau de Nuit” (Night Bird) is always there. Made with gin, elderflower, lemon, and a hint of smoked salt, it’s served in a coupe glass with a single edible flower. The bartender doesn’t ask your name. He just slides it over and says, “Pour vous.”
It’s tiny-only 12 seats. No menu. No signs. You need to know the password. The easiest way? Ask for it at the nearby café, Café de la Gare. Say you’re looking for the bar with the birds. They’ll smile and hand you a slip of paper with “Cerf-Volant” written on it.
Bar Hemingway at Le Ritz
Not hidden in the traditional sense, but still one of the most exclusive spots in Paris. It’s inside the legendary Ritz Hotel, behind heavy oak doors that only open for those who know the drill. You don’t need to be a guest. But you do need to make a reservation-weeks in advance.
This is where Ernest Hemingway used to drink. The bar still has the same mahogany paneling, the same crystal chandeliers, the same quiet hum of old money. The cocktails are legendary. Order the “Ritz Collins”-gin, lemon, soda, and a splash of raspberry syrup. It’s crisp, elegant, and perfectly balanced.
Don’t expect loud music or a crowd. This is where Parisian bankers, writers, and diplomats unwind after dinner. It’s quiet. It’s refined. And it costs €28 a drink. But you’re not just paying for alcohol-you’re paying for history.
Le Progrès
Down a narrow alley in the 10th, past a door that looks like a storage closet, you’ll find Le Progrès. The entrance is unmarked. Inside, it’s all brick walls, dim Edison bulbs, and a long wooden bar where the bartender moves like a jazz musician.
This is the kind of place where you’ll hear someone say, “I came here the night my wife left me.” And they’ll say it like it’s a good thing. The cocktails are simple but perfect. The “Old Fashioned Progrès” uses a house-made demerara syrup and a single cube of ice that melts slowly-just enough to open up the bourbon.
They don’t have a website. No Instagram. No menu on the wall. You order by asking, “What’s good tonight?” The bartender will ask you what you usually drink, then make something you didn’t know you needed.
Le Perchoir
Perched on the 7th floor of a nondescript building in the 11th, Le Perchoir isn’t hidden-it’s elevated. Literally. You take a rickety elevator up to a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city. The staircase is narrow. The door is locked. You need to buzz in.
It’s not a speakeasy by old-school standards, but it feels like one because of how hard it is to get in. The crowd? Young creatives, artists, designers. The drinks? Creative, seasonal, and beautifully presented. The “Cassis Fizz”-blackcurrant liqueur, gin, soda, and a twist of lime-is the most ordered drink here.
Go at sunset. The city lights come on one by one. The Seine glows. The Eiffel Tower sparkles. And you’re up here, sipping a cocktail, feeling like you’ve found Paris’s best-kept secret.
What Makes a Great Hidden Bar?
A good hidden bar doesn’t rely on gimmicks. It doesn’t need neon signs or themed costumes. It thrives on atmosphere, attention to detail, and a sense of belonging.
Here’s what separates the real ones from the fakes:
- Staff who remember your name-not because you’re a VIP, but because they care.
- Cocktails made with house-infused spirits-not just store-bought vodka with a splash of syrup.
- No loud music-if you can’t hear the person next to you, it’s not right.
- No menus-or if there is one, it’s handwritten and changes weekly.
- Zero tourists-if you see five people with cameras, you’re in the wrong place.
The best bars in Paris don’t want to be found. They want to be stumbled upon by the right person at the right time.
When to Go and How to Plan
Parisian hidden bars don’t open at 5 PM. Most don’t open until 8 or 9. Weeknights are better than weekends. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are quiet. Fridays and Saturdays? You’ll wait 45 minutes for a stool.
Bring cash. Many don’t take cards. And don’t show up with a group of six. Most of these places seat eight at most. If you’re with a big group, split up. Go in pairs. It’s more authentic that way.
Download the app “Paris Secret Bars.” It’s not perfect, but it has a list of 22 verified spots with tips on how to get in. It’s free. No ads. Just facts.
What to Order
Parisian bartenders don’t care if you’re a cocktail newbie. They’ll guide you. But here are three drinks that always impress:
- Old Fashioned-if it’s made with rye, not bourbon, you’re in a good place.
- Whiskey Sour-with egg white and a dash of orange bitters. It should be silky, not sweet.
- French 75-gin, lemon, sugar, and champagne. It’s light, crisp, and perfect for a Paris night.
Don’t ask for a “vodka soda.” You’ll get a look. And you’ll deserve it.
Why This Matters
Paris isn’t just a city. It’s a feeling. And the best way to feel it is to disappear into one of these hidden spaces. These bars aren’t about drinking. They’re about connection-between people, between eras, between the city’s past and its present.
When you leave one of these places, you won’t just remember the drink. You’ll remember the quiet nod from the bartender. The way the light fell on the brass rail. The sound of a saxophone playing just out of sight.
That’s the real Paris. Not the postcards. Not the crowds. But the moments you didn’t know you were looking for.
Do I need to know a password to get into these bars?
Some do, some don’t. Places like La Chambre aux Oiseaux require a password you can get from a nearby café. Others, like Le Progrès, just want you to walk in and ask what’s good. If you’re unsure, ask a local bartender-they’ll point you in the right direction.
Are these bars expensive?
Most cocktails cost between €18 and €28. That’s more than a regular bar, but you’re paying for craftsmanship, atmosphere, and exclusivity. Le Comptoir Général is an exception-drinks are around €14 and feel like a steal. Le Ritz’s Bar Hemingway is the priciest, but it’s worth it for the history.
Can I just walk in without a reservation?
For most, yes-but only if you go early and on a weeknight. Le Progrès and La Chambre aux Oiseaux are first-come, first-served. Bar Hemingway at Le Ritz requires a reservation weeks ahead. If you show up at 11 PM on a Friday, you’ll likely be turned away.
What’s the dress code?
No shorts, no flip-flops, no hoodies. Think smart casual: dark jeans, a button-down shirt, or a simple dress. You don’t need a suit, but you should look like you made an effort. Parisians notice.
Are these places safe for solo travelers?
Absolutely. These bars are among the safest spots in Paris at night. The clientele is quiet, respectful, and often local. The staff watches out for everyone. If you’re alone, sit at the bar. You’ll likely end up in a conversation with someone interesting.
Is there a best time of year to visit these bars?
Anytime is good, but late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) are ideal. The weather is mild, the crowds are thinner, and the bars feel more alive. Winter is cozy, but some rooftop spots like Le Perchoir close in December. Summer is crowded-avoid if you want true secrecy.
Write a comment