Paris isn’t just about croissants and the Eiffel Tower. When the sun sets, the city transforms into a playground of neon lights, live music, and laughter that echoes down cobblestone alleys. If you’re planning a girls’ night out in Paris, you don’t need to guess where to go. The city has perfected the art of evening fun-whether you want cocktails with a view, dancing till dawn, or cozy wine bars where the conversation flows as easily as the wine.
Le Perchoir: Rooftop Drinks with a View
Start your night at Le Perchoir, a chain of rooftop bars scattered across Paris, but the one on Rue de la Fontaine au Roi in the 11th arrondissement is the most popular with groups of friends. It’s not a club, not a lounge-just a sprawling, plant-filled terrace with string lights, mismatched couches, and a view that stretches from the Montmartre dome to the Tour Montparnasse. The cocktails are creative but not overpriced: try the Parisian Mule (vodka, ginger, lime, and elderflower) or the Champagne Spritz with a splash of blood orange. No one’s rushing you. You can stay for two hours or four. The staff remembers your name after your third drink. It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up talking to strangers who become friends by midnight.
La Chanson: Sing Along in a Hidden Gem
Not every night out needs loud bass and flashing lights. If your group loves music but hates crowded dance floors, head to La Chanson in the 10th arrondissement. This tiny, candlelit bar feels like stepping into a 1920s Parisian salon-except instead of poets, you’ve got a group of twenty-somethings belting out Edith Piaf and Adele karaoke-style. The owner plays vinyl records between live acoustic sets. You can order a bottle of natural wine for €18, and they’ll bring you a plate of charcuterie without you even asking. It’s intimate, warm, and utterly unpretentious. No one’s taking photos for Instagram here. You’re just there to sing, laugh, and feel like you’re part of a secret club.
Le Baron: Where the Energy Never Drops
For the night that ends with your feet sore and your phone full of selfies, Le Baron in the 16th arrondissement is the spot. It’s the kind of place where the bouncer knows your group by sight and lets you skip the line if you show up before 11 p.m. The music is a mix of pop, hip-hop, and French house-nothing too underground, nothing too cheesy. The crowd? Mostly women in their late 20s to early 40s, dressed to impress but not over-the-top. The dance floor stays packed until 3 a.m., and the cocktail menu is designed for groups: order the La Fête pitcher (rum, pineapple, lime, and mint) and it’ll last the whole night. The lighting is dim, the mirrors are everywhere, and the vibe? Pure joy. This isn’t a club for partying. It’s a club for feeling alive.
Bar des Amis: The Cozy Wine Bar That Feels Like Home
After the dancing, after the singing, after the late-night fries from the corner bistro-you’ll want somewhere quiet. That’s where Bar des Amis in the 9th arrondissement comes in. It’s a small, wood-paneled bar with 12 stools, a single bartender who remembers your favorite wine, and a chalkboard that lists 47 natural wines by the glass. They don’t take reservations. You just show up. If the place is full, you’ll be offered a seat at the counter. If it’s empty, you’ll be invited to pick a bottle and share it with the couple next to you. The wine list changes weekly. The cheese plate? Always local, always perfect. This isn’t a tourist trap. It’s where Parisians go when they want to end the night with real conversation and zero pressure.
La Belle Hortense: Live Jazz and No Cover
If you’re into smooth melodies and dim lighting, La Belle Hortense in the 11th is your answer. This basement jazz bar has been around since the 90s and still feels like a hidden treasure. The band plays from 9 p.m. to midnight, and the setlist leans toward classic soul, bossa nova, and French chanson. No cover charge. No dress code. Just a small bar, a few tables, and a crowd that’s there to listen-not to show off. You can order a glass of Burgundy for €8 and sit back as the saxophone weaves through the room. It’s the kind of place where you’ll leave feeling calm, not drained. Bring your favorite person, your sister, your best friend-anyone who needs a night that doesn’t scream for attention.
Le Comptoir Général: A Night That Feels Like a Story
For something completely different, try Le Comptoir Général in the 10th. It’s not a bar. Not a club. It’s an experience. Think African-inspired decor, vintage suitcases stacked like shelves, a courtyard lit by lanterns, and a cocktail menu that reads like a travel journal. Try the Guinea Fowl Sour-gin, passionfruit, and a hint of smoked paprika-or the Senegal Spritz with hibiscus and ginger. The music shifts from Afrobeat to French indie to jazz depending on the night. You might end up dancing with a stranger who just got back from Dakar. Or chatting with a photographer who’s documenting street art in Marrakech. It’s chaotic in the best way. It’s the kind of place you’ll remember years later because it didn’t feel like a night out-it felt like a chapter in a book you didn’t know you were writing.
What to Wear and How to Get Around
You don’t need designer shoes or a designer bag to fit in. Parisians dress for comfort and confidence. A nice dress, tailored jeans, or even a crisp blazer with sneakers works. Avoid sportswear-especially hoodies and flip-flops. The metro runs until 1:15 a.m. on weekdays and 2:15 a.m. on weekends. After that, Uber and Bolt are reliable and affordable. Taxis? Only use official ones with a meter and a yellow roof. Avoid the ones near train stations that try to overcharge tourists.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Night
- Don’t go to clubs before 11 p.m. Parisians don’t start their nights until then.
- Book a table at rooftop bars like Le Perchoir if you’re going with more than four people.
- Always carry a small bag with lipstick, breath mints, and a credit card. Many small bars don’t take cash.
- Try one French cocktail you’ve never heard of. The French 75 is classic, but the La Belle de Nuit (cognac, blackberry, and rosemary) might become your new favorite.
- End the night with a chocolat chaud from La Maison du Chocolat on Rue du Bac. It’s open until midnight, and it’s the perfect sweet finish.
Why This Night Will Stick With You
Paris doesn’t just give you a night out. It gives you a memory. The kind you’ll tell your friends about years later. The night you laughed until your stomach hurt at La Chanson. The night you danced under the stars at Le Perchoir. The night you met someone who changed your perspective over a glass of natural wine at Bar des Amis. These aren’t just bars. They’re moments. And when you’re sitting on your couch back home, scrolling through photos, you won’t just see a city. You’ll feel the warmth of the people, the rhythm of the music, the quiet magic of a place that knows how to make a night unforgettable.
Is Paris safe for girls’ night out?
Yes, Paris is generally safe for groups of women at night, especially in areas like Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the 11th and 16th arrondissements. Stick to well-lit streets, avoid isolated alleys after midnight, and use trusted ride apps like Uber or Bolt. Most bars and clubs have security staff, and locals are usually helpful if you look lost. Just use common sense-you wouldn’t wander alone in any major city after dark.
Do I need to make reservations for nightlife spots in Paris?
For rooftop bars like Le Perchoir or popular clubs like Le Baron, yes-especially on weekends. For smaller places like La Chanson, Bar des Amis, or La Belle Hortense, reservations aren’t needed. Walk-ins are welcome, and often preferred. If you’re with a group of five or more, it’s smart to call ahead, even at casual spots. Some places have limited seating, and you don’t want to wait outside in the cold.
What’s the average cost for a girls’ night out in Paris?
For cocktails and snacks at a rooftop bar, expect €12-€18 per drink. A bottle of wine at a cozy bar like Bar des Amis runs €25-€40. Club entry is usually free before midnight, but some places charge €10-€15 after 1 a.m. Food like fries or cheese plates cost €8-€15. If you’re doing a full night-cocktails, dinner, drinks, and a late snack-you’ll spend around €80-€120 per person. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every euro.
Are there any all-female nightlife events in Paris?
Yes. Every month, venues like Le Baron and La Belle Hortense host women-only nights with live DJs, themed cocktails, and free welcome drinks. Check Instagram accounts like @girlsnightparis or @pariswomensnetwork for updates. Some events are invite-only, but most are open to anyone who shows up. They’re a great way to meet other women traveling solo or living in Paris.
What’s the best time to start a girls’ night out in Paris?
Start between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Parisians eat dinner late-usually after 8 p.m.-so the real nightlife doesn’t kick off until after that. If you arrive too early, you’ll be the only ones there. Wait until 10 p.m. to hit the clubs, and 11 p.m. for the real energy. The best nights are Thursday through Saturday, when the city is buzzing and the crowd is most lively.