Drink Your Way Through: Paris

Paris is home to a range of incredible bars and speakeasies, each offering its own unique experience and atmosphere. These hidden bars take you on a journey from Prohibition-style secrecy to sleek, modern hideaways with bespoke cocktails crafted by some of the city’s best mixologists. Here are a few must-visit bars and speakeasies, including the standout Bar Bisou, each adding its own flavor to the Parisian cocktail scene.

1. Bar Bisou

Located in the vibrant Marais district, Bar Bisou is a speakeasy with a twist: it has no cocktail menu. Instead, you share your mood or preferences with the bartender, and they whip up a drink perfectly tailored to your taste. Known for their use of fresh, local ingredients and an eco-friendly approach, Bisou’s cocktails are both beautifully presented and inventive. The staff’s warmth and enthusiasm for mixology make the experience personal and memorable. The music is also very vibey, taking you back to Y2K.

2. Little Red Door

Tucked away behind an unassuming door in the Marais, Little Red Door is a speakeasy that’s earned a reputation for some of the most creative cocktails in Paris. Inside, the bar is dimly lit with an eclectic, artsy decor, featuring exposed brick, quirky furniture, and a distinctly cozy vibe. The cocktail menu is designed like an art book, with drinks inspired by different architectural styles, each pushing the boundaries of flavor combinations. The friendly bartenders are more than happy to guide you through the options and recommend a drink that suits your preferences. This spot is ideal for cocktail aficionados looking for an immersive experience.

3. Moonshiner

Moonshiner offers a classic Prohibition-era speakeasy experience, hidden behind a pizza shop in the 11th arrondissement. Enter through the walk-in freezer, and you’ll find yourself in a dimly lit bar with a jazzy, vintage ambiance and Art Deco touches. The cocktail list here leans toward whiskey and rum-based drinks, served in an old-school style. Live jazz music often plays in the background, making it a great spot for an intimate night out. The attention to detail in both drinks and decor transports you back to the Roaring Twenties, giving Moonshiner a timeless, nostalgic charm.

4. Le Syndicat

Nearby Montmartre in the 10th arrondissement. It’s designed to look like an abandoned storefront with peeling posters, but inside, you’ll find a trendy speakeasy vibe. The bar focuses on French spirits and ingredients, aiming to make 'grandpa spirits go gangsta' offering a modern twist on classic cocktails. The bartenders are also great with recommendations.

Whether you’re after a personalised drink in a pink-hued haven or a Prohibition-era escape, Paris’s drinking scene has something for every cocktail lover.