Paris isn’t just about croissants and museums. When the sun goes down, the city transforms into something electric-especially for a girls’ night out. Forget the clichés. This isn’t about sipping wine at a sidewalk café while listening to accordion music. This is about dancing until 3 a.m., sipping craft cocktails in hidden speakeasies, and laughing so hard you cry in a basement bar that only locals know about. If you’re planning a night out in Paris with your best friends, here’s where to go-no tourist traps, no overpriced champagne, just real energy, real vibes, and real fun.
Le Perchoir: Rooftop Views and Cocktails That Don’t Suck
Start your night at Le Perchoir. There are actually three locations-Marais, Saint-Germain, and Arcueil-but the Marais one is the most popular for groups. It’s a sprawling rooftop with string lights, mismatched furniture, and a view that stretches from the Notre-Dame spires to the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The cocktails? They’re inventive, not syrupy. Try the Parisian Mule-vodka, ginger beer, lime, and a splash of elderflower. It’s refreshing, not cloying. The crowd? Mostly women in their late 20s to early 40s, dressed up but not over-the-top. No bouncers shoving you aside. No velvet ropes. Just good music, good company, and a vibe that feels like you’ve stumbled into a friend’s rooftop party.
La Chambre aux Oiseaux: Where the Music Moves You
If you’re looking for a place where the music actually matters, head to La Chambre aux Oiseaux in the 11th arrondissement. This isn’t a club. It’s a converted warehouse turned into a live music venue with a dance floor that doesn’t feel like a warehouse anymore. The playlist? Think French indie pop, disco revival, and deep house-nothing you’d hear on a tourist radio station. The bar serves simple drinks: gin and tonics, red wine by the glass, and a killer negroni. The lighting is low, the sound is crisp, and the crowd is all women-some dancing alone, some in tight circles, all completely in the moment. You won’t find a single guy trying to buy you a drink here. That’s the point.
Le Baron: The Spot Where the Parisian Elite Unwind
Le Baron is the kind of place you hear about from someone who went last week and hasn’t stopped talking about it since. It’s a members-only club, but don’t worry-you don’t need a membership. Just show up before 11 p.m. with a group of women, and you’ll get in. The interior is moody: velvet curtains, dim lighting, and a dance floor that feels like it’s floating. The DJs here don’t play Top 40. They play rare vinyl from the ’80s and ’90s, underground techno, and French house. The crowd is stylish, not flashy. Women wear silk blouses and ankle boots, not sequins and heels. The bar is run by a woman who knows exactly what you want before you say it. Order the Blackberry Sour-it’s tart, sweet, and served in a coupe glass with a single edible flower. This is where Parisian women go when they want to feel powerful, not just pretty.
Bar Le Mary Celeste: The Best Cocktail Bar in the City
Forget the touristy cocktail bars with neon signs and names like “The Eiffel Martini.” Bar Le Mary Celeste is the real deal. Tucked away in the 10th arrondissement, it’s quiet, intimate, and has a reputation for having the most skilled bartenders in Paris. The menu changes monthly, but you’ll always find something that surprises you. Last month, it was a drink made with smoked tea, yuzu, and aquavit-served with a tiny ice sphere that melted slowly, releasing flavor as you sipped. The staff remembers your name. They ask what you’re celebrating. They don’t rush you. It’s the kind of place you could spend two hours just talking, laughing, and tasting. If you’re not into dancing, this is your perfect start-or end-to the night.
La Belle Équipe: The Neighborhood Bar That Feels Like Home
For a more laid-back vibe, head to La Belle Équipe in the 11th. It’s not fancy. It’s a small, warm bar with wooden tables, mismatched chairs, and a jukebox that plays everything from Édith Piaf to Solange. The wine list is all natural, organic, and French-no imports. The snacks? Charcuterie boards, olives, and warm bread with truffle butter. The crowd is mostly women in their 30s and 40s, many of whom live nearby. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see the same group every Friday night. If you want to feel like you’ve been living in Paris for years-even if you’ve only been here for two days-this is it. No cover charge. No dress code. Just good wine, good chatter, and zero pressure.
La Machine du Moulin Rouge: When You Want to Dance Like No One’s Watching
Want to dance? Really dance? Not just sway to a beat, but throw your arms up and lose yourself? Head to La Machine du Moulin Rouge. It’s not the famous cabaret. It’s the underground club in the basement of the Moulin Rouge building, open only on weekends. The entrance is unmarked. You’ll find it by the line of women laughing outside, holding tickets they bought online. Inside, the music is loud, the lights are strobing, and the dance floor is packed with women in everything from leather jackets to glittery dresses. The DJs play disco, funk, and house-no pop remixes. No one cares if you can’t dance. Everyone’s too busy having fun. It’s raw, real, and completely unapologetic. You’ll leave sweaty, exhausted, and already planning your next visit.
What to Wear, What to Bring
You don’t need designer labels. Parisians dress for comfort and confidence. Think: a great pair of black trousers, a silk top, and ankle boots. Heels? Only if you’re comfortable. You’ll be walking a lot. A small crossbody bag is enough-no giant purses. Leave the selfie stick at home. And bring cash. Many of these spots don’t take cards after midnight. Also, don’t expect English menus. Most bartenders speak a little English, but knowing a few French phrases goes a long way: “Un verre de vin rouge, s’il vous plaît” (a glass of red wine, please) or “C’est délicieux” (it’s delicious). A smile and a “merci” will get you further than any translation app.
When to Go and How to Get Around
Paris nightlife doesn’t start until 10 p.m. Most places don’t get busy until 11. Don’t show up at 8 p.m. expecting a party. The best time to hit the clubs is between midnight and 2 a.m. Metro lines run until about 1:30 a.m., but after that, you’ll need a taxi or Uber. Download the Bolt app-it’s cheaper than Uber in Paris. And always go in a group. Even if you’re staying in a safe neighborhood, walking alone after 2 a.m. isn’t worth the risk.
Why This Matters
Paris isn’t just a city you visit. It’s a city you feel. A girls’ night out here isn’t about checking off a list of bars. It’s about finding moments-laughter in a dimly lit room, a stranger turning to you and saying “C’est magnifique, non?” as the music swells, or dancing so hard you forget your name. These spots aren’t just places. They’re experiences. And they’re made for women who want to be seen, heard, and celebrated-not just tolerated.
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, and the 11th arrondissement. Stick to well-lit streets, avoid walking alone after 2 a.m., and always use licensed taxis or ride-share apps. Most venues have security, and locals are used to tourists enjoying the nightlife. Common sense goes a long way.
Do I need to make reservations for these spots?
For Le Perchoir and Le Baron, it’s smart to book a table online, especially on weekends. For La Chambre aux Oiseaux, Bar Le Mary Celeste, and La Belle Équipe, walk-ins are fine-just arrive before 11 p.m. La Machine du Moulin Rouge requires tickets bought in advance online. Don’t wait until the last minute.
What’s the average cost for a night out in Paris?
Cocktails range from €12 to €18. Wine by the glass is €8-14. At Le Baron and La Machine du Moulin Rouge, there’s usually a €10-15 cover charge after midnight. Food snacks cost €10-15. For a full night-two drinks, a snack, and transport-you’re looking at €60-90 per person. It’s more than a typical bar in New York or London, but the experience is worth it.
Are these places LGBTQ+ friendly?
Absolutely. Paris has one of the most open and welcoming nightlife scenes in Europe. Le Perchoir, La Chambre aux Oiseaux, and La Belle Équipe are especially known for being inclusive. You’ll see diverse groups of women, couples, and friends of all backgrounds. No one is judged for who they are or who they’re with.
Can I go alone to these spots?
You can, but you’ll have a better time with friends. Most of these places are designed for groups. That said, Bar Le Mary Celeste and La Belle Équipe are perfect for solo visitors. The staff makes you feel welcome, and you’ll likely end up chatting with someone new. Just avoid places like Le Baron if you’re alone-crowds there can feel intimidating without a group.
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