Paris after dark isn’t just about wine and croissants. It’s about laughter echoing off cobblestone streets, cocktails served in dimly lit lounges, and dancing until your feet ache in places where the music feels like it was made just for you. If you’re planning a girls’ night out in Paris, you don’t need a guidebook-you need the real spots where locals go, where the vibe is electric but safe, and where the energy stays bright long after the Eiffel Tower lights dim.
Le Perchoir: Rooftop Views and Cocktails That Don’t Take Themselves Seriously
Start your night at Le Perchoir in the 11th arrondissement. It’s not one place-it’s three rooftop bars stacked like a layered cake, each with its own personality. The one on Rue de la Fontaine au Roi has string lights, mismatched couches, and a cocktail menu that reads like a poem written by a drunk poet. Try the Parisian Sunset: gin, blood orange, and a splash of rosemary syrup. It’s sweet, sharp, and looks like a painting you’d hang above your bed.
What makes it perfect for a girls’ night? No bouncers with scowls. No dress codes that feel like a job interview. Just good music, good company, and a view of Paris that makes you forget you’re standing on a roof. Groups of four to six get the best tables. Show up before 9 p.m. or bring a friend who knows the host. You’ll thank yourself later.
Baratin: Wine, Whimsy, and Zero Pretension
If you’ve ever walked into a wine bar and felt like you needed a PhD to order, Baratin is your reset button. Tucked into the 10th arrondissement, it’s the kind of place where the owner, Marie, remembers your name if you come back twice. The wine list? 90% natural, 10% fun. Think orange wines from the Loire Valley, light reds from Beaujolais, and sparkling pét-nats that taste like summer in a glass.
Pair it with their charcuterie board-local pâté, aged cheeses, and crusty bread that cracks like a firework. The music? French indie pop, vinyl-only, and just loud enough to make you lean in closer to your friends. No one’s checking your shoes. No one’s judging your drink order. It’s the anti-club. And for a girls’ night that’s about connection, not competition, that’s gold.
Le Baron: Where the Energy Turns Up, But the Vibe Stays Classy
Want to dance? Go to Le Baron. It’s in the 16th, near the Arc de Triomphe, and it’s the only club in Paris where you can wear heels and still feel like yourself. The crowd? Fashion editors, artists, actresses, and tourists who know how to move. The sound? Deep house mixed with 2000s R&B, curated by DJs who actually listen to the room.
It’s not cheap-cover is around €25, and drinks start at €18. But here’s the thing: it’s worth it. The lighting is moody, the crowd is mostly women, and the staff never makes you feel like an outsider. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in a French movie where the lead character walks in, turns heads, and doesn’t say a word-this is your scene.
Pro tip: Skip the VIP. Just walk in. The real magic happens at the bar, where the bartenders know how to make a perfect Negroni without asking if you want it “with a twist.”
La Belle Hortense: Jazz, Cocktails, and a Secret That Feels Like Yours
Down a narrow alley in the Marais, behind a plain black door with no sign, is La Belle Hortense. You’ll think you’ve walked into the wrong place until you hear the saxophone. This is a jazz club that doesn’t look like one. No velvet ropes. No tuxedos. Just a small stage, a handful of tables, and a bar that serves cocktails named after French poets.
Try the Colette: cognac, elderflower, lemon, and a dash of absinthe. Sip it slowly. Let the music wrap around you. The crowd here is older-30s to 50s-but the energy is young. Women come alone, in pairs, in groups. Everyone leans in when the singer hits the high note. No phones out. No loud talking. Just pure, quiet magic.
It’s open until 2 a.m., but you’ll want to leave early. Not because it’s closing-but because you’ll feel like you’ve discovered something too beautiful to share with too many people.
Le Comptoir Général: A Night That Feels Like a Party in Someone’s Living Room
Forget clubs. Forget cocktails. Le Comptoir Général is a cultural hub disguised as a bar. It’s in the 10th, next to the Canal Saint-Martin, and it’s part bookstore, part art gallery, part tropical garden, and part dance floor. The vibe? Like your coolest friend threw a party and forgot to tell anyone it was a party.
They serve African-inspired cocktails-hibiscus, palm sugar, rum-and the music changes every night. One night it’s Afrobeat, the next it’s French hip-hop. There are hammocks in the back, books you can read on the couch, and a tiny stage where local musicians play for free. No cover charge. No dress code. Just good people, good drinks, and a feeling that you’ve stumbled into the heart of Paris’s creative soul.
Bring a group. Sit on the floor. Talk to strangers. Dance barefoot if you want to. This isn’t a night out. It’s a night that changes how you see the city.
What to Wear, When to Go, and How to Stay Safe
Parisian nightlife doesn’t demand designer labels-it demands confidence. Jeans and a nice top work everywhere. Heels? Optional. A coat? Always. Even in summer, nights get chilly near the Seine.
Start early. Most places get busy after 10 p.m., but the best tables go fast. If you’re hitting three spots, plan to leave your first location by 11:30 p.m. and your last by 2 a.m. Most bars close by 3, clubs by 4.
Safety? Paris is generally safe for women at night, especially in tourist-friendly areas. Stick to well-lit streets. Use Uber or Bolt instead of walking alone after midnight. Keep your bag zipped. And if someone makes you uncomfortable? Walk away. No apologies needed.
Final Tip: Bring a Friend Who Knows How to Say No
The best girls’ night isn’t about how many bars you hit. It’s about who you’re with. Choose someone who’ll let you skip a club if you’re tired. Someone who’ll order a soda so you can drive the conversation. Someone who’ll laugh at your terrible dance moves and still hug you when you say, “I’m done.”
Paris doesn’t need you to prove anything. It just needs you to show up. And when you do, it gives you back more than memories-it gives you moments you didn’t know you were waiting for.
Is Paris safe for girls’ nights out?
Yes, Paris is generally safe for 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 walking alone after 2 a.m., and use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt. Most venues are friendly and staffed by professionals who look out for guests. Trust your instincts-if something feels off, leave.
Do I need to dress up for Paris nightlife?
No, you don’t need to dress like you’re going to a gala. Most spots accept jeans and a nice top. Le Baron and a few upscale clubs might expect a bit more polish-think tailored trousers or a little dress-but no one checks your shoes. Comfort matters more than brand names. A good pair of flats or ankle boots will get you further than stilettos.
What’s the average cost for a girls’ night out in Paris?
You can have a great night for €50-€80 per person. Drinks range from €12-€18 at most bars, €25 cover at clubs like Le Baron, and food at places like Baratin runs €15-€25. Skip the overpriced tourist spots near the Champs-Élysées. Stick to local favorites, and you’ll get better drinks, better vibes, and way better value.
Are reservations needed for these spots?
For Le Perchoir and Le Baron, yes-especially on weekends. Book a table online a day ahead. For Baratin, La Belle Hortense, and Le Comptoir Général, walk-ins are fine. Arrive before 10 p.m. to avoid lines. If you’re a group of four or more, call ahead. Most places are happy to hold space for you.
What time do Paris nightlife spots close?
Bars usually close at 2 a.m., clubs at 4 a.m. Le Comptoir Général and Le Perchoir stay open until 3 a.m. on weekends. La Belle Hortense closes at 2 a.m. sharp. If you’re planning to dance until sunrise, Le Baron is your best bet. Always check the venue’s Instagram for last-minute changes-Paris nightlife moves fast.
Paris doesn’t ask you to be anyone but yourself. Show up. Sit down. Order the drink you want. Dance like no one’s watching-even if they are. The city will remember you not for where you went, but for how you felt when you were there.
