Nightlife in Paris: Best Spots for a Girls' Night Out
Paris isn’t just about croissants and museums. When the sun goes down, the city transforms into a playground for women who want to dance, drink, laugh, and feel alive. Forget the old stereotypes-today’s Paris nightlife is vibrant, inclusive, and full of spots made for girls’ nights that actually feel special. You don’t need a fancy dress or a reservation to have a great time. You just need to know where to go.
Le Baron: Where the Energy Never Drops
If you want to start your night with a buzz, head to Le Baron in the 8th arrondissement. It’s not just a bar-it’s a scene. The crowd is stylish but not snobby, and the playlist shifts from indie pop to house without skipping a beat. The staff knows how to make women feel welcome, and the velvet booths are perfect for group selfies. Don’t expect cheap cocktails; a gin and tonic here costs around €14, but you’re paying for the vibe. Most nights, the line snakes out the door, but if you arrive before 11 p.m., you’ll skip the wait. Pro tip: Ask for the hidden terrace. It’s quiet, lit with fairy lights, and feels like your own secret garden.
La Chambre aux Oiseaux: Cozy, Chic, and All About the Drinks
Looking for something more intimate? La Chambre aux Oiseaux in the 11th is your spot. It’s a speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a bookshelf, with velvet chairs, candlelight, and cocktails that taste like art. The bartenders craft drinks with house-made syrups and edible flowers. Try the Parisian Rose-it’s gin, rosewater, and a splash of sparkling wine, served in a coupe glass with a single edible rose petal. No loud music. No flashing lights. Just good conversation, great drinks, and a crowd that’s there to enjoy themselves, not to be seen. It’s the kind of place where you’ll leave with a new favorite cocktail and a few new friends.
Le Comptoir Général: The Wildcard That Feels Like Home
Step into Le Comptoir Général in the 10th, and you’ll swear you’ve wandered into a Parisian aunt’s attic. It’s part bar, part museum, part garden. The space is filled with vintage suitcases, African textiles, and plants hanging from the ceiling. The drinks are creative and affordable-try the Guadeloupe Punch for €12. The crowd? Diverse, relaxed, and full of energy. DJs spin Afrobeat, jazz, and soul late into the night. You’ll see women in heels dancing next to women in sneakers. No dress code. No attitude. Just good music, great vibes, and a place where you can be yourself. It’s open until 2 a.m. on weekends, and the outdoor courtyard is magical under string lights.
La Belle Hortense: Jazz, Cocktails, and Real Talk
If you’re in the mood for something a little slower but just as memorable, La Belle Hortense in the 11th is your answer. This place is run by women, for women. The walls are covered in feminist art, and the cocktail menu includes names like “She Persisted” and “No Apologies”. The jazz trio plays live every night, and the acoustics are perfect-no shouting over the music. The cocktails are strong but balanced, and the snacks (think charcuterie boards and truffle fries) are surprisingly good. It’s not a club. It’s a hangout. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve had a real conversation, not just a night out.
Le Perchoir: Rooftop Views and Unforgettable Sunsets
Want to end your night with a view? Le Perchoir has three rooftop locations, but the one on Rue de la Roquette (11th) is the most popular with locals. The terrace wraps around the building, giving you 360-degree views of Paris-Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, the Seine. It’s open until 2 a.m., and the sunset hour (around 5:30 p.m. in December) is when it’s most magical. The drinks are priced fairly for the location: €13 for a cocktail, €8 for a beer. The crowd is young, stylish, and mostly French. No tourists in matching outfits here. Just women laughing, sipping drinks, and watching the city lights come on. Bring a light jacket-it gets chilly up there.
What to Wear (And What Not To)
You don’t need designer labels to fit in. Parisian women dress for comfort and confidence. Think tailored jeans, a nice top, ankle boots, and a coat that doesn’t look like you grabbed it from your closet. Avoid sneakers unless they’re sleek and clean. Skip the logo-heavy bags-small crossbodies or clutches work better. Most places don’t enforce a strict dress code, but if you look like you tried, you’ll get better service. The real rule? Look like you belong, not like you’re trying too hard.
How to Get Around Safely
Paris is safe for women at night, but smart planning helps. Stick to well-lit streets. Use the metro-it runs until 1:15 a.m. on weekdays and 2:15 a.m. on weekends. After that, Uber and Bolt are reliable and cheaper than taxis. Never walk alone through the 18th or 19th arrondissements after midnight unless you know the area. Group up. Keep your phone charged. And don’t be afraid to say no-if someone makes you uncomfortable, walk away. Parisians respect boundaries, especially when you set them clearly.
When to Go and How to Avoid Crowds
Weekends are packed. If you want space to breathe, go on a Thursday or Friday night. The bars fill up around 9 p.m., so aim to arrive between 8:30 and 9:30. Saturday nights are electric but crowded-expect waits at the door. Sunday nights are surprisingly lively in some spots, especially Le Comptoir Général and La Belle Hortense. Avoid Mondays-they’re quiet. Most places don’t take reservations, so don’t stress about booking. Just show up early, order a drink, and let the night unfold.
What You Won’t Find (And That’s Okay)
Paris doesn’t have giant mega-clubs like Las Vegas or Ibiza. You won’t find bottle service with $500 minimums or DJs spinning EDM until 5 a.m. The vibe here is different. It’s about connection, not competition. The music is curated, not blasted. The drinks are made with care, not poured from a tap. The people are there to enjoy themselves, not to post a story. If you’re looking for that kind of energy, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want to laugh with your friends, sip something delicious, and feel like you’re part of something real-that’s what Paris delivers.
Is Paris nightlife safe for women?
Yes, Paris is generally safe for women at night, especially in popular nightlife districts like the 8th, 10th, and 11th arrondissements. Stick to well-lit areas, use Uber or the metro after midnight, and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Most bars and clubs have security staff, and locals are quick to intervene if someone seems out of place.
Do I need to make reservations for these spots?
Most places don’t take reservations for bars and lounges. Le Perchoir and La Chambre aux Oiseaux sometimes allow them for large groups, but it’s not common. Just show up early-between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.-to avoid long lines. If you’re with six or more people, call ahead to ask if they can hold a table.
How much should I budget for a girls’ night out in Paris?
Plan for €50-€80 per person if you’re doing drinks, snacks, and a little dancing. Cocktails cost €12-€16, beer is €7-€9, and small plates run €10-€15. Transportation (Uber or metro) adds another €10-€15. Skip the expensive clubs with cover charges-most of the best spots don’t charge entry.
Are there any clubs that are women-only?
There aren’t any official women-only clubs in Paris, but places like La Belle Hortense and Le Comptoir Général have a strong female presence and a welcoming vibe. Some bars host women-only nights on Thursdays-check their Instagram pages for updates. You’ll often find more women than men at these spots anyway.
What’s the best time to start a girls’ night in Paris?
Start between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. That’s when the bars fill up but aren’t packed. You’ll get better service, find seats easily, and avoid the rush. Dinner before? Perfect. Many places serve food until 11 p.m., so you can eat and then move to drinks. Don’t wait until midnight-most good spots are already full.
Paris at night isn’t about showing off. It’s about feeling something-joy, freedom, connection. The best nights aren’t the ones with the most photos. They’re the ones where you forget to check your phone, laugh until your cheeks hurt, and realize you’ve made memories you’ll keep long after the last cocktail is gone.
