Nightlife in Paris: The Best Spots for a Girls' Night Out

Paris isn’t just about cafés and croissants at sunrise. When the sun sets, the city transforms into a glittering playground where music, laughter, and cocktails flow as freely as the Seine. And if you’re planning a girls’ night out, you’re in luck-Paris has some of the most inviting, safe, and unforgettable spots for women to let loose, dance, and connect. Forget the clichés. This isn’t about sipping wine in a dimly lit bistro (though there’s time for that too). This is about finding the right bars, lounges, and clubs where the vibe is electric, the crowd is welcoming, and the memories stick.

Le Perchoir: Rooftop Views and Cocktails That Sing

If you want to start your night with a view, Le Perchoir is the place. There are actually three locations-Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine-but the original in the 11th arrondissement is the one most locals swear by. Perched on a rooftop with string lights and cozy seating, it feels like a secret garden floating above the city. The cocktails? Expertly crafted. Try the Perchoir Sour-a mix of gin, lemon, egg white, and a hint of lavender. It’s smooth, refreshing, and just sweet enough. The crowd? Mostly women in their late 20s to early 40s, chatting over small plates of charcuterie and cheese. No loud bass, no pushy bouncers. Just good music, good company, and a skyline that makes you forget you’re in a city of 12 million people.

Le Baron: Where the Energy Turns Up

Want to dance until your feet ache? Head to Le Baron in the 8th arrondissement. This isn’t your average club. It’s a velvet-lined, neon-drenched experience that feels like stepping into a 1980s Parisian film. The music? A mix of disco, house, and French pop that keeps the floor packed. The dress code? Smart casual-no sneakers, no hoodies. But don’t worry, you won’t feel out of place if you’re dressed to impress. What makes Le Baron special for a girls’ night? The staff. They’re trained to make everyone feel welcome. No gatekeeping. No side-eye. Women often come in groups of three to five, and the bartenders remember your name by the second round. Pro tip: arrive before 11 p.m. to skip the line. After midnight, it’s a waiting game.

La Belle Hortense: Jazz, Whiskey, and Intimate Vibes

If you’re in the mood for something quieter but just as memorable, La Belle Hortense in the 10th arrondissement is a hidden gem. Tucked into a 19th-century building, this place feels like a speakeasy your cool aunt discovered. The lighting is low, the chairs are deep, and the jazz trio plays live every night-no covers, no playlists. The whiskey selection? Over 120 bottles, all hand-picked. Ask for the Parisian Old Fashioned-it’s made with local rye and a touch of violet syrup. It’s the kind of place where you can talk without shouting. Where your friend can tell a story about her breakup and not feel rushed. Where someone might slide over a plate of truffle fries just because you looked hungry. It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. But it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Watt: For When You Want to Dance Like No One’s Watching

Watt, located in the 11th, is where Paris’s younger crowd goes to let go. It’s not fancy. It’s not expensive. It’s raw, real, and ridiculously fun. The music changes every night-sometimes it’s 90s R&B, sometimes it’s French techno, sometimes it’s a DJ spinning ABBA and Beyoncé back-to-back. The crowd? Diverse, young, and totally unbothered by what you’re wearing. One night you’ll see a woman in a sequined dress, the next you’ll see someone in ripped jeans and a hoodie. The bar serves cheap cocktails (€8 max) and has a snack menu that includes crispy chicken sandwiches and fries. No VIP tables. No bottle service. Just a dance floor that fills up by 1 a.m. and doesn’t empty until sunrise. If you’ve ever wanted to dance like no one’s watching, this is your spot.

La Cave à Vin: Wine Tasting Without the Pretense

Not every girls’ night has to end with a club. Sometimes it ends with a glass of wine, a few laughs, and a cheese board. La Cave à Vin in the 11th is a wine bar that feels like a cozy living room. The owner, Claire, has been selecting natural wines from small French vineyards for over 15 years. She’ll ask you what flavors you like-fruity? earthy? spicy?-and then pour you three samples for €12. No tasting menu. No pressure. Just honest conversation and wines you’ve never heard of but can’t stop drinking. The cheese board? Made with local goat cheese, aged Comté, and a fig jam that tastes like autumn. It’s the perfect way to wind down before calling a cab.

What to Know Before You Go

Paris nightlife is safe, but there are a few things you should know to make your night smooth:

• Transportation: The metro runs until 1:15 a.m. on weekdays and 2:15 a.m. on weekends. After that, taxis and Uber are reliable-but expect a 10-15 minute wait. Book ahead if you’re going to a late-night spot.
• Payment: Most places take cards, but always carry €20 in cash. Some smaller bars and street vendors only accept cash.
• Dress code: No need for gowns. Jeans and a nice top work everywhere except Le Baron, where a dress or blazer is expected.
• Language: A simple “Bonjour” and “Merci” go a long way. Most staff speak English, but they appreciate the effort.
• Timing: Parisians don’t start their nights until 10 p.m. Arrive before 11 p.m. to avoid crowds and get a good seat.

Where to Go Next

Once you’ve checked off these spots, consider exploring:

• Le Comptoir Général in the 10th-a quirky, eclectic space with live music, vintage decor, and a rooftop garden.
• Bar des Poètes in Montmartre-a tiny, candlelit bar with poetry readings every Thursday.
• La Machine du Moulin Rouge-if you’re up for a show, their cabaret is more art than entertainment.

Paris doesn’t just have nightlife. It has moments. Moments that happen when you’re laughing over a cocktail on a rooftop, when you’re dancing in a dim room with strangers who feel like friends, when you’re sipping wine and realizing you’ve forgotten your phone in your bag. That’s what makes a girls’ night out here unforgettable. You don’t just go out-you come alive.