Paris isn’t just about croissants and museums-it’s one of the best cities in the world for late-night wine drinking. Forget the crowded tourist pubs. The real magic happens in tucked-away wine bars where the bottles are curated by sommeliers, the music is low and soulful, and the crowd is locals who know exactly what they’re looking for. If you want to experience Paris after dark the right way, you need to know where to go.
Le Chateaubriand
Don’t let the name fool you-this isn’t a steakhouse. Le Chateaubriand started as a restaurant but turned into a wine bar after midnight. The wine list changes weekly, drawn from small organic producers across France and beyond. You won’t find Château Margaux here. Instead, you’ll get a glass of natural Pinot Noir from the Jura or a crisp, cloudy orange wine from the Loire. The bar stays open until 2 a.m. on weekends, and the vibe is relaxed, no reservations needed. People come for the wine, stay for the conversation. It’s not fancy, but it’s authentic.
Le Verre Volé
Open since 2007, Le Verre Volé helped spark the natural wine movement in Paris. It’s still the gold standard. The staff doesn’t just pour wine-they tell you why it’s special. The list has over 200 bottles, mostly biodynamic or organic, with a strong focus on Burgundy, the Rhône, and the Alps. You can order by the glass or take a bottle to go. The bar is small, so arrive early if you want a seat. The lighting is dim, the chairs are worn-in, and the playlist leans toward 90s French indie. This is where Parisians go when they want to unwind without the noise.
La Cave du 19
Nestled in the 19th arrondissement, this spot feels like a secret your friend whispered to you. The owner, a former sommelier from Bordeaux, keeps the wine list tight-around 60 bottles, all hand-selected. You’ll find rare bottles from Corsica, Savoie, and even Georgia. The food is simple: charcuterie, aged cheeses, and crusty bread. It’s open until 1 a.m., and the crowd is a mix of artists, musicians, and expats who’ve lived here long enough to know better than the tourist traps. No one rushes you. You can sit for two hours with one glass and still feel welcome.
Bar à Vins
Located in the heart of Le Marais, Bar à Vins is one of the most consistent spots for wine lovers. The shelves are lined with bottles from small French vineyards you’ve never heard of, and the staff remembers your name after one visit. They serve wine by the glass, carafe, or bottle, and the prices are fair-no markups for the neighborhood. The bar is narrow but cozy, with wooden tables and a chalkboard listing the day’s selections. On weekends, they open the back terrace, where people sip wine under string lights while listening to jazz. It’s not loud, but it’s alive.
Le Comptoir du Relais
Don’t let the name make you think it’s just another bistro. Le Comptoir du Relais, tucked behind Saint-Germain-des-Prés, has been a wine bar since 1985. The owner, Jean-Marc, still works the counter. He’ll ask what you’re in the mood for-something light? Something bold?-and hand you a glass without you even having to ask. The wine list is short but powerful: mostly Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Alsace. The snacks are legendary: duck rillettes, anchovy toast, and warm olives. It’s packed most nights, but the energy is warm, not chaotic. If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into Parisian history, this is your place.
Wine & Co
This modern, minimalist bar in the 10th arrondissement is where younger Parisians go after work. The lighting is bright, the music is electronic, and the wine list is global-think Slovenian Ribolla Gialla, Greek Xinomavro, and Chilean Carignan. They offer wine flights of three glasses for €18, which is a great way to explore. The staff is young, knowledgeable, and doesn’t talk down to you. It’s open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re looking for something fresh, different, and unpretentious, this is it.
Le Baron Rouge
One of the oldest wine bars in Paris, Le Baron Rouge has been around since 1978. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real. The walls are lined with bottles from every corner of France, and the prices haven’t changed much in 20 years. You’ll find a 1998 Châteauneuf-du-Pape for €28 or a crisp Muscadet for €6. The bar is always full of regulars-retirees, writers, chefs-who come for the wine and stay for the silence. There’s no menu, just a chalkboard with the day’s offerings. You point, they pour. No frills. No music. Just wine and time.
What to Expect in a Parisian Wine Bar
Parisian wine bars aren’t like those in New York or London. There’s no loud music, no cocktails on tap, no Instagram backdrops. The focus is simple: wine, food, and conversation. Most places don’t take reservations. You walk in, find a spot at the bar or a small table, and order. The staff doesn’t rush you. You can stay for an hour or three. The average glass costs €8-€12, and a bottle runs €25-€60. Food is usually simple-cheese, charcuterie, olives, bread. Some bars offer warm tapas, but don’t expect a full menu.
When to Go
Wine bars in Paris don’t come alive until after 8 p.m. Weekdays are quiet, perfect for a slow evening. Weekends are livelier, but not crowded like clubs. The best time to arrive is between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. That’s when the locals show up, the wine is chilled, and the bar isn’t packed yet. Most close between midnight and 2 a.m. Some, like Le Chateaubriand, stay open until 3 a.m. on weekends.
What Not to Do
- Don’t ask for a “red or white”-be specific. Say what you like: fruity? earthy? crisp? The staff will help.
- Don’t order a bottle if you’re alone. Go by the glass. You’ll taste more that way.
- Don’t expect English menus. Most have French-only labels. Point, smile, and ask for a recommendation.
- Don’t rush. This isn’t a place to drink and leave. It’s a place to linger.
How to Pick the Right Bar for You
If you want tradition, go to Le Baron Rouge or Le Comptoir du Relais. If you want discovery, try Le Verre Volé or La Cave du 19. If you’re young and curious, Wine & Co is your spot. If you want a mix of both, Bar à Vins is the sweet spot. Each place has its own rhythm. The key is to match the bar to your mood.
Final Tip: Bring Cash
Most of these places don’t take cards. Especially the older ones. Bring €20-€50 in cash. It’s the Paris way.
Are Paris wine bars expensive?
Not really. A glass of wine costs between €8 and €12, and most bars don’t charge extra for food. You can have a full evening-two glasses and a small plate-for under €30. The only places that get pricey are in tourist-heavy areas like the Champs-Élysées. Stick to the arrondissements listed here.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Almost never. Most wine bars in Paris are walk-in only. A few, like Le Chateaubriand, take reservations for dinner, but not for wine at night. Just show up between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. and you’ll find a seat.
Can I order food at wine bars?
Yes, but don’t expect a full menu. Most serve simple snacks: cheese, charcuterie, olives, bread, and sometimes warm tapas. The food is meant to pair with the wine, not replace it. It’s light, local, and delicious.
Are these places touristy?
A few get visitors, but the regulars keep them real. If you avoid places with menus in six languages and neon signs, you’ll find spots where locals go. Look for small doors, no signage, and people drinking quietly at the bar.
What’s the best time to visit a wine bar in Paris?
Between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. That’s when Parisians start to arrive, the wine is properly chilled, and the atmosphere settles in. Arrive earlier, and it’s too quiet. Arrive later, and it’s packed.