Nightlife in Paris: Best Spots for a Girls' Night Out
Derek Kingsworth
Paris after dark isn’t just about wine and cheese-it’s about dancing, laughing, and finding your favorite corner booth where the music hits just right.
You don’t need a date, a fancy dress, or even a plan to have an unforgettable night in Paris. Just grab your friends, wear comfortable shoes, and walk into a city that knows how to turn evening into magic. From intimate wine bars tucked into alleyways to rooftop clubs with skyline views, Paris offers more than just clichés. It’s got real spots where women go to unwind, connect, and feel alive.
Le Perchoir: Rooftop Views and Cocktails That Don’t Take Themselves Too Seriously
If you want to start your night with a view, head to Le Perchoir. There are actually three locations-Marais, Arcueil, and Montmartre-but the Marais one is the most popular with groups. It’s not a club. It’s not a lounge. It’s a rooftop garden with string lights, mismatched couches, and a playlist that swings from indie pop to French disco.
Try the Parisian Spritz: local gin, elderflower, soda, and a splash of red wine. It’s sweet, fizzy, and perfect for sipping while watching the Eiffel Tower twinkle. The crowd here is mostly women in their late 20s to 40s-artists, designers, expats, and locals who know how to have fun without pretending to be someone else. No cover charge. No dress code. Just good vibes and a view that makes everyone take a photo… even if they swear they won’t.
Bar Hemingway: Where the Drinks Are Quiet, But the Memories Are Loud
Want something quieter? Walk into the Bar Hemingway inside the Ritz Paris. It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. But it’s one of the most special places in the city for a girls’ night that leans into elegance without the stiffness.
Named after Ernest Hemingway, this bar has been serving martinis since 1923. The bartenders know their craft. They don’t shout. They don’t rush. They make a perfect Dry Martini with gin chilled for 20 minutes, a single olive, and a whisper of vermouth. The room feels like stepping into a 1950s novel-dark wood, velvet chairs, soft jazz. It’s the kind of place where you can talk about your breakup, your new job, or your dream trip to Japan without feeling like you’re interrupting a party.
It’s expensive-around €18 for a cocktail-but if you’re celebrating something, it’s worth it. Bring your best friend. Order two. Sit by the window. Let the silence speak for you.
La Cigale: Live Music, No Cover, and a Crowd That Actually Dances
For a night that turns into a full-on dance party, head to La Cigale in Pigalle. This historic venue has hosted everyone from Johnny Hallyday to Stromae. It’s not a tourist trap. It’s a real Parisian music hall where locals come to see live bands, DJs, and emerging artists.
On Thursday and Friday nights, the crowd is mostly women in their 20s and 30s. You’ll see groups of friends laughing, dancing barefoot near the stage, and singing along to French pop hits you didn’t know you loved. The sound system is crisp. The lighting is moody but not dark. And there’s no velvet rope keeping you out.
Do this: arrive around 10 p.m. Grab a seat at the bar, order a Carajillo (coffee liqueur with rum), and just let the music pull you in. By midnight, you’ll be dancing with strangers who become friends by 1 a.m. No one cares if you don’t know the words. Everyone’s singing anyway.
Le Comptoir Général: A Secret Garden in the Heart of the City
Step into Le Comptoir Général and you’ll think you’ve wandered into someone’s dream. This place is hidden behind a nondescript door in the 10th arrondissement. Inside? A jungle of plants, vintage furniture, African art, and lanterns hanging from the ceiling. It’s part bar, part museum, part community space.
The drinks here are creative and colorful. Try the Green Mamba-gin, mint, lime, and a touch of absinthe. Or the Chai Tea Mojito, which sounds weird but tastes like comfort in a glass. The vibe is chill, inclusive, and welcoming. You’ll see solo travelers, local artists, and groups of women who come here every Friday just to unplug.
There’s no music blasting. Just soft soul records and the sound of people talking. If you want to stay late, there’s a cozy reading nook with books in French and English. You can sit there, sip your drink, and just breathe. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve found a secret your friends will beg you to tell them about later.
Le Baron: The Spot Where the Party Never Stops (and Everyone’s Welcome)
If you’re ready to go all out, Le Baron in the 8th arrondissement is where Paris’s most stylish women go to dance until sunrise. It’s not a club for the Instagram crowd. It’s a club for the ones who know how to move, how to laugh, and how to let go.
The door policy is strict-but fair. They don’t care if you’re wearing designer shoes or sneakers. They care if you’ve got energy. If you show up with a group of women, you’re golden. The music? Think house, disco, and French electro. The crowd? Mostly women. The energy? Electric.
Pro tip: Go before 11 p.m. to avoid the line. Order a Champagne Fizz at the bar-it’s sparkling wine with citrus and a hint of ginger. Dance on the second floor where the mirrors make it feel like you’re surrounded by a hundred versions of yourself. At 3 a.m., you won’t remember your name, but you’ll remember how you felt.
What to Wear? (And What Not To)
Parisians don’t dress for attention-they dress for comfort and confidence. You don’t need a designer dress. You don’t need heels that hurt. A nice pair of dark jeans, a silk top, and ankle boots work everywhere. A leather jacket? Always a good idea. A clutch? Only if you’re going to Le Perchoir or Le Baron. Otherwise, a small crossbody bag is enough.
Avoid these: flip-flops, oversized logos, or anything that looks like you’re trying too hard. Paris doesn’t reward effort. It rewards ease. If you look like you’re enjoying yourself, you’ll fit right in.
Getting Around Safely
Paris is safe for women at night, but you still need to be smart. Stick to well-lit streets. Use the metro until 1:30 a.m. (it runs late on weekends). After that, take a licensed taxi or Uber. Avoid walking alone in Montmartre after midnight-some areas are quiet, but not always safe.
Download the Paris Metro app. It shows real-time arrivals and platform changes. Keep your phone charged. And if you’re ever unsure, ask a woman behind the bar. Parisian women know where to go, when to leave, and how to get you home safely.
Final Tip: Don’t Try to Do It All
One bar. One dance. One unforgettable moment. That’s enough.
Some girls try to hit five spots in one night. They end up tired, overwhelmed, and missing the magic. Pick one place to start. Let the night unfold. If you’re still buzzing at 1 a.m., find another. If you’re not? That’s okay too. Sometimes the best nights are the ones where you just sit, talk, and realize you didn’t need a club to feel alive.
Is Paris safe for a girls’ night out?
Yes, Paris is generally safe for women at night, especially in popular nightlife areas like Le Marais, Saint-Germain, and the 8th arrondissement. Stick to well-lit streets, use public transport or licensed taxis after midnight, and avoid isolated alleys in Montmartre. Most bars and clubs have security staff, and locals are usually helpful if you ask for directions or advice.
What’s the best time to start a girls’ night in Paris?
Start around 8 or 9 p.m. That’s when the bars get lively but aren’t packed yet. You’ll get better seating, faster service, and more space to talk. If you’re heading to a club like Le Baron, arrive before 11 p.m. to skip the line. Most places don’t really get going until after 11, so don’t rush.
Do I need to book tables in advance?
For rooftop spots like Le Perchoir or intimate bars like Bar Hemingway, yes-book a table online. For music venues like La Cigale, no need. Just show up. For Le Baron, you can’t book; you just wait in line. If you’re with a group of four or more, calling ahead saves time and stress.
Are there any free or low-cost options for a girls’ night?
Absolutely. Le Comptoir Général has no cover charge and drinks start at €10. Many wine bars in the 11th and 12th arrondissements offer €8 glasses of natural wine on weekdays. Walk along the Seine after dinner, grab a baguette and cheese from a boulangerie, and sit on a bench. Some of the best nights cost nothing but time and company.
What’s the most underrated spot for a girls’ night in Paris?
Try Le Verre Volé in the 10th arrondissement. It’s a tiny wine bar with no sign, just a red door. The staff pours natural wines by the glass and pairs them with small plates of charcuterie. The vibe is warm, quiet, and full of women who come here after work or on weekends to talk about everything and nothing. You won’t find it on Instagram. But you’ll remember it forever.
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