beat the brochure

After hours of seeking out the sights by day, come night time in Paris and you don’t want to miss out. Paris has several districts favoured by different groups that are fun to explore to see which one suits you.

Start with cocktails
If you want flash, Parisian chic then try Bar du Plaza Athénée in 8th Arrondissement or district. This hotel bar serves a wide range of inventive cocktails during the ambient, cool blue hours (6 – 11p.m. daily); Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the resident DJ pumps up the volume during the Red Hours from 11p.m. to 2a.m. Literally the bar takes on red lighting and a livelier vibe.

For something altogether more quirky and secretive, visit Curio Parlour in the 2nd; here velvet sofas and a Japanese influence including a range of Japanese whiskies are the order of the day. Another favourite is the Prescription Cocktail Club and a much loved rendezvous near the Bastille, Le China for sophisticated martinis with a Shanghai speak-easy feel.

The Lizard Lounge in the 4th is friendly and English speaking. DJs put a lively spin on this venue from the basement cum evening. For a feeling of history, visit La Closerie des Lilas in the 6th – it’s an old haunt of Trotsky, Picasso, Hemingway and Fitzgerald. This piano bar retains its classy feel.

La Perle has a lasting popularity even though it’s not remarkable. It’s a place to see and be seen and serves a mean cocktail. June is Cuba month when many Cuban celebrities are honoured with their own cocktail. Try a Columbia Skin in tribute to the Portland Rum Riot; a Malecon Mazagran to celebrate the birth of Che Guevara. Or a Rum Runner to remember the rum runners when prohibition forced them to take to their heels. Cuba’s ‘finest guitarist’ Elaides Ochoa is celebrated with a Buena Vista Cocktail.

Clubbing for the cool
Remember to dress to kill if you want to go clubbing in Paris, the fashion capital of the world. It could make all the difference to your entry!

Le Baron near the Champs-Élysées is a former Hostess bar; it retains its seductive plushness and hosts great music.

Hardcore clubbers love Rex Club where they can really cut a few shapes; Djoon has an impressive weekend programme of well-known DJs which brings House, RNB and Soul fans to the 13th Arrondissement.

The red steel lighthouse ship, Batofar is moored on the Seine right by the national library. Live bands, DJs and a bar-restaurant which takes over the quayside still make a favourite party haunt.

Bars
Don’t miss Showcase which appears every Friday and Saturday with live music and DJs along the arches on the bridge Pont Alexandre III. The bar stretches the length of the arches and there is concert hall sized space for events including private or corporate ones.

At Le Bar sans Nom or the Bar with No Name behind the Bastille Opera you pass through a red curtain to enter the establishment. It adds to the mystery and drinks aren’t too badly priced either!

This only scratches the surface of a city so geared for a great nightlife. We’re sure you’ll love these and discover more to enjoy your own particular night time fancy during your Paris city break.