Paris isn’t just about croissants and the Eiffel Tower. When the sun sets, the city transforms into a glittering playground for women who want to dance, drink, and laugh until dawn. Forget the tourist traps and crowded cafés-you need the real spots where locals go, where the music is loud enough to drown out your worries, and where you’ll feel like you belong from the first cocktail.
Le Perchoir: Rooftop Views and Cocktails That Don’t Suck
Le Perchoir isn’t one place-it’s a chain, but the Le Perchoir Rue de la Roquette version is the one you want. Tucked into a quiet corner of the 11th arrondissement, this rooftop bar feels like a secret. Think mismatched couches, string lights, and a view of Paris that stretches from the Montmartre dome to the Tour Montparnasse. The cocktails? Crafted by people who actually care. Try the Parisian Mule-gin, lime, ginger beer, and a splash of elderflower. It’s light, refreshing, and not sweet enough to make you gag. The crowd? Mostly women in their late 20s to 40s, dressed in black dresses or jeans with statement jackets. No bachelorette parties. No drunk guys trying to take selfies with you. Just good vibes and real conversation.
La Belle Équipe: The Neighborhood Bar That Feels Like Home
If you want to feel like a local, not a tourist, head to La Belle Équipe in the 10th. It’s not flashy. No neon signs. No cover charge. Just a long wooden bar, a few mismatched chairs, and a playlist that mixes French indie rock with 90s R&B. The bartenders remember your name after one visit. The wine list? Handpicked from small organic vineyards in the Loire Valley. The snacks? Charcuterie boards with house-made pickles and crusty bread. It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up talking to a stranger who works at a bookstore in Montmartre and ends up inviting you to her book club. No pressure. No judgment. Just warmth.
Le Baron: Where the Fashion Crowd Lets Loose
Le Baron is the kind of club where you might spot a model from the latest Lemaire show or a French actress from a Netflix series you just binged. Located in the 8th arrondissement, this place has a velvet rope, but it’s not exclusive-it’s curated. The dress code? Stylish, but not fancy. Think tailored blazers, ankle boots, and minimal jewelry. The music? House, disco, and French touch with a bassline that makes your chest vibrate. The lighting? Low, moody, and perfect for applying lip gloss in the mirror without looking like you’re trying too hard. This isn’t a place to get wasted. It’s a place to feel powerful. The bouncers? They’re women. The staff? They’re women. The energy? Electric.
Le Comptoir Général: Quirky, Wild, and Totally Unforgettable
Forget clubs. If you want something different, go to Le Comptoir Général in the 10th. It’s not a bar. It’s not a restaurant. It’s a jungle-themed, vintage-filled, live-music-filled wonderland. Think African artifacts, hanging plants, a giant crocodile sculpture, and a bar made from reclaimed wood. The drinks? Creative and colorful-think hibiscus gin fizz or rum spiked with smoked paprika. The music? DJs spin Afrobeat, jazz, and electronic beats that shift with the night. You’ll find artists, students, expats, and Parisian women in their 30s who’ve been coming here for a decade. It’s the kind of place where you might end up dancing on a wooden crate while someone plays the kora. No one cares if you don’t know the steps. Everyone claps when you finish.
Bar des Champs: The Hidden Gem Near the Eiffel Tower
Most people think the Eiffel Tower area is just for photos. But tucked behind a quiet courtyard near Rue de la Bourdonnais is Bar des Champs. It’s small. It’s cozy. It’s packed every Friday night. The bartender, Marie, pours the best French 75 in the city-gin, lemon, sugar, and sparkling wine, chilled to perfection. The playlist? Classic French pop from Françoise Hardy to Charlotte Gainsbourg. The vibe? Quiet but alive. You’ll see groups of women laughing over shared plates of cheese and olives. No loud music. No flashing lights. Just good wine, good company, and the soft glow of the Eiffel Tower visible through the window. It’s romantic without being cliché.
Why These Spots Work for a Girls’ Night Out
Parisian nightlife doesn’t always cater to women. Many clubs are loud, crowded, and designed for men to show off. But the spots above? They’re built for connection. The music is curated, not just turned up. The drinks are thoughtful, not just expensive. The staff treat you like you’re there to enjoy yourself-not to be photographed or flirted with. You won’t get groped. You won’t be ignored. You’ll be seen.
Here’s what makes these places different:
- No cover charge at most-except Le Baron, which is worth it.
- Women-run or women-heavy staff-you’ll feel safe and respected.
- Real ambiance, not forced vibes-no neon signs saying "Girls Night Out!"
- Easy to get to by metro-all are within 15 minutes of a station.
- No last call before midnight-you can stay until 3 a.m. without being rushed.
What to Wear (And What to Leave at Home)
You don’t need designer labels. You don’t need stilettos. Parisian women dress like they woke up looking this good-effortless, cool, and a little mysterious.
- Do wear: Black dresses, tailored trousers, leather jackets, ankle boots, silk scarves, minimal jewelry.
- Don’t wear: Flip-flops, sportswear, oversized hoodies, or anything with logos.
- Pro tip: Bring a light wrap. Even in summer, Parisian nights get chilly near the Seine.
Timing Matters
Parisians don’t start their night until 10 p.m. Don’t show up at 8. You’ll be the only one there. Aim for 10:30 to 11 for drinks, then move to a club by 12:30. Most places don’t get busy until after 1 a.m. If you want to dance, stay past 2. The real magic happens when the tourists are gone and the locals take over.
How to Get Around
Paris is walkable, but between bars? Use the metro. Night buses (Noctilien) run after midnight, but the metro runs until 1:15 a.m. on weekdays and 2:15 a.m. on weekends. Taxis are easy to find, but Uber is cheaper and more reliable. Always check the app before you leave a venue. Don’t rely on hailing cabs on the street-most drivers won’t stop for a group of women unless they’re clearly heading somewhere.
What to Do If You Feel Uncomfortable
Paris is generally safe, but like any big city, it’s not perfect. If someone’s too pushy, don’t be polite. Say no clearly. Use the phrase "Je ne veux pas" (I don’t want to). Bar staff will back you up. Most venues have a quiet corner or a staff room where you can ask for help. Don’t hesitate. You’re not rude for protecting yourself. You’re smart.
Final Tip: Don’t Rush
A girls’ night out in Paris isn’t about hitting five clubs. It’s about savoring the moments. One great cocktail. One long conversation. One dance in the dark. One laugh that makes your stomach hurt. The city doesn’t rush. Neither should you.
Is Paris safe for a girls’ night out?
Yes, if you stick to the right spots. Areas like Le Marais, Saint-Germain, and the 11th arrondissement are well-lit, populated, and frequented by women. Avoid isolated streets after 2 a.m. and always use trusted transport. Most bars and clubs have security staff who’ll help if you feel uneasy.
What’s the average cost for a girls’ night out in Paris?
You can have a great night for €60-€100 per person. Cocktails cost €14-€18, wine by the glass is €10-€15, and club entry is usually free or €10-€15. Skip the overpriced tourist spots near the Eiffel Tower-those drinks can cost €25. Stick to local bars and you’ll save money and get better drinks.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy Paris nightlife?
No, but a few phrases help. Saying "Bonjour," "Merci," and "L’addition, s’il vous plaît" goes a long way. Most bartenders in popular spots speak English. But if you try a little French, you’ll get better service-and maybe even a free appetizer.
Are there any all-women nightlife events in Paris?
Yes. Every month, events like "Les Girls Night" or "Femme & Fête" pop up in venues like Le Comptoir Général or La Belle Équipe. These are hosted by women, for women, with female DJs and themed cocktails. Check Instagram hashtags like #GirlsNightParis or local event apps like Dojo or Evenium for listings.
What’s the best time of year for a girls’ night out in Paris?
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) are ideal. The weather’s mild, the crowds are smaller, and the outdoor terraces are open. Summer is busy but electric. Winter is quiet, but indoor spots like Le Baron and La Belle Équipe are cozy and lively. Avoid August-most locals are on vacation, and the city feels empty.
