15 Best Bars in Around the Louvre, Paris

Literature lovers, cocktail connoisseurs, and other drink-swilling devotees flock to these two iconic bars within the Ritz Hotel. The wood-paneled, tiny Bar Hemingway offers a surprisingly chill vibe and serves up cocktails that are nothing short of legendary. Try the Serendipity, the bar's most popular drink, combining Champagne with Calvados and mint. Across the elegant corridor, the more spacious Ritz Bar is an astrologically themed experience. In a style evoking Belle Époque Paris, the space's circular bar is topped by a monumental lantern whose projection of stars and constellations begins each evening at 5:30 exactly. Ephemeral cocktails from head bartender Romain de Courcy are built around one ingredient, like Corn made with Mexican corn whisky, ancestral corn liqueur, freeze-dried corn, and popcorn, or Cherry made with wild cherry eau de vie, Morello cherry juice, black and sweet cherry, cherry vinegar, and maraschino liqueur.

Fashioned as a speakeasy on a tiny brick-paved street, this was one of the first bars to bring the cocktail revolution to Paris. Colorful, innovative, and ever-changing drinks are mixed with aplomb by friendly (and attractive) bartenders. By 11 pm, the bar is always packed with a mix of locals, professionals, and fashionistas.

At this gracious bar and tea salon in the Hôtel Castille (Coco Chanel's old stomping grounds), enjoy a selection of French and Italian wines or a glass of champagne alongside an all-day menu of Italian-accented nibbles.

Located within the magnificent Hôtel de Crillon, Les Ambassadeurs is perhaps the closest you'll come to experiencing the royal treatment in a real palace—it was built by order of Louis XV in 1758. Sink into one of the cozy armchairs and enjoy a coupe of Champagne from a list as long as the marble walls are high, or select one of a curated list of signature cocktails. All the right touches are preserved, including a frescoed ceiling adorned with twinkling chandeliers and gilt—lots of it. Live music accompanies your evening Tuesday through Saturday starting at 8 pm.

Hôtel Le Meurice converted its ground-floor Fontainebleau library into the intimate Bar 228, with wood paneling and huge murals depicting the royal hunting forests of Fontainebleau. Its loyal fashion crowd is continually wooed by Philippe Starck's decor updates and lubricated with the bar's famous Bellinis. Try the Meurice Millennium cocktail, made with champagne, rose liqueur, and Cointreau.

The monolithic marble bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel offers an extensive champagne list and a menu of international street food–inspired bar snacks. The outdoor terrace is especially busy during Fashion Weeks.

Behind a nondescript facade, you'll find a 1930s-style bar-club-restaurant arranged like a private home, with a series of rooms on three floors and lots of corners where the casually stylish cool cats of Paris get cozy until the wee hours. The bar notably hosts live music events every Wednesday.

The Duc's cozy interior and top-class jazz acts make this iconic club one of the city's most popular small venues. It's best to purchase advance tickets online or arrive early to guarantee a spot at the twice-nightly concerts at 7:30 and 10. Jam sessions Friday and Saturday begin at midnight and last until 4 am.

Despite years on the scene, the bar at Hôtel Costes still draws big names—and not just during fashion weeks. Expect to cross paths with anyone from Rihanna to Leonardo DiCaprio (as long as you make it past the chilly greeting of the statuesque hostess) to enjoy classic cocktails and down-tempo music from an ever-changing roster of DJs. Dressing to kill is strongly advised, especially for newcomers; otherwise, expect all the tables to be suddenly reserved.

This bar is glorious not only for its panoramic skyline views but also for its manga-inspired decor and kooky, disco-ball-and-kid-sumo-adorned bathrooms. The rooftop restaurant's menu is inspired by Japanese fare, and these accents can be found on the house cocktail list as well with ingredients like shiso, yuzu, and umeshu. Top-shelf DJs keep patrons dancing on weekends. Valet parking is available starting at 7:30 pm. Be sure to reserve a spot ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Parisians from bobos (bourgeois-bohemians) to pompiers (firefighters) are lured to Le Café Noir's elegantly worn digs for organic coffee during the day or a glass of natural wine come evening. In addition to cool drinks and friendly staff, the place features a pipe-smoking papier-mâché fish and a vintage leopard-print-covered motorbike. (The restaurant with the same name is unrelated.)

One of the first bars to bring natural wine to the capital, Le Garde-Robe unites a casual atmosphere and truly knowledgeable staff for a fun, funky experience steps from the Louvre. Order a platter of cheese or charcuterie to accompany your sulfite-free bottles, and take advantage of this bar with a neighborhood feel in the heart of the city.

This 18th-century wine cellar was built by Trudon, the sommelier to King Louis XV, and tastings here are truly an experience fit for royalty. Book in advance for a tasting, cheese pairing, or even a make-your-own-wine workshop.

This wine bar and tasting space is the go-to for Anglophones wanting to deepen their wine knowledge and refine their palates. With more than 1,000 options, 80% of which are organic, biodynamic, or vegan, it's ideal for sampling the best French vintages. Classes in wine tasting are offered; the two-hour "Tour de France" is a best-seller and a bargain at €75. More in-depth options are also available including cheese pairings and champagne cruises. Although the restaurant is closed Sunday, tastings are available daily.

This two-part club hosts French and American jazz musicians: the Sunside upstairs is devoted mostly to acoustic jazz, while the Sunset downstairs features everything from electronic jazz, fusion, and groove to classic and swing. Jam sessions have been known to last well into the wee hours.