The Best Wine Bars in Paris , A Local’s Guide to Sipping Your Way Through the City
Paris is a dream city for wine lovers. Last week while out with a friend visiting from out of town I was dishing on recent faves plus some traditional spots where wine is always the star of the show.
On almost every corner you’ll find a cozy bar à vins or cave à manger filled with clinking glasses, handwritten chalkboard menus, and that low evening buzz that feels impossibly Parisian. Not all wine bars are made equal though.
Over the last decade, the city has also become a capital for natural wine , bottles made with minimal intervention, lots of personality, and sometimes a playful wildness. Whether you like things classic, funky, or somewhere in between, there is a Paris wine bar waiting to become “your place”.
Here is a curated list of some of the best wine bars in Paris right now , places I genuinely love for atmosphere, great pours, and good food to match (at least there has to be a few charcuterie and cheese plate options!)
Septime La Cave: for natural wine lovers
3 Rue Basfroi, 11th Arrondissement
Small, intimate, and always lively, Septime La Cave is the spin-off of the Michelin-starred restaurant Septime. Listen, if you don’t manage to snag a reserved seat next door this is not a bad plan B!
Expect a short but superb list of natural wines, thoughtful advice from the team, and delicious small plates like terrines, cheese, and seasonal bites. Come early , it fills up fast. The genius thing about this place? You can actually choose a bottle from their shop side and just pay a tiny €7 corkage fee to drink it at the bar. Like what you’re drinking? Buy another bottle to take home!
What to order: The house-smoked duck breast is absolutely divine, and their foie gras with eel is not to be missed. If they have jambon de boeuf on the menu, order it immediately , trust me on this one.
Folderol: wine and ice cream (yes, really)
10 Rue du Grand Prieuré, 11th Arrondissement
Folderol is pure fun: natural wine and artisanal ice cream in a warm, neighborhood space in the 11th. I did however hesitate before keeping it on the list , well despite the fact that the team hates social media hype, on any given evening recently all I saw were people trying to get that perfect shot for Instagram or TikTok. But alas, the crowd is young, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the list is adventurous without being intimidating. Come for a glass… stay for a scoop.
There is this article in The New York Times that goes into more details about how they became a viral sensation.
Loustic Cave à Vin: cozy and under-the-radar
35 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 11th Arrondissement
Not to be confused with the coffee shop (that was once owned by the same team), Loustic Cave à Vin keeps things intimate and simple: good bottles, friendly service, and a place that feels like it belongs to locals. A great stop before dinner or for a quiet late glass.
Last time we went we shared the cheese and charcuterie plate with a selection of wine flights (3 orange natural wines for me and 3 white wines for my gal pal) before this I have never heard about this concept before. Certainly a great way to taste your way across the terroirs. 🙂
It’s a smashing bottle shop that will make you want to take home a bottle or three!
Augustin: Left Bank charm and excellent pairings
Augustin Marchand d’Vins – 26 Rue des Grands Augustins 6th Arrondissement
Hidden in Saint-Germain, Augustin (Augustin Marchand d’Vins) feels like a classic Parisian cave à manger. Wines are well chosen and the small plates are genuinely delicious , this is somewhere you can happily stay for the whole evening. The tiny space lends to lots of charm.
I would highly recommend this one for a date night , or any night I am not paying , hahaha because the prices are a bit steep for Paris , but honestly the quality is top tier.
Frenchie Bar à Vins: lively and always delicious
6 Rue du Nil, 2nd Arrondissement
On Rue du Nil (you foodies should bookmark this street and go for a stroll!), Frenchie Bar à Vins is buzzy, crowded, and worth it. The kitchen is excellent and the wine list mixes classics with more modern natural references. Perfect if you want both serious food and serious wine without the formality of fine dining. Just across from the restaurant made famous with a Michelin star from chef Grégory Marchand.
What to order: If they have the gougères with za’atar and labneh, start there , they’re crispy, addictive little cheese puffs with a Middle Eastern twist. The burrata with boudin noir (black pudding) and chutney is a signature that sounds weird but tastes like heaven. And honestly? The buttermilk fried chicken is legendary , people literally come back the next day for it. Don’t skip the house-made frites either, they’re served crispy with spicy ketchup spiked with togarashi.
The wine situation: Their wine list is as thick as a Bible (seriously!) with about 20 wines by the glass ranging from €7-€9, plus an impressive selection focusing on Burgundy and Rhône. They’re really good at explaining wines without being snobbish about it.
Le Barav: the Marais favorite
6 Rue Charles-François Dupuis, 3rd Arrondissement
Oh lordy , what to say about this one , an absolute casual fave. A true Marais institution, Le Barav combines a wine shop and a bar. You can even choose a bottle from the shop next door and drink it at the bar. Expect generous charcuterie boards, a very friendly crowd, and evenings that stretch late.
Sort of like a French dive bar , I think that’s the closest I would say , for you to get the true feel. 100% fun.
What to order: The charcuterie boards here are proper , generous portions with thinly sliced meats and excellent cheeses. It’s the kind of place where you point at what looks good and you won’t be disappointed.
La Belle Hortense: bookshop + wine bar magic
31 Rue Vieille du Temple, 4th Arrondissement
Half bookstore, half wine bar, fully Parisian. La Belle Hortense is the place to sip a glass while talking literature, people-watching, or getting lost between bookshelves. Ideal for a rainy evening or solo glass of wine.
Not the place to go if you don’t want to be rubbing elbows as the space is narrow out front and the room at the back can feel très tucked back.
Freddy’s: tapas and wine in Saint-Germain
54 Rue de Seine, 6th Arrondissement
Freddy’s is small, energetic, and deliciously social on the left bank of Paris. Think tapas-style plates, counter seating, and a wine list full of great discoveries. Perfect spot if you love the feeling of standing at the bar, chatting, snacking, sipping.
No reservations needed , so if you find yourself wandering along Rue de Buci then starting to be a bit peckish then you’re in luck , but go early , like 6:30pm early. Trust me you will see many folks come after and have to add their names to the wait list.
Willi’s Wine Bar: a true Paris classic
13 Rue des Petits Champs, 1st Arrondissement
Founded in the 1980s, Willi’s Wine Bar is a legend , I am always a bit overwhelmed by this one in a cutesy way. It just feels too precious to share, but this spot is in such an iconic location tucked between Palais Royal and Galeries Vivienne. The posters are iconic, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the list leans toward Burgundy and Rhône with depth and personality. Classic without being stuffy.
What to order: The menu changes daily but favorites include their ballottine of wild duck with quince marmalade, the chocolate terrine (an absolute must if they have it), and whatever seasonal fish they’re serving , the skate wing with artichokes and chanterelles is divine when it’s on. Their charcuterie is freshly sliced paper-thin, exactly how it should be, and makes for one of the best charcuterie boards in Paris.
The wine situation: Mark Williamson (the British owner who opened this place in 1980) basically pioneered the modern Parisian wine bar scene. He was pouring interesting Rhône wines and lesser-known Languedoc bottles by the glass before anyone else thought to do it. The wine list is extensive, with many options by the glass, and they’re particularly good with sherries if that’s your thing.
Verjus Wine Bar: elegant and intimate
47 Rue de Montpensier, 1st Arrondissement
Another consistent hit , next to the Palais-Royal gardens, Verjus Bar à Vins is a refined, candlelit, and quietly romantic version to the restaurant of the same name. Expect elegant small plates and a thoughtful, internationally influenced wine list , perfect for dates and slow evenings.
The ambiance is very nighttime romantic so this is a place to dress up and have a great night.
What to order: If they still have their legendary buttermilk fried chicken on the menu (with napa cabbage slaw), there would be a revolution if they took it off , it’s THAT good. The house-cut French fries are crispy perfection, served with homemade ketchup spiked with togarashi for a Japanese kick. Their pork and duck terrine with pistachios is absolutely gorgeous, and the warm Mont d’Or cheese with pickled mushrooms is pure comfort. Menu changes seasonally but expect creative small plates that balance French technique with global flavors.
L’Avant-Comptoir: standing, snacking, sipping
3 Carrefour de l’Odéon, 6th Arrondissement
No seats, lots of butter, lots of fun. At L’Avant-Comptoir, you stand at the counter, choose small plates from cards hanging above you, and drink great wine shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers. Loud, delicious, very Paris.
Nothing fancy , but believe me when I say this will be one of the best places to have oysters and champagne in Paris.
What to order: Run by the legendary Yves Camdeborde (the godfather of “bistronomie”), there are actually THREE L’Avant-Comptoirs now , de la Terre, de la Mer, and the original. For seafood, hit L’Avant-Comptoir de la Mer where the oysters are shucked fresh from top producers (think €3.50-€4 per oyster). The tuna tartare with raspberries is mind-blowing , seriously one of the most talked-about dishes. Also try the razor clams marinière with red onions and fresh thyme, the scallops with butter and garlic, or their take on fish and chips. Don’t sleep on the shrimp wrapped in crispy potato fries , it’s addictive.
Martin: relaxed, lively, very 11th arrondissement
24 Boulevard du Temple, 11th Arrondissement
Martin Bar à Vin is the kind of place you arrive “for one glass” and leave three hours later. Seriously!! This is what happens to us every time. Lively crowd, natural-leaning selection, and simple but tasty plates. A quintessential neighborhood bar in the 11th, also super close to the Marais neighbourhood if you’re around those ends.
What to order: Simple but satisfying , think cheese and charcuterie plates, maybe some seasonal vegetables, all designed to keep you drinking and chatting. The wine list skews natural and the staff are great at recommendations.
Le Baron Rouge: barrels and old-school charm
1 Rue Théophile Roussel, 12th Arrondissement
Did I ever mention that my favorite market is Marché d’Aligre , well this here is the bar just next to it so we stop here often for drinks. A Bastille favorite, Le Baron Rouge is famous for its barrels and oysters outside in season. This is old-school Paris wine culture: loud, casual, and full of character. You’ll probably end up chatting with your neighbors.
What to order: The oysters are THE thing here , available on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-September through April, shucked fresh on the sidewalk using this amazing contraption that looks like a paper cutter. Around €2 per oyster, served on plastic plates with just a squeeze of lemon and bread. Pair them with a crisp white Sancerre or a glass of Chablis (wines by the glass are ridiculously affordable , think €1.50 for a Merlot, with most wines starting around €2!).
If seafood is not your vibe , then you have a lot of charcuterie and cheese options , simple but delicious. The fish pâté is particularly good, their smoked andouille sausage from Normandy is excellent, and their meat and cheese platters are generous and perfect for sharing.
La Garde Robe: intimate and character-filled
41 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, 1st Arrondissement
Tucked near the Louvre, La Garde Robe feels like a secret. Shelves of bottles line the walls, the team knows their list deeply, and the vibe is candle-lit and cozy. A perfect refuge after a day of sightseeing , just a stone’s throw from La Samaritaine and the Louvre.
On any one of the sunnier days seating outside on the stools are prime real estate!
What to order: The selection changes but expect carefully chosen natural wines and simple, quality plates , cheese, charcuterie, maybe some seasonal vegetables. It’s about the bottles here, and the staff are genuinely knowledgeable and happy to guide you.
La Cave de Belleville: shop-meets-wine-bar
51 Rue de Belleville, 19th Arrondissement
Part boutique wine shop, part bar with food, La Cave de Belleville is great for apéro or bottle shopping. Expect lots of excellent natural and biodynamic references and hearty plates like cheese, terrines, and charcuterie.
Belleville is a hotspot for a lot of new and some OG bistronomie restaurants, so if you are yet to take the trek over , what are you waiting for? Also a cool place to grab a nice bowl of pho!
The vibe: This is a neighborhood spot where locals come to discover interesting bottles. The team is passionate about natural and biodynamic wines, and you can either drink on-site or take home.
Cave Canaille: intimate & very local
100 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11th Arrondissement
Cave Canaille is a neighborhood favorite with a short, well-chosen list and sincere hospitality. It’s small, warm, and slightly bohemian , a perfect representation of Paris wine culture off the tourist path. Really don’t expect anything fancy but a cool spot to discover some smaller known vineyards.
What to order: The list is short but thoughtful , expect interesting natural wines from lesser-known producers. Pair with simple but quality plates of cheese and charcuterie. The staff are warm and welcoming, happy to share their discoveries with you.
La Buvette: tiny but iconic
67 Rue Saint-Maur, 11th Arrondissement
One of the most loved wine bars in Paris! You cannot go wrong here, trust me on this. La Buvette is a tiny powerhouse, candlelit, and incredibly charming. Plates are minimalist but delicious, and the wine list leans strongly natural. Arrive early , and embrace the coziness.
What to order: The menu is scrawled on a mirror on the wall and changes daily, but expect highbrow nibbles like orange-zested white broad beans in olive oil, thick-cut andouille sausage laced with lardo, saucisson, pâté, and maybe some burrata. Owner Camille Fourmont is a bit of a legend in Paris natural wine circles , she stocks cult bottles from vignerons like Jean-Pierre Riestch and Julien Courtois. Wine pricing is on the higher side, but the €8 corkage fee makes bottles consumed on-site a relative bargain.
Aux Deux Amis: loud, fun, absolutely alive
45 Rue Oberkampf, 11th Arrondissement
On Oberkampf, Aux Deux Amis is where things get lively. Expect crowded tables, energetic staff, banging small plates, and a natural wine list full of personality. Come hungry, thirsty, and open to noise.
What to order: The daily menu changes but expect hearty, delicious bistro-style small plates. The vibe here is all about sharing , order a bunch of dishes, get a bottle, and settle in for the evening. The natural wine selection is excellent and the staff are enthusiastic without being pretentious.
Fugazi: cool kid natural wine bar vibes
18 Rue Lacharrière, 11th Arrondissement
Fugazi leans young, creative, and relaxed , with an excellent natural wine selection and casual small plates. A good choice if you want something unpretentious and modern without sacrificing quality. It’s more of a restaurant though, so do expect to eat.
The vibe: This is a laid-back neighborhood spot where you can come for either a glass or a full meal. The crowd is young and the atmosphere is easygoing. The natural wine list is solid and the food is simple but well-executed.
Le Mary Celeste: wine, cocktails, oysters, great music
1 Rue Commines, 3rd Arrondissement
Technically also a cocktail bar, Le Mary Celeste earns its place on this list thanks to its adventurous wine list and addictive small plates. Not too great for groups, well maybe small ones are best. Le Mary Celeste serves vegetarian options as well as seafood like oysters. It’s great music, always a good time… reservations highly suggested but are no longer necessary.
What to order: The oysters are consistently good, and they do excellent vegetarian options alongside their seafood offerings. The cocktails are creative and the wine list is thoughtfully curated. It’s one of those places that does a little bit of everything well.
THE MAP OF PARIS WINE BARS
Tips for enjoying wine bars in Paris
- Arrive early , many don’t take reservations
- Don’t hesitate to say what you like (“fruity”, “not too oaky”, “funky”, “dry”)
- Try by-the-glass first to discover new regions
- Pair with food , wine bars here are also about eating
- Natural wine can be cloudy, wild, surprising , that’s the fun!
Final thoughts (and a glass raised to you!)
Listen, Paris has a wine bar for every mood , whether you’re celebrating something big, nursing a broken heart, hiding from the rain, or just killing time before dinner. The magic isn’t just in the wine itself (though let’s be real, French wine is pretty damn special). It’s in the ritual of it all: the way a glass appears in front of you within seconds, how strangers become friends over a shared bottle, the butter-smeared plates piling up, the hours that disappear without you noticing.
Some nights you’ll want the candlelit romance of Verjus or the literary charm of La Belle Hortense. Other nights you’ll crave the chaotic energy of Le Baron Rouge or the standing-room-only buzz at L’Avant-Comptoir. And that’s the beauty of it , there’s no wrong choice, just different chapters of the same love story with this city.
So grab a friend (or go solo , wine bars are perfect for that too), pick a neighborhood, and just start. Order something you can’t pronounce. Say yes to the cheese plate. Stay for one more glass. Get a little lost on the way home. That’s the Parisian wine bar experience in a nutshell, and honestly? It never gets old.
Santé, Gloire, Amour et Chausseurs!! ( something silly I always say at a toast!)