Fresh from another short sojourn in Paris, we share our current top 8 wine bars in the city.
LessAux Deux Amis is the quintessential Parisian wine bar you imagine: softly lit, with red-backed mirrored walls and a classic awning shading bistro tables, all bearing the charming marks of time. Despite its name ("between two friends"), the atmosphere buzzes with the energy of a lively gathering. Expect friendly encounters and shared drinks in this perpetually packed spot, where vinyl stools at the bar and standing room in between are the norm.
Just steps from the marché d’Anvers, discover the elegant wine haven of Étienne Lucan and Sébastien Obert. With wooden tables to the right, a wall showcasing their extensive bottle collection to the left, and the soft glow of neon above the kitchen, this is a true wine lover's destination. Home to several hundred natural wines, almost exclusively sourced from France and constantly updated with new arrivals and visits from their winemaker friends.
This intimate and charming cave à manger is a beloved institution in the 11th arrondissement. Founded by the talented Camille Fourmont, La Buvette offers a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere where patrons can enjoy a thoughtfully selected list of natural wines paired with delicious, simple food. It's the perfect spot for a quintessential Parisian evening.
For something entirely unique, head to Folderol, an ice cream shop that moonlights as a natural wine bar. From the same team behind the acclaimed restaurant Le Rigmarole, this spot offers a daily-changing selection of natural wines by the glass, which you can pair with their exquisite, homemade ice cream. It's a delightful and original concept that captures the creative spirit of Paris.
Delicatessen Place, with its memorable "Cordonnerie Derby" sign and green exterior (a former shoe repair shop), feels like a true neighborhood find. The interior blends exposed concrete, wooden walls, and dangling Edison bulbs. Their by-the-glass selection is often natural and French, while the adjoining wine shop allows you to handpick a bottle, have it opened, and enjoy it at the bar or on the sidewalk.
Just a stone's throw from Septime, often hailed as one of Paris's finest contemporary French restaurants, lies La Cave – its cool younger sibling. If a table at Septime is out of reach or your time is limited, La Cave offers an excellent alternative right around the corner. With 10 different wines available by the glass daily, La Cave's ever-changing list leans towards the exceptional: expect small-batch, biodynamic, and natural wines from across Europe.
Lolo cave à manger is the place to be for a good time! This cool wine bar serves up natural wines and delicious bites, all set to a soundtrack of good music and punctuated by plenty of laughter – with a chance of spontaneous dancing.
A true Parisian institution, Willi's has been a legend since it opened in 1980. Located in the 1st arrondissement, this iconic bar is celebrated for its deep focus on Rhône Valley wines and its incredible, frequently-changing list that introduces drinkers to "unfashionable" gems. With a convivial atmosphere, a fantastic bistro menu that changes daily, and its famous annual "Bottle Art" posters, it offers a timeless, unpretentious experience.