Paris isn’t just about croissants and the Eiffel Tower. By 9 p.m., the city transforms. Streetlights glow over cobblestones, jazz spills from basement clubs, and groups of women laugh over cocktails in hidden courtyards. If you’re planning a girls’ night out in Paris, you don’t need a fancy itinerary-you need the right places. The kind where the music isn’t too loud, the drinks are well-made, and you feel safe, seen, and totally alive.
Le Perchoir: Rooftop Views and Real Vibes
Le Perchoir isn’t one place-it’s a chain, but the Le Perchoir Marais location is the one you want. Perched on the sixth floor of a 19th-century building, it’s got mismatched armchairs, string lights, and a view of Paris rooftops that makes you forget you’re in a city of 2 million people. The crowd? Mostly locals, mostly women in their late 20s to 40s. No bouncers checking your dress code. No velvet ropes. Just good wine, creative cocktails like the Parisian Sunset (gin, elderflower, beet juice), and a playlist that leans toward French indie pop.
Go on a Thursday or Friday around 8:30 p.m. Arrive early if you want a balcony seat. The stairs are narrow, the vibe is casual, and the staff remembers your name by the second drink. It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up talking to strangers who become friends by midnight.
Bar des Femmes: A Safe Space with Soul
In a city where nightlife can feel male-dominated, Bar des Femmes is a quiet revolution. Open since 2020 in the 11th arrondissement, it was founded by a group of women who wanted a space where they could drink, dance, and be loud without being stared at. The walls are painted deep burgundy, the music is a mix of Erykah Badu, Stromae, and classic French chanson, and the bartenders pour drinks with care-not speed.
They don’t serve shots. They serve La Violette-a lavender gin sour with a honey rim-and Le Rouge, a red wine spritzer with a splash of orange. The crowd is diverse: artists, teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs. No guys on the dance floor unless they’re with a group of women. No pick-up lines. Just music, laughter, and the occasional spontaneous dance break.
La Chanson: Intimate Jazz and No Crowds
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a 1950s Parisian film, head to La Chanson in Montmartre. It’s small-barely 40 seats-and you’ll find it tucked behind a nondescript door on Rue des Martyrs. The band plays every night, usually a trio: piano, double bass, and a singer who sounds like she was born with a cigarette in her hand and a Billie Holiday record in her soul.
This isn’t a club. It’s a sanctuary. You sit at a small table, order a glass of Beaujolais, and just listen. No phones out. No loud talking. Just the soft hum of the saxophone and the clink of glasses. It’s perfect if you want to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, or if you’re looking for a night that feels slow, meaningful, and deeply French.
Le Baron: Where the Glamour Is Real
Le Baron is the exception to the rule. It’s not hidden. It’s not cheap. But if you want to dress up, sip champagne under disco balls, and dance to house music that makes your feet move without thinking, this is your spot. Located in the 8th arrondissement, it’s a favorite among models, stylists, and creative professionals. The dress code? Think elegant casual-no sneakers, no hoodies. But no corsets either. It’s Parisian chic, not costume.
Entry is free before 11 p.m., but after that, it’s a cover. The vibe shifts after midnight-more energy, more glitter, more confidence. The music is curated by DJs who know exactly when to drop a classic like “Le Freak” or a new French techno banger. It’s the kind of place where you’ll leave with your heels in your bag and your heart full.
Le Comptoir Général: Quirky, Colorful, and Unforgettable
Forget clubs. If you want something wilder, weirder, and more memorable, Le Comptoir Général is your answer. It’s not a bar. It’s an experience. A converted warehouse in the 10th arrondissement, it’s filled with vintage furniture, African art, hanging plants, and a giant wooden boat in the middle of the room. The bar serves cocktails made with ingredients like yuzu, hibiscus, and smoked salt. The music? Global beats-Afro-house, reggae, Brazilian funk.
There’s a library corner, a rooftop terrace with hammocks, and a small stage where live poetry or spoken word happens on weekends. You might end up dancing with a woman who just returned from Senegal, or chatting with a photographer who’s documenting Parisian street culture. It’s not a typical night out. It’s the kind of night you’ll tell your friends about for years.
How to Stay Safe and Enjoy More
Paris is generally safe for women at night, but a few rules make the difference between a great night and a stressful one.
- Stick to well-lit streets. Avoid deserted alleys in the 18th or 19th arrondissements after midnight.
- Use the metro until 1:30 a.m. on weekends-it’s clean, frequent, and safe. The RER B line is reliable even after clubs close.
- Book a taxi in advance with Bolt or Uber. Avoid hailing cabs on the street.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Most places take cards.
- Trust your gut. If a place feels off, leave. There are plenty of other options.
Most importantly-don’t rush. Parisian nights aren’t about hitting five clubs. They’re about savoring one or two places, letting the mood carry you, and enjoying the company you’re with.
What to Wear
Parisians dress with intention. You don’t need designer labels, but you do need to look like you care. For rooftop bars like Le Perchoir, think tailored jeans, a silk top, and ankle boots. For Le Baron, a little black dress or a jumpsuit with heels. For Le Comptoir Général, go boho-flowy skirts, layered jewelry, maybe a leather jacket. For Bar des Femmes and La Chanson, comfort is key. A nice sweater, dark pants, and flats will get you in.
Leave the neon tank tops and flip-flops at home. Paris doesn’t judge, but it does notice.
When to Go
Weekends are lively but crowded. If you want more space and better service, aim for a Wednesday or Thursday. The crowd is smaller, the drinks are just as good, and the music isn’t turned up to eleven. If you’re visiting in October, the weather is crisp-perfect for rooftop seating or cozy corners with blankets. Don’t forget a light coat.
Final Tip: Slow Down
The best nights in Paris don’t end at 2 a.m. They end with a walk along the Seine, sharing a warm churro from a late-night vendor, or sitting on a bench watching the lights reflect on the water. The city doesn’t rush. Neither should you.
Is Paris safe for women going out at night?
Yes, Paris is generally safe for women at night, especially in popular nightlife areas like Le Marais, Montmartre, and the 8th arrondissement. Stick to well-lit streets, use trusted transport apps like Bolt or Uber after midnight, and avoid isolated areas. Most bars and clubs have security staff, and locals are used to seeing women out alone or in groups. Trust your instincts-if something feels off, leave.
Do I need to book tables in advance for these spots?
For Le Perchoir and Le Baron, yes-especially on weekends. Reservations can be made online through their websites. Bar des Femmes and La Chanson don’t take reservations, but arriving before 9 p.m. guarantees a seat. Le Comptoir Général is first-come, first-served, and rarely fills up before 10 p.m.
What’s the average cost for a night out in Paris?
A cocktail at a rooftop bar like Le Perchoir costs €12-€16. At Le Baron, drinks range from €14-€18. Le Comptoir Général and Bar des Femmes are more affordable, with drinks around €10-€13. If you’re sticking to two places and a snack, budget €50-€70 per person. Entry fees are usually free before 11 p.m., but can be €5-€10 after.
Are there any all-women nightlife events in Paris?
Yes. Bar des Femmes hosts monthly women-only dance nights called Soirée Sœur, featuring female DJs and live performances. There are also pop-up events like Les Girls Only in the 11th arrondissement, which happen quarterly. Check Instagram accounts like @parisgirlsnight or @bar_des_femmes for updates.
Can I go to these places alone if I’m traveling solo?
Absolutely. Many women in Paris go out alone, especially to places like La Chanson, Bar des Femmes, and Le Comptoir Général. These spots are welcoming to solo visitors. You’ll often see women reading, journaling, or sipping wine alone. It’s normal. You’re not odd-you’re part of the rhythm of the city.
Paris doesn’t need you to be loud. It just needs you to be there-present, curious, and open to the quiet magic of a night that doesn’t rush. Whether you’re dancing under disco lights or listening to a saxophone in a dimly lit room, this city remembers the moments that matter. And so will you.
