One of the most romantic places in the world, France is also known as the land of artists and intellectuals. These highbrow people, who are known for their sophisticated taste in drinks and music, will also teach you how to enjoy the exuberant France nightlife.
The cobbled streets of France are punctuated with alfresco bars and friendly pubs where you can enjoy a relaxing night with a drink in your hand and your amour on your side. For the high-spirited and energetic souls, there are plenty of clubs where you can get wasted and dance till the sun is up again.
Make your way into the cities’ friendliest pubs and finest clubs in France with the help of this France nightlife guide.
Top French Cities Where You Can Experience France Nightlife
France Nightlife Cities
- Paris for a sophisticated nightlife, Avg. cost: 13 Euros for a cocktail drink in a downtown bar
- Lyon for a lit up evening in the historical capital, Avg cost: 10 Euros for a cocktail drink in a downtown bar
- Bordeaux to party till 4 in the morning, Avg cost: A glass of wine starting from 6 Euros
- Marseilles for a friendly pub culture, Avg cost: beers starting from 3 Euros
- Strasbourg for the young student crowd, Avg cost: beer starting from 4 Euros
Paris Nightlife
Paris, the city of lights, is known for its tasteful nightlife. There is a wide range of cool brasseries and nightclubs where you can spend a charming night with your partner. One of the best nightlife cities in France, it becomes even more lively when the sun goes down.
1. Le Duc des Lombards
Founded in 1984, Le Duc des Lombards is one of the prominent Jazz clubs and restaurants of France. Enjoy the god modern jazz with a glass of whiskey in one hand and the other swinging to the rhythm of the music. Along with the jazz blue, you will also enjoy the intimacy of the place. It is one of the finest places to enjoy France nightlife with your amor.
Address: 42 Rue des Lombards, 75001 Paris, France
Timings: 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Suggested Read: Paris Nightlife Guide: Best Restaurants, Nightclubs & More For Witnessing The City In All Of Its Lights
2. Au Lapin Agile
One of the things France is known for is cabarets i.e live theatrical performances. Au Lapin Agile, an 1860 cabaret bar will rouse you with its splendid performances and excellent hospitality. Revel in song, dance, and comedy as you get drunk on the finest of wines and gourmet food. Enjoy the best nightlife in France in one of the oldest running cabarets in Paris.
Address: 22 rue des Saules, 75018 Paris, France
Timings: 9 PM – 1 AM
Suggested Read: Take These 10 Day Trips From Marseilles In 2022 Offering The Best Of France City Tour!
Lyon Nightlife
When the medieval monuments in Lyon are lit up in the evening, it is your cue to head to a bar to enjoy a lit evening. Lyon is scattered with a wide variety of pubs and clubs where you can spend your evening while it is still young. Presquile and Croix Rousse are the two of the liveliest districts in Lyon to enjoy the France nightlife.
3. Paddy’s corner
Blend in the local French crowd at Paddy’s corner which is located in the heart of Croix Rousse neighbourhood in Lyon. The ‘public house’ is always bustling with the crowd Enjoy 15 of their tap beers during happy hours from 5 PM to 9 PM and afterward swing to their live music. Check your knowledge about beers or learn a thing or two by participating in their traditional Pub Quiz. This is one of the best places to enjoy France nightlife and make new friends.
Address: 4 Rue de la Terrasse, 69004 Lyon, France
Timings: 8 AM – 1 AM
Suggested Read: Indians Will No More Need An Airport Transit Visa Across France. Relieved Much?
4. Hot Club Lyon
France is greatly regarded as the country of artists and intellectuals which you can see immensely in the nightlife of France too. Established in 1948, Hot Club Lyon is one of the mystical places in France where Jazz became a movement. Many prominent Jazz artists like Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, and Chet Baker have performed at this place during their lifetime. Get swayed in the rhythm of blues and all its forms with a drink in your hand and elation in your heart at Hot Club Lyon.
Address: 26 Rue Lanterne, 69001 Lyon, France
Timings: 8:30 PM – 1 AM
Marseilles Nightlife
The popular and friendly town of France is lately becoming the center of attraction for its amazing bar culture. Place Thiars and Vieux Port are few of the places known for their live action in the night.
5. Carry Nation
If you love the speakeasy concept, you are going to love Carry Nation. The place will take you to the era of 1920 when the bars were discreet. To give you the thrills of a real speakeasy, they only allow inside the bar if you have the ‘special code’. Enjoy sipping on the interesting concoctions of cocktails in the hiding. It is definitely an interesting concept to enjoy France nightlife in Marseilles.
Suggested Read: Shopping In France: 6 Best Cities That Serve As A Perfect Escape For Shopaholics!
6. Polikarpov
Polikarpov is your place in Marseilles, France to get drunk on cheap booze and good conversation. The three adjectives that define the ambience of this bar are chill, cozy, and sassy. The low-key alfresco bar is located in the central location making it easily accessible to the tourists and locals. Bounce to the electric music on DJ nights which are hosted every Friday and Saturday.
Address: 24 Cours Honoré d’Estienne d’Orves, 13001 Marseille, France
Timings: 8 AM – 2 AM
Strasbourg Nightlife
Strasbourg owes its peppy nightlife to the hefty student population. The streets around the cathedral and Rue des Juifs are known as the most common hotspots to enjoy France nightlife in this part of the town. Neighbourhoods along the university are also worth the visit.
7. Au Fût et à mesure
Here is a novel concept for you to enjoy France nightlife in Strasbourg. Be your own bartender at Au Fur et a mesure and serve unlimited beer to yourself well until your card limit expires. Drop your card at the pumps installed near the beer tap at every table. Not only this cuts the need to be in waiting line at the bar counter or call out for a waiter, you can enjoy the live acoustics while sipping on your unlimited beer.
Address: 25 Rue des Tonneliers, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Timings: Open 24 hours
Suggested Read: 10 Best Things To Do In Lyon That’ll Make Your Trip To France Super Special!
8. Le Chalet Club
Head to the biggest disco in town aka Le Chalet Club to lose yourself to dance.A place so big that it has two dance club and various themed bars. Groove to the beats of techno or retro classic in one of the best nightclubs in France. If you are visiting the club on Friday and Saturday, make sure you are packed with full-on energy because the party doesn’t stop here till 4 in the morning.
Address: 376 rte. de la Wantzenau, Strasbourg
Timings: till 4 AM
Bordeaux Nightlife
Bordeaux has quite a number of bars which are open till early morning hours. The night owls who like to party till 4 in the morning should head to clubs around Quai de Paludate and animated streets around place de la Victoire.
9. Vintage Bar
Vintage Bar in Bordeaux is known for its lively evenings and convivial ambiance. Enjoy the gorgeous views of the Grosse Cloche from the terrace while you sip on the French aperitifs. The aficionados of rum won’t be disappointed since they have 150 variety of rums to get drunk on. Their Belgian tap beer is also a must-try. On top of that, you can enjoy a wide range of music in the bar swaying your hips to reggae, rock, soul, and funk tunes.
Address: 45 rue Saint James (4,287.49 mi), Bordeaux, France 33000
Timings: 4 PM – 2 AM
10. L’Iboat
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A major cultural center of the city, Iboat is a 3-level ferry which gives you the best of a discotheque, a bar, and a showroom. It hosts a variety of events like concerts, live jamming sessions, and exhibition throughout the week which is a great way to get immersed in the culture of this city. Hop on board to enjoy tapas food and dancing the night away.
Address: Bassin à Flot n°1, Quai Armand Lalande, 33300 Bordeaux, France
Timings: 7 PM – 12 AM
Further Read: Top 6 Things To Do In France That May Sound Cliché But Are Totally Inevitable
France is not only a charming place for romance but also a tempting one to enjoy the nightlife. Make sure you get high on life and fun when you are on your holiday in France
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Frequently Asked Questions About France Nightlife
What is France known for?
France is known as one of the most romantic places on earth and is popular for its beautiful landscape, amazing food, chocolates, wine, and the iconic Effiel Tower. Also popular for its art and architecture, France is home to a number of interesting attractions and museums which speaks volumes about its rich history and artistic taste.
When is the best time to visit France?
Summers in France are quite crowded and expensive. The spring months of April to June and autumn months of September to November makes for the best time to visit France.
What is there to do in France?
Things to do in France which promises you some of the best experience of this beautiful place are:
1. Discover The Charming Artists’ Villages In Provence
2. Visit The Arc de Triomphe
3. Stroll Through The Old Quarters Of Paris
4. Explore The Adventurous Auvergne
5. Watch The Sunset From The Eiffel Tower
Does France have good nightlife?
France is known to have some of the best nightlife in the whole of Europe and has a huge variety of bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, and more to suit the taste of any backpacking party animal.
Where in France has the best nightlife?
Paris is no doubt one of the best places to enjoy amazing French nightlife. You can find a wide range of cool brasseries and nightclubs in Paris where you can spend an electrifying night with your gang.
Is France safe at night?
France is absolutely safe for all visitors be it day or night. However, ist always wise to practice a little precaution while traveling in a foreign land.
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