Nice
Kitties rule the roost at this one-of-a-kind cafe, an absolute must for cat-lovers. Five free-range felines roam about the tables, seeking the right lap…
Must-see nightlife in France
Bordeaux
Hip hop, rock, indie pop, psyche blues rock, punk and hardcore are among the varied sounds that blast out of this fun nightclub and concert venue, on a…
Nice
The focus at this classy wine shop–bar is organic wines – a few are sold by the glass, but the best selection is available by the bottle, served with…
Bordeaux
There is no finer, more elegant or more romantic rooftop bar in Bordeaux than this achingly hip drinking-and-hobnobbing joint on the 7th floor of the…
Auvergne
This Canadian-run cafe draws inspiration from far and wide in its hot chocolate menu. The 'Frambiosuisse', raspberry-tinged hot chocolate served with…
Savoie
The indie-rock alternative to après-ski stalwart La Folie Douce is Cocorico. The large outdoor deck, strung with fairy lights, stages excellent bands…
Colmar
This new, bottle-lined wine bar is a drop of sophistication. Here you can sample and quaff wines from Alsace and elsewhere (from €3 per glass), and there…
Grenoble
Good-humoured mixologists preside over a fabulous cocktail list at this chic and ever-so-slightly risqué bar. Sip one of myriad mojito varieties –…
Champagne
This slinky wine boutique has a ‘wall’ of Champagne, innovatively arranged by aroma, and a laid-back upstairs tasting room. A two-/three-glass tasting…
St-Germain & Les Invalides
Sake-based craft cocktails and tantalising shared plates (from €20) by a Japanese chef create buzz at the chic cocktail-bar arm of Cyril Lignac's foodie…
Nice
One of Nice's coolest new nightspots, Beer District pours a regularly rotating line-up of 16 draught microbrews and 50 bottled beers from all over the…
Cannes
A cosy little spot for a glass or two of a local vintage – the wine list here is great, with hand-picked choices from local domaines including Côtes de…
Toulouse
No address buzzes with Toulouse's hip, buoyant crowd more than this fabulous all-rounder wine bar, which was voted the best wine bar in the world in 2017…
Savoie
Vats of home-brewed IPA, porter and German-style beer glint temptingly from Morzine’s trendiest expat hangout and après-ski joint, while vegetarian and…
Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne
The same family has owned the Maison de la Ronade for more than 500 years. Behind this Renaissance-era mansion's stone walls you'll find a salon de thé…
Clermont-Ferrand
The twinkly-eyed proprietress, presiding over her table of homemade cakes, is largely what makes this teahouse one of the most beloved spots in Clermont's…
Montpellier
This popular wine and piano bar is a gem. With a wide selection of wines, whiskies and rums, you’re sure to find something that will tickle your fancy. It…
Dauphiné
Follow the totemic wooden polar bears into this snug chalet-style boozer. A hanging brazier keeps punters toasty, as do the Irish coffees and vin chaud …
Montpellier
Few hobnobbing spots in Montpellier are as sweet as the vaulted room of this speakeasy-style bar popular with local hipsters. Relax and order a well…
Toulouse
This speakeasy-style cocktail lounge is a wonderful place for a drink thanks to its so-far-above-average cocktails and so-better-looking-than-you…
St-Tropez
Sartre wrote parts of Les Chemins de la Liberté (Roads to Freedom) at this portside cafe – in business since 1887 – which is popular with boaties, bikers…
St-Tropez
The star-studded bar at the infamous Hôtel Byblos remains the perennial champion of nightclubs in St-Tropez, if not the whole Riviera. Dress to impress if…
Lyon
Old-time jazz, flickering candles and friendly suspenders-wearing barkeeps set the mood in this atmospheric speakeasy-style bar. The painstakingly…
Gironde
Also known as Chez Zézette or Les Goélands by party-loving locals, this bar-club hybrid is the spot to drink cocktails and dance away summer nights to a…
Montmartre & Northern Paris
This seemingly traditional neighbourhood cafe with gold lettering, woven sky-blue-and-cream bistro chairs and vintage fittings is so much more than that…
Paris
FrogPubs has been brewing in Paris since 1993, and this central rue Montmartre venue is its best yet. Spread over a cavernous ground floor and opening to…
Paris
The ultimate neighbourhood hang-out, Bluebird is styled like a 1950s apartment with retro decor, a giant fish tank along one wall, and a soundtrack of…
Latin Quarter
This café-tabac (cafe and tobacconist) is a pearl of a place where little has changed since 1870. Its nicotine-hued mirrored wall, moulded cornices and…
Annecy
It's best not to examine too closely this convivial boozer's Irish pub credentials. But after a genuine welcome and finding a seat in the warren of…
Montmartre & Northern Paris
Spectacularly situated in an industrial 1850s former granary on Bassin de la Villette, Paname's taproom has floor-to-ceiling windows and opens on to a…
St-Germain & Les Invalides
In keeping with Paris' penchant for stylish museum eateries, its 18th-century mint sports a super-stylish cafe–cocktail bar with a designer interior and…
Bordeaux
The door handle alone – part of a coffee machine – says it all: this new-generation coffee shop is cool. Lounge on cushioned bench seating in a faintly…
Montmartre & Northern Paris
Lomi's internationally sourced beans are roasted here on-site in multiethnic La Goutte d'Or, adjacent to its cafe. Brews include filter coffee (mug,…
Paris
Of the 12 beers on tap at this artisanal beer bar, eight are Outland's own, brewed just east of central Paris in Fontenay-sous-Bois near the Bois de…
Paris
One of the most popular American-style bars in the pre-war years, Harry’s once welcomed writers including F Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, who no…
Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville
Outstanding coffee is guaranteed at this innovative space. Not only a welcoming local cafe, it's also a collaborative roastery, where movers and shakers…
Paris
Cocktails incorporating premium spirits such as Hendrick's rose- and cucumber-infused gin and Pierre Ferrand Curaçao are served in Lockwood's stylish…
Chamonix
In the 19th century, climbing parties used to assemble in the Bistrot des Sports before setting out to conquer Mont Blanc. A merry medley of mountaineers,…
St-Germain & Les Invalides
Put the kick back in your shopping stride with a coffee break at Noglu, a pretty-in-pink, mirrored cafe and salon de thé (tearoom) with – drumroll –…
Paris
Relax over a cup of tea – there are 70 types to choose from – or try your hand at knitting at this cheery salon de thé and yarn shop. Colourful and upbeat…
