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Le Quetzal
A 30-something gay male crowd congregates at this house- and dance-spinning bar, which aptly sits opposite rue des Mauvais Garçons ('Bad Boys' Street', named after the brigands who congregated here in 1540). Happy hour stretches from to midnight.
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Le Select
No mention of Montparnasse, once at the centre of Paris' artistic endeavours, would be complete without Le Select. Opened in the mid-20s, it was the first of the area's grande dame cafes to open late into the night and still draws everyone from beer-swigging students to whisky-swilling politicians.
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Le Vieux Chêne
Situated on ancient rue Mouffetard, this is thought to be Paris' oldest bar. It housed Revolutionary meetings in 1848 and was a dancing club during the belle époque, and today has a buzzing student crowd and live music on weekends. Like many of the surrounding bars, happy hour kicks off from once lectures let out.
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Les Deux Moulins
The 'Two Windmills', where Amélie was set, remains, bless it, a down-to-earth local for lingering over the newspapers, chatting with regulars, or just sitting by the windows and watching Montmartre go by. Wi-fi's free, though annoyingly you need to log on again every half hour.
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Open Café
This see-and-be-seen Marais institution is raining men, and is a primer for many a night out in gay Paree, but the vibe is social rather than cruisey.
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Red Light
Previously and perhaps more fittingly named L'Enfer (Hell) this seedy underground (literally) venue beneath Tour Montparnasse refuses to perish. Huge and laser lit, it's a popular choice for student drink-fest evenings during the week, while weekends see a young, exuberant gay crowd pack out its podiums.
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Student Bar & Cie
This funky little space, with burgundy banquettes, a small timber bar glowing with tea-light candles, and silver fans keeping things cool, is an especially good bet if you're on your own, thanks to its welcoming staff and regulars. There's more seating downstairs in the cosy basement.
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Taverne Henri IV
Popular with Paris' legal eagles thanks to the Palais de Justice nearby, this wine bar is one of the few options for a drink on the Île de Cité. It regularly hosts functions, so hours can fluctuate; call ahead or drop by and try your luck.
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