Paris isn’t just about wine anymore
For years, Paris was known for its wine bars, cozy cafés, and Michelin-starred restaurants. But if you’ve been here in the last three years, you’ve probably noticed something different-craft beer is here to stay. From tucked-away basements in Le Marais to industrial-chic spaces in Belleville, the city’s beer scene has exploded. You don’t need to be a beer geek to enjoy it. You just need to know where to go.
La Bièrerie
La Bièrerie, tucked under the arches of the Marché des Enfants Rouges, is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in the heart of Paris. With over 150 bottles on offer-mostly from France, Belgium, and the U.S.-this bar doesn’t just serve beer, it tells stories. The staff remembers your name and what you liked last time. Try the La Bièrerie IPA, brewed in-house with Citra hops. It’s bright, citrusy, and pairs perfectly with their charcuterie board. Open until 1 a.m. on weekends, it’s one of the few places where you can still get a fresh pour after dinner.
Le Tricycle
Le Tricycle in the 11th arrondissement feels like a Brooklyn brewery dropped into Paris. The space is raw: exposed brick, wooden barrels, and a long counter lined with taps. They rotate 12 beers on draft every week, and 80% of them are from independent French brewers. Their Blonde du Tricycle is a local favorite-light, crisp, and easy to drink. But don’t miss their Stout aux Chocolat, brewed with cocoa nibs from a small producer in Lyon. It’s rich without being heavy. The bar closes at midnight, but the vibe stays warm. You’ll find locals, expats, and tourists all leaning on the counter, talking about hops like they’re talking about wine.
La Maison du Champagne
Wait-champagne? Yes, but this place does more than bubbles. La Maison du Champagne, in the 10th, has a hidden beer room in the back. It’s small, dimly lit, and feels like a secret club. The owner, a former sommelier turned brewmaster, sources rare Belgian lambics and American barrel-aged stouts. Their De Ranke XX Bitter is a standout: bitter, dry, and complex. It’s not for beginners, but if you’re curious about sour beer, this is where you start. They serve food too-artisanal cheese plates and smoked duck sandwiches. Open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s the perfect stop after a concert at La Cigale.
Le Comptoir Général
Le Comptoir Général isn’t just a bar-it’s an experience. Set in a converted warehouse in the 10th, it’s part museum, part jungle, part beer hall. The walls are lined with vintage African artifacts, and the ceiling drips with hanging plants. The beer list? 40+ options, mostly from small French and Belgian breweries. Their Brasserie de la Gare saison is brewed just outside Paris and tastes like sunshine in a glass. They also have a rotating tap of wild ales aged in oak barrels. The bar stays open until 3 a.m. on weekends, and the crowd is always lively. Bring friends. Bring curiosity. Don’t expect quiet.
Brasserie des Frères
Brasserie des Frères, in the 18th near Montmartre, is the oldest dedicated craft beer bar in Paris. Opened in 2015, it was one of the first places to take beer seriously here. The owners, two brothers from Normandy, brew their own line of beers on-site. Their Ambrée des Frères is a malty, caramel-forward amber ale that’s become a classic. They also host weekly taproom nights where brewers from across Europe come to pour their latest batches. It’s not fancy, but it’s real. The beer is always fresh, the staff knows their stuff, and the crowd is mostly locals who’ve been coming for years. Close at 1 a.m. on weekdays, 2 a.m. on weekends.
La Fine Mousse
La Fine Mousse is the kind of place you stumble into and never want to leave. It’s small, with only six stools at the counter and a few tables in the back. But the beer? Unmatched. They focus on Belgian and French farmhouse ales, wild yeasts, and spontaneous fermentation. Their Brut de Flandres is dry, sparkling, and tastes like apple cider mixed with oak. It’s not the kind of beer you drink to get drunk-it’s the kind you sip slowly and think about. They serve it in proper tulip glasses. No pints. No bottles. Just the beer, served at the right temperature. Open until midnight, it’s ideal for a quiet nightcap after dinner.
Why Paris’s craft beer scene is different now
Five years ago, you’d struggle to find a decent IPA in Paris. Today, there are over 120 independent breweries in the Île-de-France region. The change didn’t happen overnight. It started with a handful of brewers who studied in Belgium, the U.S., or Germany and came home with new ideas. Now, young French brewers are using local ingredients-honey from Provence, chestnuts from the Ardennes, even wild herbs from the Jura. The result? Beers that taste like France, not just copies of American or Belgian styles.
The city’s beer culture is also changing how people socialize. Unlike wine bars, where you sip quietly, beer bars in Paris are loud, messy, and full of energy. People gather around taps, swap tasting notes, and debate hop varieties. It’s not about showing off-it’s about sharing.
What to order if you’re new to craft beer
- Start with a blonde or pale ale-light, easy, and refreshing. Try La Bièrerie Blonde or Le Tricycle Blonde.
- Try a saison-slightly fruity, dry, and perfect with food. Brasserie des Frères Saison is a great intro.
- Don’t fear sour-if you like tart fruit, try a lambic or gueuze. La Fine Mousse’s Cherry Gueuze is smooth and not too sour.
- Save the stouts for later-they’re heavy, rich, and best after dinner.
When to go and what to expect
Weeknights are quiet-perfect if you want to chat with the bartender. Weekends? Expect lines, especially at La Bièrerie and Le Comptoir Général. Arrive before 9 p.m. to avoid waiting. Most places don’t take reservations, so show up early if you want a seat. Prices range from €5 to €8 per glass. You’re paying for quality, not volume. Don’t expect happy hours or drink specials-craft beer isn’t about deals. It’s about taste.
How to spot a real craft beer bar
- They list the brewery name on the menu-not just the beer style.
- They have more than 10 beers on tap.
- The staff can tell you what’s in the beer, not just what it tastes like.
- They serve beer in proper glassware-tulips, pints, or snifters, not plastic cups.
- The bar doesn’t have a TV playing football.
Where to go next
If you love the scene here, check out Brasserie de la Gare in the suburbs-they have a tasting room open on weekends. Or visit La Mère Poulard in Montmartre, which now has a small craft beer corner. And if you’re in Paris in June, don’t miss Paris Beer Week-a 10-day festival with over 200 breweries, tastings, and live music.
Are craft beer bars in Paris expensive?
A pint of craft beer in Paris usually costs between €5 and €8, which is more than a standard lager but less than a premium wine. You’re paying for small-batch brewing, local ingredients, and expert service. It’s not a budget drink, but it’s worth it if you care about flavor.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy these bars?
No. Most staff in popular craft beer bars speak English, especially in areas like Le Marais, Belleville, and the 10th arrondissement. But learning a few words like "une pinte" (a pint) or "une bière artisanale" (craft beer) goes a long way. The vibe is welcoming regardless of language.
Can I find gluten-free craft beer in Paris?
Yes. Bars like La Fine Mousse and Le Tricycle carry at least one or two gluten-free options, usually made with buckwheat or sorghum. Ask for "bière sans gluten"-most places now stock them. Some breweries, like Les Brasseurs de Paris, even make a dedicated gluten-free IPA.
Are these bars open on Sundays?
Most craft beer bars in Paris are open on Sundays, but hours vary. La Bièrerie and Le Tricycle open at noon and close at midnight. La Fine Mousse closes earlier, around 9 p.m. Always check their Instagram or website before heading out-some places close for private events.
Is it better to go alone or with a group?
Groups are great-you can order tasting flights and share different beers. But going alone works too. Many bars have counter seating where you can chat with the bartender. You’ll often end up talking to other patrons. It’s a social scene, whether you’re alone or with friends.
Final tip: Taste, don’t just drink
Paris’s craft beer bars aren’t about getting drunk. They’re about discovering flavor. Take your time. Smell the beer. Sip slowly. Ask questions. The best beer in Paris isn’t the one with the loudest name-it’s the one you remember because it surprised you.
