Paris isn’t just about wine. If you think the city’s nightlife stops at wine bars and cocktail lounges, you’re missing out. Over the last decade, a quiet beer revolution has taken root in alleyways and converted lofts across the city. Craft beer bars in Paris aren’t just trendy spots-they’re where locals go after dinner, where expats find a taste of home, and where visitors stumble into unforgettable nights. You won’t find neon signs or loud DJs here. Instead, you’ll find wooden tables, chalkboard menus, and bartenders who can tell you the difference between a Belgian saison and a New England IPA by smell alone.
Le Comptoir du Relais: The OG of Paris Craft Beer
Opened in 2008, Le Comptoir du Relais in Saint-Germain-des-Prés was one of the first bars in Paris to take craft beer seriously. It still holds its own. The bar keeps 20 rotating taps, mostly from French microbreweries like 1912, Le Trou du Diable, and Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or. Their bottle list? Over 300 options. You’ll find hazy IPAs from Lyon, sour ales from Normandy, and even a barrel-aged stout brewed with local chestnuts. The space is small-barely 20 seats-but it’s always buzzing after 8 p.m. Locals come here to unwind, not to be seen. No music. No gimmicks. Just great beer and quiet conversation.
La Chope des Puces: Where Beer Meets History
Tucked into the flea market district of Saint-Ouen, La Chope des Puces feels like stepping into a 19th-century Belgian pub. The walls are lined with antique beer steins, the ceiling is painted with faded murals of hop vines, and the beer list reads like a who’s who of European craft. Their signature move? A rotating selection of 12 Belgian and French farmhouse ales. Try the Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or’s La Fleur du Nord, a dry-hopped saison with notes of citrus and earth. The bar serves charcuterie boards made with local meats, and their beer-paired tasting flights ($18) are one of the best deals in the city. It’s not a party spot-it’s a place to linger over a pint and watch the world go by.
Le Tricycle: The Hipster’s Choice
Le Tricycle, in the 10th arrondissement, is the kind of place you’d find in Brooklyn or Portland-but it’s real, and it’s in Paris. The bar’s name comes from the vintage tricycle parked out front, now used to deliver kegs to nearby restaurants. Inside, it’s all exposed brick, Edison bulbs, and a wall of taps that changes weekly. Their specialty? American-style hazy IPAs and West Coast doubles. They’ve partnered with breweries like Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or and 1912 to create exclusive Paris-only brews. On Friday nights, they host live acoustic sets and serve pretzels with beer cheese. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s exactly what you want after a long day of sightseeing.
La Belle Équipe: The Neighborhood Favorite
Located in the 11th, La Belle Équipe is the kind of bar where regulars know your name by the third visit. It’s not fancy. The tables are mismatched, the chairs are worn, and the bathroom is down a narrow hallway. But the beer? Impeccable. They focus on small-batch French and Belgian brews, with a strong emphasis on sour and wild ales. Their house IPA, brewed with local hops from Alsace, has a crisp, piney finish that pairs perfectly with their grilled cheese sandwiches. They open at 5 p.m. and stay open until 2 a.m. on weekends. It’s the perfect spot to start your night-or end it.
Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or: The Brewery That Changed Paris
This isn’t just a bar-it’s a brewery with a tasting room. Opened in 2017 in the 18th arrondissement, Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or was the first craft brewery in Paris to brew and serve on-site. Their flagship beer, La Goutte d’Or, a golden ale with a touch of coriander, is now sold in supermarkets across France. But the real magic happens in the tasting room. You can try their seasonal releases before anyone else: a blackberry sour, a smoked porter, or a triple IPA with grapefruit zest. They serve simple snacks-charcuterie, olives, bread-but the beer is the star. It’s not touristy. Locals come here after work. You’ll find engineers, artists, and students all sharing a table, clinking glasses.
Le Baron Rouge: The Hidden Gem
Hidden behind a nondescript door on Rue de la Roquette, Le Baron Rouge is easy to miss. Inside, it’s dark, cozy, and smells like hops and aged oak. They specialize in barrel-aged beers-stouts, barleywines, and sour ales aged in wine or whiskey barrels. Their Baron Rouge Grand Cru, aged in Pinot Noir barrels for 14 months, is rich with dark fruit and vanilla. Only 50 bottles are made each batch. They don’t take reservations. You show up, grab a stool, and wait. It’s worth it. The staff doesn’t push sales. They’ll pour you a 2-ounce sample if you’re unsure. It’s the kind of place you remember long after you leave.
How to Navigate the Paris Craft Beer Scene
Don’t expect to find craft beer in every corner bistro. Most traditional French bars still serve Heineken or Kronenbourg. But the craft scene is growing fast. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Go after 7 p.m. Most craft beer bars don’t get busy until after dinner.
- Ask for the “tasting flight.” Most places offer 3-4 small pours for €15-€20. It’s the best way to sample without committing to a full pint.
- Look for chalkboards listing the brewery and ABV. If they don’t show that, skip it.
- Weekend nights are packed. If you want a seat, arrive before 8 p.m.
- Some bars, like Le Tricycle and Le Baron Rouge, only accept cash. Always carry €20-€30.
What Makes Paris Craft Beer Different?
French brewers aren’t copying American IPAs. They’re making something new. French hops have a floral, herbal character. Local ingredients-chestnuts, honey, even lavender-are being used in ways you won’t find elsewhere. The result? Beers that taste like France: earthy, nuanced, and surprising. You won’t find the same intensity as a California double IPA. But you’ll find depth. Complexity. A story in every glass.
Best Time to Visit
October through March is the sweet spot. Summer is too hot for dark, heavy beers. Winter is when brewers release their strongest, richest creations: stouts, barleywines, and spiced ales. December is especially good-many bars launch holiday brews with names like Le Noël de la Goutte or La Fête des Bières. You’ll find mulled beer, chestnut porter, and even beer-infused chocolate on the menu.
What to Avoid
Don’t go to bars that advertise “craft beer” but only have three taps, all from the same big brand. Don’t expect to find Guinness on draft in most places-most craft bars don’t carry it. And don’t assume the beer will be cheap. A pint here costs €7-€10. But you’re paying for quality, not volume.
Are craft beer bars in Paris expensive?
A pint of craft beer in Paris usually costs between €7 and €10, which is more than a standard lager but comparable to cocktails. Tasting flights (€15-€20) let you sample multiple beers without overspending. Most places offer simple snacks for €5-€8, making it a reasonable night out.
Do I need to speak French at these bars?
No. Most staff speak English, especially in popular spots like Le Tricycle and Le Comptoir du Relais. But learning a few words like "une bière, s’il vous plaît" or "un verre de dégustation" goes a long way. Many brewers are proud of their craft and love talking about their process-even if you don’t speak French.
Can I buy craft beer to take home from these bars?
Yes. Most craft beer bars sell bottles and cans to go. Le Comptoir du Relais and Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or have dedicated shelves with local brews. Look for 330ml or 750ml bottles labeled "à emporter." Some even ship internationally, but check customs rules before ordering.
Are there beer tours in Paris?
Yes. Several companies offer guided beer tours, especially in the 10th and 11th arrondissements. Tours last 2-3 hours and include 4-5 stops with tastings. Prices range from €40 to €60. The best ones are run by locals who’ve worked in the industry. Avoid the ones that include wine stops-stick to pure beer tours.
Is the craft beer scene in Paris growing?
Absolutely. In 2015, there were fewer than 10 craft breweries in Paris. Today, there are over 40. The number of dedicated craft beer bars has tripled since 2020. New ones open every year, often in former laundromats, bookshops, or garages. The city even hosts an annual Fête des Bières Artisanales in October, drawing 10,000+ visitors.
Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip, start with Le Comptoir du Relais and Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or-they’re the foundation of the scene. Then explore Le Tricycle for energy, La Belle Équipe for comfort, and Le Baron Rouge for depth. Bring a notebook. Write down what you taste. Ask questions. The best part of Paris’s craft beer scene isn’t the beer-it’s the people behind it. And they’re happy to share their story.
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