Paris Speakeasies: Five Hidden Bars After Dark
Leah Ermann
Discovering Paris Speakeasies
Paris speakeasies have become an essential part of the city’s nightlife. They thrive on layers of secrecy, design, and carefully crafted experiences. Tucked behind unmarked doors and unexpected entrances, these hidden spaces reflect Paris’s long-standing appreciation for intimacy and artistry after dark. More than just places to drink, today’s hidden bars in Paris operate as cultural extensions of the city itself. Here, atmosphere matters as much as what’s in the glass. Within this evolving scene, one bar consistently leads the conversation: Little Red Door. For those new to the city’s nightlife, exploring the finest speakeasies Paris has to offer is a true adventure.
Little Red Door: A Modern Speakeasy in the Marais
Little Red Door hides behind its signature crimson doorway at 60 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris. It immediately feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Inspired by American speakeasy bars from the Prohibition era, the entrance immediately sets the tone for what lies beyond. It also adds to the allure of Paris’s most intriguing speakeasies. Inside, the space is intimate and softly lit, with exposed brick walls, flickering candlelight, and carefully chosen furniture sourced from London. Moreover, the room has a quiet energy, balancing elegance with warmth. The low lighting and close seating encourage conversation. As a long standing fixture on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, Little Red Door stands as a must visit Paris Speakeasy in the heart of the Marais.
Beyond its design, the bar shapes its atmosphere through a thoughtful approach to hospitality and storytelling. However in summer 2024, Little Red Door entered a new chapter under the ownership of Hugo Gallou and Hyacinthe Lescoët. Since then, the venue has continued to evolve while preserving its soul. Its Agri/Culture menu best demonstrates this balance. Firstly it transforms cocktails into sensory narratives inspired by sustainable farming practices. Secondly every detail, from the glassware to the ingredients, feels intentional. As a result, Little Red Door offers more than drinks. It delivers a layered, immersive experience, exemplifying the innovative spirit behind some of the best speakeasies in Paris.
Other Hidden Bars Shaping the Speakeasy scene in Paris
Outside of Little Red Door, Paris’s speakeasy scene pulses with character and creative spirit, each bar offering something uniquely enticing. For instance, Moonshiner hides behind a freezer door in a pizzeria at 5 Rue Sedaine. Its jazz inspired, Prohibition era interior offers a cozy, low lit lounge where refined whiskey cocktails take centre stage. Meanwhile, Candelaria at 52 Rue de Saintonge conceals its cocktail bar behind a tacqueria entrance. It rewards guests with mezcal centric blends and Mexican inspired snacks in a warm, rustic space.
Moreover, No Entry at 20 bis Rue de Douai delivers an ultra discreet, velvet-lined refuge below Pink Mamma. It is a refined hideaway known for their balanced drinks and opulent ambiance. Lastly, Bambou, located at 94 Rue d’Aboukir, brings a more energetic edge. It pairs lush, Asian inspired design with bold cocktails and a vibrant late-night crowd. Uncovering Paris speakeasies like these means discovering the city’s most inventive and intimate late-night locales.
A City of Hidden Gems
Undoubtedly, these Paris speakeasies reveal a nightlife scene shaped by discretion, creativity, and intention. Each bar offers a distinct atmosphere, yet all share a commitment to craftsmanship and experience. In a city that rewards curiosity, these hidden addresses prove that some of Paris’s most memorable nights still unfold behind closed doors.
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Leah Ermann is a South African Fashion Business student whose identity and vision are deeply rooted in the landscapes, cultures, and contradictions of her home country. Growing up in South Africa meant being constantly aware of extremes. These realities shaped her sensitivity to the world around her and challenged her understanding of fashion as something far beyond surface-level beauty. In a place where many people are fortunate simply to own a pair of shoes, Leah learned early on that clothing carries meaning, privilege, and responsibility.
Alongside this awareness grew a profound connection to nature and conservation, spending a lot of time in the bush deepened her understanding of the impact humans have on endangered wildlife and fragile ecosystems. Leah sees fashion as a silent but powerful language, a way to express identity, values, and cultural stories without words.
She is driven by a desire to explore the deeper meanings behind collections, to learn from new cultures, and to use fashion as a platform to amplify South African creativity, resilience, and humanity. Ultimately, her goal is to create work that not only reflects where she comes from whilst learning about other cultures, but also contributes to change, honoring both people and the natural world that shaped her.
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