The Best Beer-Buying Destinations In Paris

Paris has a thriving beer scene, with numerous bars and breweries offering a wide range of unique and innovative brews. Beer is just as popular as wine in the French capital, and can be found in most cafes and bars. The city has something for everyone, from traditional French beers to modern craft beers.

The craft beer movement in Paris has evolved significantly over the past decade, with a growing number of microbreweries and taprooms popping up across the city. Beer enthusiasts can explore a variety of styles, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and saisons, as well as innovative brews that incorporate local ingredients and unique flavour profiles.

When it comes to buying beer in Paris, there are plenty of options. Visitors can purchase beer directly from breweries, such as BAPBAP, located in one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Paris, or from specialised beer shops and bottle shops. Bars and pubs also offer a wide range of beers, and many establishments host happy hours with discounted drinks. For those looking to stock up for a home bar, supermarkets are the cheapest option, with domestic beers costing less than €3 per bottle.

So, whether you're a craft beer connoisseur or a traditionalist, Paris has something to offer. The city's beer scene is constantly evolving, with new recipes and brands emerging, ensuring that there's always something new to discover for beer lovers.

Beer bars in Paris

Paris has a thriving beer scene, with a variety of bars, pubs, and breweries offering diverse options for beer enthusiasts. Here is a guide to some of the best beer bars in the city:

Hoppy Corner

Located in the vibrant Sentier area of the 2nd arrondissement, Hoppy Corner is a slim and cosy beer bar with 16 taps and a well-stocked bottle fridge. It has been a cornerstone of the Parisian craft beer scene for several decades, attracting both locals and craft beer fans from around the world. The menu features a mix of local craft brews and beers from around the world, creating a lively and eclectic atmosphere. The music is rocky, and the vibes get louder as the night progresses, making it a popular spot for beer lovers.

L'Atalante

Nestled under one of the bridges along the Canal St Martin, L'Atalante offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a wide selection of beers. With 24 taps on regular rotation, beer enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of options while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the canal. It is a spacious bar that is perfect for a warm summer evening, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. L'Atalante is a great choice for those seeking a combination of excellent beer and a pleasant ambience.

LA Binouze

LA Binouze is a beer lover's paradise, located near Pigalle. With over 600 beers available, including a superb wine list, it is the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day. The venue usually gets busy in the evenings, especially after shows and concerts in the area. While they used to serve amazing sandwiches, the last time the reviewer visited, they were content with hot cheese and chips, which still paired well with the beer. LA Binouze is an ideal spot to discover rare brews and explore the extensive selection of beers from around the world.

La Fine Mousse

La Fine Mousse is a leading light in the French craft beer movement, offering over 150 craft beers, including 20 on tap, with at least half of them sourced from France. It is a popular spot for beer enthusiasts, known for its diverse and high-quality selection. The venue has a cosy and inviting atmosphere, making it a great choice for those seeking a relaxed drinking experience while enjoying some of the best craft beers Paris has to offer.

Les Trois 8

Les Trois 8 is a beer bar that caters to a range of tastes, offering around eight brews, from the moderately bitter Northmaen Blonde to the dark and stormy Kernel Export India Porter. In addition to their beer selection, they also have a decent range of wines, making it a versatile spot for groups with varied preferences. The venue has a unique and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for beer lovers in Paris.

Société Parisienne de Bière

Société Parisienne de Bière is a charming stonewalled beer shop, or 'cave à bières', located in the 17th arrondissement. Run by beer expert Fabien Nahum, it offers a selection of artisanal beers from France, Belgium, Norway, and England. The venue is staffed by a team of 'bièreologues' who are knowledgeable and passionate about their craft beers. It is a must-visit destination for beer connoisseurs seeking a unique and authentic beer experience in Paris.

Buying beer in Paris supermarkets

Paris is known for its wine, but beer is just as popular and widely available. You can buy beer in supermarkets, corner shops, and bars and cafes.

Supermarkets

Supermarkets stock a range of beers, wines, and liquors. A 75cl bottle of most domestic beers will cost less than €3 at the supermarket. You can also find beer in corner shops and grocery stores. A bottle of beer will cost around €4, and a six-pack of regular beer will cost around €4.

Bars and Cafes

When ordering beer in a bar or cafe, you can choose the type of beer and the size of the glass. A half-pint ("un demi") will cost around €3-4, and a pint ("une pinte") will cost €6-8. Beer is always served in a glass, even if you order a bottle. The cost of your drink may depend on where you choose to sit; sitting at the bar may be €1 cheaper than sitting at a table.

Craft Beer

The craft beer scene in Paris has evolved over the last decade, and it's now possible to find good craft beer at local brasseries and restaurants. Some popular craft breweries in Paris include Demory, BapBap, and O'Clock Brewing.

Beer Tasting in Your Hotel Room

If you want to do a beer tasting in your hotel room, buying beer at a supermarket will be the cheapest option.

Paris beer prices

Paris is known for its wine, but beer is just as popular and widely available. Beer prices in the city vary, but on average, a 500ml beer in a neighbourhood pub will set you back €8. Beer prices in Paris can range from €3 to €12 for a 500ml or 1-pint serving. The price depends on various factors, such as the location of the pub or bar, whether you sit at the bar or a table, and the type of beer you order.

When ordering beer in Paris, you can choose between a "demi" (half-pint) or a "pinte" (pint). A demi typically costs around €3-4, while a pinte will set you back €6-8. It's worth noting that some pubs and bars offer happy hours, which can help you save money on your drinks.

The type of beer you order will also impact the price. Local beers, such as those from the Calais region, can be found at most supermarkets or specialty beer or wine stores. Paris also has a growing craft beer scene, with breweries like BAPBAP and Brasserie de la Goutte d'Or offering unique and innovative brews. These craft beers may be more expensive than the typical lager or ale.

In addition to the beer itself, some pubs and bars may charge extra for syrups or mixers. For example, it's common to add fruit syrups like peach, strawberry, or lemon to your beer, which will cost an extra €0.20 to €0.50. Mixing in citrus aperitifs like "picon" will also increase the cost of your drink.

When it comes to locations, beer prices tend to be higher in tourist spots and upscale neighbourhoods like the Champs-Elysées. For example, a pint near the Arc de Triomphe or Trocadéro could cost around €12. On the other hand, areas with universities tend to have cheaper beer prices, with pints available for as little as €3-4.

Paris beer culture

Paris has a thriving beer culture, with beer being just as popular as wine in the French capital. While the typical beer experience in France is different from that in North America or the UK, with variations in how pints are ordered and served, as well as the types of beers on tap, Paris has a lot to offer beer enthusiasts.

In recent years, Paris has witnessed a significant evolution in its craft beer scene, moving away from traditional offerings to more experimental and artisanal brews. This shift reflects a broader global trend towards craft beer and a growing local appreciation for high-quality, diverse beer options. The city now boasts numerous microbreweries and taprooms, offering unique and innovative beverages that blend Belgian and Anglo beer traditions with winemaking techniques.

Parisian beer culture is deeply rooted in the city's history, with the first breweries being established hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago. The term "Brasserie" originally signified a brewery, but today it refers to establishments serving draft beer and food throughout the day. Despite this shift in meaning, Paris still has many exciting places to explore for beer enthusiasts.

Ordering Beer in Paris:

When ordering beer in Paris, you have the option to choose the size of your glass. A "un demi" is a half-pint that typically costs around €3-4, while a "une pinte" is a full pint costing around €6-8. Beer is always served in a glass, even if you order a bottle. The cost of your drink may also depend on where you choose to sit, with prices being slightly lower at the bar compared to a table.

Popular Beers in Paris:

Paris offers a variety of beers on tap, including the locally brewed blond lager Kronenbourg 1664, as well as popular Belgian brands like Grimbergen, Jupiler, Leffe, Stella Artois, and Dutch lagers Heineken and Grolsch.

Top Craft Beer Destinations in Paris:

• La Binouze: Located in the Pigalle neighbourhood, La Binouze is an excellent bottle shop and taproom featuring French and Belgian beers.
• BAPBAP: A small brewery with a cosy taproom, offering unique beers like their Belgian IPA and a heavy, flowery, cereal-infused delight called BAPBAP.
• Paname Brewing Company: An established brewery in a quaint and accessible section of Paris, offering a range of beers and espresso drinks.
• Fauve: A restaurant and microbrewery in the trendy Bastille neighbourhood, offering a distinct Parisian-café-meets-American-brewpub vibe.
• Brewberry: One of the best craft beer destinations in Paris, located in the Latin Quarter. They offer a great selection of IPAs and strong blond ales.
• Hoppy Corner: A long, slim dive bar in the Sentier area, known for its lively atmosphere and a mix of local and international craft beers.
• L'Atalante: A family-friendly spot near Canal St Martin, offering a large selection of beers and a pleasant outdoor terrace.
• La Fine Mousse and Les Trois 8: These craft beer bars are known for their excellent food pairings, with curated menus designed to complement their beer selections.

Local Paris Beers to Try:

• La Parisienne Libérée: A slow-fermented German-style beer with pleasant bitterness and fruity notes of grapefruit.
• Clem's Summer Wheat: A pale golden beer with sharp Mosaic hops and fizziness, perfect for summer evenings.
• Batignolle Pale Ale: A slightly bitter and floral brew from the Société Parisienne de Bière.
• Blanche: A gold-medal winner at the Concours Agricole 2013, this amber-coloured brew from Brasserie Parisis offers fruit and malt notes with a hit of acidity.
• IPA Citra Galactique: A beer with strong hops flavour and surprising lime notes, brewed by Parisis.
• La Phare: An unfiltered beer with a light lemony taste and a strong malt hit from Brasserie La Baleine.
• Smoked Porter: A beer from the Nature & Progrès label, with a nose of smoked meat and a well-balanced, lightly acidic finish.
• Château Rouge: A unique, spicy red beer with aromas of cinnamon, tobacco, and dried fish from Brasserie de la Goutte d'Or.
• Super 8 Saison houblonnée: A collaboration between The Supercoin and Les Trois 8, featuring a frank bitterness and complex malts, making it a perfect lunchtime drink.

Paris beer types

Paris has a thriving craft beer scene, with a variety of local beers to choose from. Here's a guide to some of the unique and innovative Paris beer types you can find in the city:

La Parisienne Libérée

Traditionally a German-brewed beer, this slow-fermented beverage has a lengthy shelf life. It's pleasantly bitter, with fruity notes of grapefruit. Produced by Jean Barthélémy Chancel, who comes from a winemaking family, this beer uses quality ingredients like Vienna barley malt and Aramis hops.

Clem's Summer Wheat

A summer beer with pale golden lights and a persistent sharpness from Mosaic hops, perfect for the hotter months in Paris. It's crafted by two beer-obsessed friends, Thomas (Deck) and Mike (Donohue), who launched their brand in 2013 and now have several established recipes and seasonal beers.

Batignolle Pale Ale, Cuvée Maïwenn

Produced by the Société Parisienne de Bière, this beer is the result of brewer Fabien's quest for perfection. It's slightly bitter and floral, with a hint of wateriness. However, Fabien's commitment to quality promises a bright future for the brand.

BAPBAP

An acronym for "Brewed in Paris, Drunk in Paris," BAPBAP is a crowdfunding success story. Their unique beer is unfiltered and unpasteurized, resulting in a heavy, flowery, and cereal-infused delight. You can find them in one of Paris's trendiest neighbourhoods on Rue Saint-Maur.

Blanche

This amber-coloured brew by Brasserie Parisis is a gold medal winner at the Concours Agricole 2013. It's full of fruit and malt notes, topped off with a welcome hit of acidity. Blanche works equally well as a standalone drink or paired with food.

IPA Citra Galactique

With three types of hops (Citra, Galaxy, and Amarillo), this beer from Parisis has the strongest hops flavour among their offerings. It's an Indian Pale Ale (IPA), a popular product among Parisian breweries, and stands out for its pleasant lime notes and cool packaging.

La Phare

Founded by Bruno Torres in 2013, Brasserie La Baleine offers this unfiltered beer with a light lemony taste, good foam, and a strong malt hit.

Château Rouge

A unique, spicy red beer with aromas of cinnamon, tobacco, and dried fish. It's crafted by Thierry Roche, founder of Brasserie de la Goutte d'Or, one of the first to introduce artisanal beer to Paris.

Super 8 Saison houblonnée

A collaboration between two popular Paris beer vendors, Supercoin and Les Trois 8. This beer has a frank bitterness with a long tail and complex malts, making it an ideal lunchtime drink.

In addition to these local craft beers, Paris also offers a range of popular beers on tap, including Kronenbourg 1664, Grimbergen, Pelforth, Leffe, Stella Artois, Heineken, and Grolsch.

Frequently asked questions