The Best Places To Buy Beer In Paris

Paris has a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous microbreweries and taprooms offering a wide variety of unique and innovative brews. The city's rich culinary culture, which blends Belgian and Anglo beer traditions with winemaking techniques, complements its diverse beer offerings. While you can find good craft beer at local brasseries and restaurants, the best spots to buy beer in Paris are dedicated beer shops and bars.

Beer shops

Paris has a wide variety of beer shops, from traditional wine merchants to dedicated beer boutiques. Here are some of the best places to shop for beer in the French capital:

Biérocratie

Located near the Butte aux Cailles, this cheerful boutique offers a diverse selection of beers, including Belgian, French, and even local Parisian brews. The managers, Pierre and Jaclyn, are knowledgeable and can help you find the perfect beer to suit your taste. They also offer unique flavours like a chocolate beer from Brasseurs du Grand Paris and the Cherry Ale Kill, matured on sherry chips by the in-house team.

Société Parisienne de Bière

In the 17th arrondissement, beer expert Fabien Nahum's charming stone-walled shop offers a range of beers brewed in Batignolles. Sample a simple lager or a perfectly balanced beer from Strasbourg, along with a plate of carefully selected cheeses and meats. Fabien's expertise and the cosy atmosphere make this a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts.

La Binouze (SoPi - South Pigalle)

In the 9th arrondissement, La Binouze boasts a vast collection of around 700 local and international beers, ranging from Belgian classics to rare Italian and Scandinavian brews. With prices starting at €2.50, this boutique caters to both newcomers and seasoned beer aficionados, offering only inventive and exciting craft beers, steering clear of supermarket brands.

Beers & Records

Located in Montreuil, Beers & Records combines two beloved pastimes: music and beer. Here you'll find a range of vinyl records spanning soul, funk, jazz, electronic music, rock, and hip hop, along with a carefully curated selection of artisanal beers. It's the perfect spot to discover new flavours and sounds.

Paris Saint Bière

With an extraordinary range of 2,000 varieties, including beers from Belgium, Germany, the UK, France, and even novelty brands from Senegal and Jamaica, Paris Saint Bière and its sister venue around the corner on Rue de Charonne are must-visit destinations. You'll find some of the world's rarest beers here, such as Brewmeister's Armageddon, with a formidable alcohol content of 65%.

Hop Malt Market

Once a grocer's shop named Le Phare de Saint-Maur, Hop Malt Market took over the neighbouring wine merchant's space four years ago and has since become a favourite among beer enthusiasts. With a closing time of 2 am and an eccentric owner who invites customers to play chess while sampling beers, this shop stands out from the crowd.

Bièrissime

Located in the Saint-Quentin market, Bièrissime offers a huge range of beer brands, from the basic Tsing Tao to the special Abstrakt AB:04 by Brew Dog, a unique blend of coffee, cocoa, and chilli. This boutique manages to cater to both generalists and connoisseurs, making it a popular spot in Paris's growing circle of beer specialists.

Chop'In

In the quiet residential suburb of Pernety, owner Lionel Libert claims this area as Paris' "beer district." Chop'In boasts an extensive selection of obscure artisanal beers, and Lionel is happy to recommend bars in the area, making you feel like you've stepped into a Parisian Oktoberfest. You can even enjoy a beer onsite at their small bar.

Bières Cultes

With Paris' newfound passion for craft beer, Bières Cultes has been developing a fine menu of flavours since 2007. They offer a range of possibilities, including Trappist beer, Belgian abbey beer, lager, and high or low fermentation brews.

Bootlegger

Paris' oldest beer shop, Bootlegger, has been in business since at least 1976, with a striking red façade that beckons beer enthusiasts. Over the years, successive generations have expanded their range to include English microbrewery products and rare Czech bottles, ensuring there's something for every taste.

Bars and pubs

Paris has a wide variety of bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer or two. Here are some of the top spots to check out:

Hoppy Corner

A slim, divey beer bar located in the buzzy area of Sentier in the 2nd arrondissement, surrounded by startups and plenty of amazing spots to eat. With 16 taps and a well-stocked bottle fridge, Hoppy Corner has been a cornerstone of the Parisian craft beer scene for several decades. The bar attracts a mix of locals and craft beer fans from around the world, with a menu featuring both local craft brews and beers flown in. The music is rocky, and the vibes get louder as the night goes on, with standing room only on Fridays and Saturdays.

L'Atalante

Nestled under one of the bridges along the Canal St Martin, L'Atalante is a family-friendly spot with a large terrace beside the canal. With 24 taps on regular rotation, it's a beer drinker's paradise, offering a wide variety of beers to enjoy while watching the people passing by. It's a popular spot, so booking ahead is recommended.

LA Binouze

What started as a bottle shop with two beer pumps has now become a beer drinker's heaven. With over 600 beers, a superb wine list, and friendly staff, LA Binouze is conveniently located near Pigalle. The spot tends to get busy most nights, attracting a fun crowd after the shows and concerts in the area. While they used to serve amazing sandwiches, the last time a patron visited, they were content with hot cheese and chips.

La Fine Mousse

La Fine Mousse is not just a good craft beer bar, but it also has a restaurant with a menu designed for perfect pairings with the craft beer on offer. The bar features over 20 beers on tap, and the restaurant offers a selection of ten draft beers.

Le Supercoin

Le Supercoin is a great spot to hang out and celebrate beer. Every month, they organise events to showcase a selected brewery, with the brewery presenting their beers. Each month brings a new brewery to discover, but you can also drink beers from Craig Allan, O'Clock, and the Spore brewery.

Au Trappiste

For those craving Belgian Trappist beers, Au Trappiste is the place to go. You can find famous beers like Delirium, Lindemans, and Rochefort on their menu.

BAPBAP

One of the favourite Parisian breweries, BAPBAP, has a bar next to its microbrewery. You can drink eight of their beers on tap and get the rest in bottles. If you love their beer, be sure to get the growler bottle—a glass bottle of 1.89 litres made to be reused and refilled with beer!

La Moustache Blanche

If you're looking for a large selection of beers, La Moustache Blanche has over 500 international beers to choose from. You can find Belgian beers from Cantillon or La Senne brewery and French craft beers from Bendorf brewery, among many others.

BrewDog

This Scottish brewery has beer bars in both Brussels and Paris, presenting their craft beers alongside selected local beers from small breweries. They have five of their draught beers and five draught beers from guest breweries, as well as plenty of beer in bottles and cans. BrewDog also created one of the strongest beers in the world, which you might find on the menu!

Bière et Malt

Bière et Malt is a tiny beer bar with a great selection of craft beers, including French craft beers, Orval beer, Boon Gueuze, and Duvel beer. The beer is accompanied by good cheese and charcuterie.

Le Mozaic

Le Mozaic is worth mentioning as it was opened by three craft beer-loving women, and there are not many women in the beer industry. You can try four beers on tap and more than a hundred well-selected bottles of beer, including beers from Sainte Cru, Popihn, and Piggy Brewing.

Restaurants

Paris has a thriving restaurant scene for beer lovers, with a variety of options to choose from. Here is a list of some of the top restaurants in Paris to enjoy a cold one:

La Fine Mousse is a beer cafe and gastropub in the Latin Quarter. It offers a wide selection of artisanal beers from around the world, including Belgian, French, American, Dutch, German, and Norwegian varieties. The menu features local cheeses and charcuterie, with suggested beer pairings. La Fine Mousse is open from Tuesday to Saturday for dinner and Sunday for lunch, providing a cosy atmosphere for beer enthusiasts.

Brasserie de la Goutte d'Or is located in the traditionally working-class neighbourhood of Barbes, bringing new energy to the area. With free tastings and visits to the brewery, it offers a unique opportunity to sample their distinctive beers, such as the Chateau-Rouge and 3ter, a coffee trippel. Their beers are mostly unfiltered and unpasteurised, emphasising the native flavours of their ingredients. Brasserie de la Goutte d'Or is open from Thursday to Saturday, making it a popular destination for those seeking an off-beat beer experience.

Le Triangle is a cheerful restaurant and microbrewery situated along the Canal St Martin. It offers small-batch beers crafted on-site, as well as a curated selection of international craft brews. Their menu includes traditional French and Italian dishes, focusing on local produce and fresh flavours. Le Triangle is open daily for dinner, providing a delightful combination of cuisine and craft beer.

Le Bouillon Belge is an unassuming bar in northeastern Paris, offering a wide range of Belgian beers. From classics like Cherry Kriek and Duvel to the intensely sour Boon Oud Geuze, Le Bouillon Belge caters to various tastes. The interior has a grungy yet cosy vibe, with picnic table seating and friendly staff. They also serve Belgian classics like moules-frites, providing the perfect pairing for your chosen brew. Le Bouillon Belge is open daily until 2 am, making it an ideal spot for beer lovers seeking a unique Belgian beer experience.

Brasserie de l'Etre is a highly regarded microbrewery in the 19th arrondissement. Founded by beer connoisseur Edward Jalat-Dehen, it prides itself on using local ingredients and environmentally friendly practices. They brew five permanent varieties, including the Sphinx, a wheat beer with floral and herbal notes, and the Oliphant IPA with notes of gingerbread and tropical fruits. The brasserie, located near Bassin de la Villette, provides a stylish setting to savour their beers. It is open daily except Sunday from 6 pm to 2 am, offering a pleasant off-the-beaten-path beer destination.

These restaurants showcase the diverse and vibrant beer culture in Paris, where one can find everything from classic Belgian beers to innovative craft brews. Whether you're a casual drinker or a connoisseur, these establishments will surely delight your taste buds and provide memorable dining experiences.

Breweries

Paris has a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous microbreweries and taprooms offering a wide variety of unique and innovative brews. The city's rich culinary culture complements its beer offerings, with blends of Belgian and Anglo beer traditions, as well as innovative techniques that incorporate winemaking methods.

BAPBAP

One of the most popular breweries in Paris, BAPBAP (an acronym for "Brewed in Paris, Drunk in Paris") is located in one of the trendiest neighbourhoods at 79 Rue Saint-Maur. Their unique product is unfiltered, unpasteurized, heavy, flowery, and cereal-infused. A favourite of many, it is worth visiting their microbrewery to taste their beers, which are also available in local supermarkets.

Brasserie de la Goutte d'Or

If there was an award for the most local and original beer production in Paris, it would go to Brasserie de la Goutte d'Or. Founder Thierry Roche was a pioneer in introducing artisanal beer to Paris, brewing his recipes at 28 Rue de la Goutte d’Or. Their Château Rouge is a unique, spicy red beer with aromas of cinnamon, tobacco, and dried fish.

O'Clock Brewing

O'Clock Brewing is a team of brewers that consistently tops the beer geek charts. Their Jet Lag IPA is a favourite, and their beers are a rare treat to come across.

Brasserie Parisis

Brasserie Parisis offers a diverse selection of craft beers, including the popular Blanche, which won gold at the Concours Agricole 2013, and the IPA Citra Galactique, which has strong hops flavours and pleasant lime notes.

Brasserie La Baleine

Founded by Bruno Torres in 2013, Brasserie La Baleine is a successful 20th-arrondisement brasserie with four recipes, including the popular unfiltered La Phare beer, which has a light lemony taste and a strong hit of malt.

In addition to these breweries, Paris also has dedicated beer shops, such as Biérocratie and Société Parisienne de Bière, which offer a wide range of local and international craft beers.

Supermarkets

Paris has a wide range of supermarkets that sell beer. Here is a list of some of the top supermarkets to buy beer in Paris:

BAPBAP

BAPBAP is a popular brewery in Paris that also has a bar next to its microbrewery. They offer eight beers on tap and a variety of bottled beers. BAPBAP is well-known for its unique and cloudy unfiltered and unpasteurized beer, which has a heavy, flowery, and cereal-infused taste. You can also purchase their growler bottle, a 1.89-litre reusable and refillable glass bottle made specifically for their beer. BAPBAP's beers are widely available in local supermarkets, and their Pale Ale is a favourite among many Parisians.

Demory

Demory is one of the oldest breweries in Paris, dating back to 1827. After facing closure post-World War II, the brewery was revived in 2009 and has since become a classic Parisian brewery once again. Demory beers are easily found across Paris, including in local supermarkets. Their diverse range of beers, including traditional and innovative brews, makes them a favourite among beer enthusiasts.

O'Clock Brewing

O'Clock Brewing is a top-rated brewery among beer geeks, consistently ranking high on beer enthusiast charts. Their Jet Lag IPA is a popular choice, and their beers are known for their exceptional quality. While their beers may be less common than some other breweries, they are a delightful treat for those who can get their hands on them.

La Binouze

La Binouze, located in the 9th arrondissement, is a vast beer shop that stocks local and international beers. With prices ranging from €2.50 to €25, they offer a wide variety of options to suit different budgets. This boutique is dedicated to craft beers, featuring around 700 inventive and exciting brands from classic Belgian beers to rare Italian and Scandinavian brews.

Bières Cultes

Bières Cultes is another excellent supermarket option for beer lovers in Paris. They have been developing a fine menu of flavours since 2007, offering a range of Trappist beers, Belgian abbey beers, lagers, and beers with high or low fermentation. Their knowledgeable staff will gladly assist you in selecting the perfect beer to suit your taste preferences.

These supermarkets offer a diverse selection of beers, from local Parisian brews to international favourites. Whether you're looking for classic or innovative beers, these supermarkets are sure to have something to satisfy your beer cravings in Paris.

Frequently asked questions