Wine Travel: Paris' Best Wine Bars and People-Watching Spots

Photo: Sam Valadi (CCL)

So I think we are all in agreement that Paris is an extremely beautiful city that has days and days of monuments to visit. However, if you are like me and have ticked those boxes, or simply prefer to swap selfie-sticked tourists and overpriced cappuccinos for wine and people-watching then this list might well suit you.

I have included a touch of croissant and a dash of culture because it is Paris after all...

Wine bar: 5er Cru le Bar

If it’s a neighbourhood wine bar you’re in the mood for, then this is your place. Block out a couple of hours here so that you can take advantage of the seriously amazing shelves of vino. From Jura to Burgundy, Rhone and Bordeaux, the hardest part of your Paris visit will occur right here, right now, trying to decide on a wine. They also have excellent share plates. A good place to grab a bottle of Champagne for a picnic in the Luxembourg gardens.

7 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris, Jardin des Plantes/Austerlitz, 5ème


People watching: Luxembourg Gardens

Grab a baguette. Pick some cheese. Chill that Champagne. Borrow some glasses et voila! You’ve got yourself a good ole fashion picnic. If you set up near the fountain monument in the middle of the gardens you will be close to a toilet too (70cents).

Rue de Médicis , 75006 Paris, Luxembourg, 6th


Wine bar: La Cremerie

Another super cute, tiny neighbourhood wine bar. This is the smallest one of all seating about 6 tables worth place a very tight four at the bar. Guaranteed 90% tourist free except for you. Same deal as above- pick a bottle from the shelf, order share plates. Drink eat repeat.

9 rue des Quatre Vents, 75006 Paris, Saint-Michel / Odéon, Saint-Germain-Des-Pres, 6th

Wine bar: Freddy’s

Not a huge wine list but what’s on it is good. Lots of small tapas plates with super fresh ingredients- so not just cheese and terrines. You may end up perching against a small tabled wall but sit down meals were so last week. Great staff.

54 rue de Seine, 75006 Paris, Saint-Germain-Des-Prés, 6ème


Wine bar AND People Watching: Chez Prune

Get there just before 5, grab a table and soak in some serious atmosphere. This is a place where lots of locals go to have their knock off drinks so maybe brush up on your French skills and attempt to blend in. Probably not an eating spot so stick to people watching and drinking.

36 rue Beaurepaire, 75010 Paris, Canal St Martin/Gare de l'Est, 10ème


Wine Bar: Martin

Good place to eat more than just charcuterie. A lot of bio/natural wines on their list and the guys that run the place seem to do a lot of wine travel so you can feel pretty confident that the list is super strong. More importantly there are lots of good looking people to watch here. Has a large range of gin.

24, boulevard du Temple, 75011 PARIS, Métro: Filles du Calvaire or République
Tel: 06 16 15 70 61

Culture: Centre Pompidou

You can’t go to Paris without one little hit of art so if you haven’t already: go here. It’s not nearly as pretty on the outside as the Lourve but there are a lot less tourists and it has one of the best views around the city. And for 14euros. They have a guest exhibitor on the top and then all sorts of impressionists to pop artists on the floor below. There is also a bar here excellent for a beer with a view. Art. View. Beer.

Place Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris, Beaubourg, 4ème

Croissant: Sebastian Gaudard

Whilst I heard it’s not illegal to start your day in Paris without a croissant, it is heavily frowned upon to do anything else. This place is worth every calorie and I also recommend buying a packet of all the different flavours of macrons. The other sweet treats are insanely good. It’s not like you’re there every week. Do what you feel is right.

22 rue des Martyrs, 75009 Paris, Pigalle, 9ème


People Watching: Basilique du Sacré Coeur de Montmartre

Lucky for you there is a steep hill up to the Sacré Coeur that is directly behind Sebastian Gaudard. It’s another view spot and great for making you feel ok about that second sweet treat that you invested in. Lots of photo ops up here if you can deal with the high level of selfie sticks. A nice place to perch and take in the world if you can block out the crowds.

35 rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, Montmartre, 18ème


Wine Bar: Terra Corsa

Just up the road from Sebastian Gaudard is a little wine bar because after all of that croissant you will be thirsty. If all of the selfie sticks at the Sacré Coeur are too much for you then there are Corsican wines, excellent sausage (some of the best), cheese and a generous serving of people watching.

42 rue des Martyrs, 75009 Paris, Pigalle 9th


This list may not be suitable for non-drinkers and was slightly restricted by August closures but heavily enjoyed none the less. No coffee was enjoyed in this Parisian experience. Bon vacance, and faire attention to those selfie sticks...