What Time Is Happy Hour in Paris?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and looking to enjoy some discounted drinks and snacks, you might be wondering: what time is happy hour in Paris? Well, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. In fact, the rules and regulations surrounding happy hour in Paris can be quite complex.

First of all, it’s important to note that happy hour isn’t actually called “happy hour” in France. Instead, it’s referred to as “l’heure de l’apéritif” or “apéro time”. This is the period of time before dinner when people typically gather for drinks and small bites.

In terms of when this apéro time takes place, it varies depending on the establishment. Unlike in some other countries where happy hour is a set time across all bars and restaurants, in France each place sets their own hours. However, there are some general guidelines that most places tend to follow.

Typically, apéro time starts around 6pm and lasts until 8pm or 9pm. During this period, you can expect discounts on drinks (usually beer and wine) as well as small plates of food like olives, cheese, and charcuterie.

It’s worth noting that not all bars and restaurants offer apéro specials. Some places may only offer discounts on certain days of the week or during specific times of year (such as during the summer months).

If you’re looking for a place that offers apéro specials, your best bet is to head to one of the city’s many trendy bars or cafés. These places tend to have a younger crowd and a more lively atmosphere during apéro time.

So there you have it – while there isn’t one set time for happy hour in Paris like there may be in other cities around the world, you can generally expect apéro time to take place from around 6pm-8pm or 9pm. Just be sure to check with individual establishments to see if they offer any specials or discounts during this time.

Finding the Best Happy Hour Spots in Paris

If you’re looking to make the most of your apéro time in Paris, there are plenty of great spots to choose from. Here are a few of our top picks:

Le Verre Volé

Located in the trendy Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood, Le Verre Volé is a popular spot for wine lovers. During apéro time, you can snag glasses of wine for as little as €3.50 and enjoy small bites like cheese and charcuterie.

Le Perchoir

Perched atop a building in the 11th arrondissement, Le Perchoir offers stunning views of the city along with discounted drinks and snacks during apéro time. Be sure to arrive early to snag a table – this spot fills up quickly!

Le Mary Celeste

Known for its creative cocktails and oysters, Le Mary Celeste is a must-visit during apéro time. You can enjoy discounted drinks and snacks from 6pm-8pm every day except Sunday.

  • Tip: Many places in Paris require you to order food along with your drinks during happy hour. Keep this in mind when planning your apéro crawl!

In Conclusion

While happy hour may not be as straightforward in Paris as it is in other cities, there’s still plenty of fun to be had during apéro time. Whether you’re looking for a glass of wine or a creative cocktail, there’s no shortage of great spots to choose from. So grab some friends and head out on an apéro crawl – who knows what kind of fun (and delicious snacks) you’ll discover!