One of the most romantic places in the world, France is also known as the land of artists and intellectuals. These highbrow people, known for their sophisticated taste in drink and music, will also teach you how to enjoy France’s spectacular nightlife.

The cobbled streets of France are full of open-air bars and friendly pubs, where you can enjoy a relaxing night out with a drink in hand and your spirits up. For the enthusiastic and energetic, there are plenty of clubs where you can relax and dance until the sun rises again.

Make your way to the friendliest pubs and coolest clubs in French cities with the help of this France nightlife guide.

Top French Cities Where You Can Experience France’s Nightlife

france nightlife cities

• Paris For a sophisticated nightlife, average cost: 13 euros for a cocktail drink in a bar in the city
• lyon For a sparkling evening in the historic capital, average cost: 10 euros for a cocktail drink in a bar in the city
• Bordeaux partying till 4 in the morning, average cost: A glass of wine starts at 6 euros
• marseille For friendly pub culture, average cost:Beers start at 3 euros
• strasburg To the young student crowd, average cost:Beers start from 4 euros

paris nightlife

Paris, the city of lights, is known for its spectacular nightlife. There is a wide range of luxurious brasseries and nightclubs where you can spend a fascinating night with your partner. One of the best nightlife cities in France, it becomes even more lively when the sun goes down.

1. Duke of Lombards

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Established in 1984, Le Duc des Lombards is one of France’s leading jazz clubs and restaurants. Enjoy modern jazz with a glass of whiskey in one hand and swaying to the rhythm of the music in the other. Along with the jazz blues, you will also enjoy the intimacy of this place. This is one of the best places to enjoy the nightlife of France with your lover.

Address:42 Rue des Lombards, 75001 Paris, France
Time:7:30 PM – 11:30 PM

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2. Au Lapin Agile

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One of the things France is known for is cabaret, or live theatrical performance. Au Lapin Agile, an 1860s cabaret bar will thrill you with its spectacular performances and excellent hospitality. Enjoy song, dance and comedy as you get intoxicated with the finest wine and delicious food. Enjoy the best of France’s nightlife in one of the oldest running cabarets in Paris.

Address: 22 Rue des Souls, 75018 Paris, France
Time: 9 pm to 1 am

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Lyon nightlife

When the medieval monuments in Lyon light up in the evening, it’s a cue to head to the bars to enjoy an illuminated evening. Lyon is full of a variety of pubs and clubs where you can spend your evening while it’s still young. Two of Lyon’s liveliest districts to enjoy French nightlife are Presqu’île and Croix Rousse.

3. Paddy’s Corner

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Join the local French crowd at Paddy’s Corner, located in the heart of the Croix Rousse neighborhood in Lyon. The ‘Public House’ is always packed, enjoy their 15 tap beers during happy hour from 5pm to 9pm and then dance to their live music. Test your knowledge of beer or learn a thing or two by taking part in their traditional pub quiz. This is one of the best places to enjoy France’s nightlife and make new friends.

Address:4 rue de la Terrasse, 69004 Lyon, France
Time: 8 am to 1 pm

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4. Hot Club Lyon

France is considered a country of artists and intellectuals, which you can also see in the nightlife of France. Established in 1948, Hot Club Lyon is one of those mysterious places in France where jazz became a movement. Many prominent jazz artists, such as Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, and Chet Baker, have performed at this venue during their lifetime. Get swept up in the rhythm of the blues and all its forms at Hot Club Lyon with a drink in your hand and excitement in your heart.

Address: 26 Rue Lanterne, 69001 Lyon, France
Time:8:30 pm – 1 am

Marseille nightlife

The popular and friendly city of France has recently become a center of attraction for its amazing bar culture. Place Thiers and Vieux Port are some of the places known for their live action at night.

5. Carry Nation

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If you like the speakeasy concept, you’ll also love Carry Nation. This place will take you to the era of 1920 when bars were very secretive. To give you the thrill of a real speakeasy, they only allow you inside the bar if you have a ‘special code’. Enjoy an interesting mix of cocktails in secret. Enjoying France’s nightlife in Marseille is certainly an interesting concept.

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6. Polikarpov

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Polikarpov’s is your place in Marseille, France to get drunk on cheap wine and good conversation. The three adjectives that define the atmosphere of this bar are cool, cozy and charming. The cheap alfresco bar is centrally located, making it easily accessible to tourists and locals. Enjoy electric music at the DJ nights held every Friday and Saturday.

Address: 24 Cours Honoré d’Estienne d’Orves, 13001 Marseille, France
Time: 8 am to 2 pm

Strasbourg nightlife

Strasbourg owes its vibrant nightlife to its large student population. The streets around the cathedral and Rue des Juifs are known as the most common hotspots to enjoy French nightlife in this part of the city. The areas around the university are also worth seeing.

7. In the barrel and as you go

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Here is a new concept for you to enjoy the nightlife of France in Strasbourg. Become your own bartender at Au Fur et à Mesure and serve yourself unlimited beers until your card limit is reached. Insert your card at the pumps installed near the beer taps at each table. Not only does this reduce the need to wait in line at the bar counter or call the waiter, but you can also enjoy live acoustics while sipping your unlimited beers.

Address: 25 Rue des Tonnelliers, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Time: open 24 hours

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8. CHALET CLUB

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Head to the city’s biggest disco, aka Le Chateau Club, to get lost in the dancing. The place is so big that it has two dance clubs and bars with different themes. Dance to the beats of techno or retro classics in one of the best nightclubs in France. If you are visiting the club on Friday and Saturday, make sure you are full of energy as the party doesn’t stop until 4 am here.

Address: 376 Rte. de la Wantzenau, Strasbourg
Time: till 4 am

Bordeaux nightlife

Bordeaux has a great number of bars that stay open until the morning. Nightlife lovers who like to party until 4 a.m. should head to the clubs around the Quai de Paludet and the animated streets around the Place de la Victoire.

9. Vintage Bar

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The Vintage Bar in Bordeaux is known for its lively evenings and cordial atmosphere. Enjoy gorgeous views of the Gros Cloche from the terrace while enjoying French aperitifs. Rum lovers will not be disappointed as they have 150 types of rum to drink from. Their Belgian tap beer is also a must try. Additionally, you can enjoy a wide range of music at the bar, shaking your hips to reggae, rock, soul and funk tunes.

Address: 45 Rue Saint James (4,287.49 mi), Bordeaux, France 33000
Time: 4 pm to 2 am

10. L’Ibot

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A major cultural hub of the city, Iboat is a 3-level boat that gives you the best of discotheques, bars and showrooms. It hosts various events like concerts, live jamming sessions and exhibitions throughout the week which is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of this city. Board the ship to enjoy tapas food and dancing all night long.

Address: Bassin à Flot N°1, Quai Armand Lalande, 33300 Bordeaux, France
Time: 7 pm to 12 midnight

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France is a fascinating place not only for romance but also to enjoy the nightlife. Make sure you are full of life and fun when you are on your holidays in France

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FAQs about France nightlife

What is France known for?

France is known as one of the most romantic places on earth and is popular for its beautiful landscapes, amazing food, chocolate, wine and the iconic Eiffel Tower. Also popular for its art and architecture, France is home to many interesting attractions and museums that speak volumes about its rich history and artistic tastes.

When is the best time to go to France?

Summer in France can be very crowded and expensive. The spring months of April to June and autumn months of September to November are the best times to visit France.

What is there to do in France?

Things to do in France that promise to give you the best experience of this beautiful place are:
1. Discover charming artists’ villages in Provence
2. Visit the Arc de Triomphe
3. Stroll through the old neighborhoods of Paris
4. Adventure Explore Auvergne
5. Watch the sunset from the Eiffel Tower

Is there good nightlife in France?

France is known for having the best nightlife in all of Europe and has a huge variety of bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and more to suit the tastes of any backpacking party animal.

Where is the best nightlife in France?

There is no doubt that Paris is one of the best places to enjoy the amazing French nightlife. You can find a wide range of luxurious brasseries and nightclubs in Paris where you can have an exciting night out with your gang.

Is France safe at night?

Whether day or night, France is absolutely safe for all visitors. However, it is always wise to exercise a little caution when traveling to foreign lands.

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