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3 Cocktails Spots In Paris

When in Paris, a cocktail or two is always a great idea, and it really is a city that has no shortage of great places, and last time I went I decided to try a few in the name of research, and I found three amazing cocktail spots you have to get a tipple in next time you visit Paris – the amazing Jacques’ Bar within The Hoxton, Paris, The Shed at Hotel des Grands Boulevards and the Skyline Bar at Melia La Défense, which has one of the best views across Paris.

Jacques’ Bar – The Hoxton, Paris

It seemed only right to include the cocktail bar at The Hoxton, we had cocktails here a number of times, we really enjoyed the intimate feel to Jacques’ Bar, as well as the decor, which really is an Instagrammer’s dream with its Moroccan inspired vibe teamed with a speakeasy feel and a little English eccentricity that you expect from The Hoxton group with the divine floral wallpaper. All the decor elements shouldn’t work together but they just do and it makes a fabulous place to have a cocktail or two. 

Named after Jacques Majorelle, the French artist who lived in Marrakech, the Jacques’ Bar is discretely tucked away within the hotel (you will need to pass through the courtyard and up the stairs at the back near reception), which I loved, especially as one night we had the mixologists to ourselves, which meant we literally had them creating cocktails based on what we liked, for instance I asked for something fruity and I got this tropical dream of a cocktail. Don’t worry they also do the classics as well.

One tip, opt for something on the rocks, just so you can see them work their artistry with a large slab of ice to create round and even diamond shaped cubes for the drinks – it is mesmerising to watch. 

Jacques’ Bar at The Hoxton, 30-32 Rue du Sentier, 75002 Paris // Open: Sun-Wed, 6pm-2am; Thu-Sat, 6pm-2am

The Shed – Rooftop Bar at Hotel des Grands Boulevards

With the weather being glorious finding a great rooftop bar is needed, and a rarity in Paris, so The Shed on the 4th floor of the Hotel des Grands Boulevards is just what you need after a day of sightseeing. Nestled away from the noise of the boulevard, the terrace comes complete with a garden shed-turned-bar, hence the name, and offers the hotel’s signature cocktails and homemade cold brew coffee that have become a huge draw for The Shell Bar on the ground floor.

We had to try the cold brew cocktails as the mixologist was raving about them, we enjoy it but did find it very much an acquired taste, while the favourite had to be the Old Cuban, a fruity rum-based cocktail, while I would also suggest the No Shed, aka alcoholic-free Clear Water, which is a cucumber juice, honey, fresh basil, lime juice, charcoal and smoked salt.

It isn’t the biggest place, so be prepared to squeeze in, but when the sun is shining it really is a lovely spot to relax and just enjoy the music and cocktails. 

Hotel des Grands Boulevards, 17 Boulevard Poissonniere, Paris 75002 // Open: The Shed Bar (rooftop) 18:00-23:00 every day – while the weather is nice; The Shell Bar: 18:00-02:00 (closed in August)
**Disclosure – I was gifted two cocktails here – but as always, if I didn’t enjoy myself I wouldn’t share.**

Skyline Bar at Melia La Défense

If you’ve seen Paris from the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and Tour Montparnasse, then you have to go up to the 19th floor of Melia Paris La Defense to its Skyline Bar, as the view really is breathtaking. You can sit inside, where there are large booths alongside floor-to-ceiling windows, but the best spot has to be outside where you can relax looking out across Paris as the sun sets.

As well as a large range of cocktails, the bar also offers Spanish-inspired sharing plates, which makes it a great place to come with friends, so you can enjoy great drink and food while enjoying the tunes from the bar’s resident DJs. Just don’t forget to book to reserve a table with a view.

Don’t be scared off by how far this bar looks from the centre of Paris, the hotel is literally located on top of metro stop, Esplanade de la Défense on Line 1, which stops on Champs-Elysees avenue, Porte Maillot Palais des Congrès, the Tuilleries and the Louvre. From the Hoxton, Paris, where we were staying it took less than half an hour with an easy change. 

Melia La Défense, 3, Boulevard de Neuilly, 92400 Courbevoie – Paris // Open: 5pm to 1am every day.
**Disclosure – I was gifted cocktails and sharing plates – but as always, if I didn’t enjoy myself I wouldn’t share.**

Where are your favourite cocktail spots in Paris?