Best Lesbian Bars in Paris

Best Lesbian Bars in Paris

Updated by Vanessa M in August 2023.

The Parisian LGBTQ+ scene is sometimes overshadowed by the copious amounts of gay bars that are spread through the arrondissements. Le Marais in particular is a big attraction for the gay community, with bars and nightclubs on just about every block.

Little do many know that the lesbian bar scene is an equally as thriving industry in the French capital. What’s more, these bars and entertainment venues are better spread through the city and not congested in one area.

Pride in Paris – by Rog01 – Wikimedia Commons

What I enjoy most about the lesbian nightlife scene in Paris is its diversity. You have the option of enjoying a wild night of drunk debauchery; or simply meeting like minded individuals in a calm space over a glass of wine while cool jazz plays in the background.

Here is all you need to know about the best lesbian bars in Paris and where to find them.

Read also, Best LGBTQ+ Areas in Paris

La Champmeslé in Paris

4 Rue Chabanais

A gem of the 2nd arrondissement, La Champmelsé was opened back during the heyday of the 80s and happens to be the oldest lesbian based establishment in all of Paris.

Given its loyal history to the city, the bar has retained the ability to keep its doors open until 4am daily (aside from Sundays when they are closed).

La Champmeslé – by La Champmeslé – Sourced from their website

Despite being run by and centered around lesbians, the bar is open to all and you’ll meet a variety of men, women and non binary individuals in the space.

Each month, La Champmelsé also welcomes different artists into the venue to set up small exhibits. There are weekly lesbian cabaret shows and even tarot card readings on Tuesdays!

Discovering La Chammersee is easy with a free guided walking tour that takes you from the heart of the 1st arrondissement to the 2nd arrondissement in the north.

Rosa Bonheur in Paris

2 Avenue de la Cascade

Rosa Bonheur is a fabulous little bar situated inside of an old, abandoned tavern inside of the Buttes Chaumont park in Paris. The place is named after Rosa Bonheur herself, a French painter who made waves in the feminist movements of the 19th century.

The current manager at Rosa Bonheur used to work for the well known lesbian club called Pulp. Many patrons have followed her here and as a result Rosa Bonheur has become one of the most frequented hangouts amongst the lesbian crowds.

Rosa Bonheur – by Rosa Bonheur – Sourced from their website

The garden and terrace area is wonderful in the summer months where you can enjoy your drinks in the outdoors.

Situated in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, this bar closes at midnight. It is not open on Mondays or Tuesdays. Rosa Bonheur opens early and closes early — the lesbian bar where you want to start your evening before moving on to one of the more central establishments.

Le So-What! in Paris

30 Rue du Roi de Sicile

The anthesis of Rosa Bonheur, Le So-What! is the place you arrive to late and stay even later. Open just three nights a week (Thursday, Friday and Saturday), this lesbian bar opens its doors at 11pm and keeps them open until 5am.

Though this is a self-identified lesbian space there is no discrimination at the door. Le So-What is open to all and is an inclusive space where you’ll find free-living individuals swaying along to the DJ sets while sipping delicious cocktails.

Le So-What! – by Le So-What! – Sourced from their website

I will say that Le So-What! seems to attract the more mature gay crowds of Paris. A sophisticated space where people are looking to engage and make connections rather than to simply get wasted.

This bar is found in the heart of Le Marais, between the Museum of Magic, the Place des Vosges and the Seine River .

Le 3W Kafé in Paris

8 Rue des Ecouffes

“3W” stands for “women with women”; as you can therefore deduct, this is a strictly lesbian space also in the heart of le Marais.

Out of all the lesbian bars in Paris this one is definitely my personal favorite. The space is centered around everything good: good music, good drinks and good people, always.

Le 3W Kafé – by Le 3W Kafé – Uploaded by them

This is where the lesbians of Paris come together to converse over fine whiskey and wine. A night here begins around 7pm and can go until as late as 6:30am on the weekends.

Downstairs in the basement under the main bar there is a small dance room where you can get lost for a few hours. The bar is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

While you’re in the area, take a Le Marais tour and discover the neighborhood’s fascinating history, winding streets, and lively atmosphere, a popular district with a variety of establishments, bars, and cafes, then.

La Mutinerie in Paris

Rue Saint-Martin

If there’s one lesbian institute that deserves support from all of us its La Mutinerie. The space was originally created by and for Paris’ lesbian, transgender and queer community in attempt to provide a safe space for recreation and creativity.

The bar is open to all. An evening here can range between a night of drinking and dancing to anything from poetry readings, art instillations or socio-political lectures. I like to think of this space as a bit of a lottery — particularly if you don’t check the events page prior to showing up.

La Mutinerie – by La Mutinerie – Sourced from their website

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It’s open daily until 2am. When you’re in the mood to have your mind somewhat opened (and occasionally blown), this is the place to go.

La Mutinerie is across the road from Workshop Paris, which is a fabulous restaurant that plays hip hop music while you eat. Their cocktails are great too!

Chez Moune in Paris

54 Rue Jean-Baptiste Pigalle

Entering Chez Moune, this fabled cabaret in the heart of Pigalle guarantees a memorable evening filled with history. The club, founded in 1936 by Moune Carton, was the first in Europe to cater entirely to female clientele and has long served as a focal point for the lesbian community.

Celette, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chez Moune, unlike the rest of Parisian nightclubs, offers free admittance, hence there is often a long line outside. The music here is eclectic and trendy, with a focus on electro-rock.

Read also, Top 5 clubs to meet Parisians

Don’t miss the underground label nights from Katapult and Meant Records, as well as after-shows from CocoRosie, LCD Soundsystem, and Anoraak. This underground hangout has a terrific atmosphere that lasts until the next morning, and the clientele is mostly 20-something hipsters.

Le Bar’Ouf in Paris

182 Rue Saint-Martin

Le Bar’Ouf, located just a minute’s walk from La Mutinerie, was formed by two women who wished to share their love with others. Stepping inside Le Bar’ouf is like coming home; there’s a warmth and simplicity to it, it’s a celebration of friendship, and you’ll experience the French “convivialité” firsthand.

Jeanne Menjoulet from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the things that distinguishes le Bar’Ouf is the variety of activities you can play or lose at; card and board games, billiards, and even scrabble if you’re visiting with your grandmother.

It’s the ideal spot for a great night out with a bunch of friends, to relax and enjoy life for a while. You can converse, play, sing, dance, and go to art shows.

Chez Marie in Paris

219 Rue Saint-Maur

Chez Marie, formerly known as O’Kubi Bar, adopted the name of its proprietor in late 2014. From Tuesday through Saturday, the venue, located just off Place Sainte-Marthe, attracts a steady flow of regulars.

Its reputation is well-deserved. The staff is charming, the pricing is unmatched, and there is live entertainment on Wednesday through Saturday evenings. On Thursdays during the winter, it’s ‘Be my oyster,’ with tastings set to electro music. On other days, underground collectives and artists will perform sets till 2 a.m.

Photo by Felipe Balduino from Pexels

Marie is open to various musical genres, including house, techno, hip-hop, soul, and funk. The broad spectrum also applies to the clientele, who come from many walks of life, orientations, and fashion preferences.

Downstairs, you can hire a free room (ideal for birthdays), and you can even bring your own cake. A true neighborhood hangout with a contemporary edge.

Le bonjour madame in Paris

40 Rue de Montreuil

The Marais isn’t the only place where you can encounter oddities. The 11th arrondissement culture bar Le Bonjour Madame is steeped in political action and feminism.

The bar frequently holds concerts, art events, and burlesque performances, as well as workshops, classes, and numerous debates on issues such as gender and trans identity, decolonization, sexual violence, and climate awareness.

Photo by Gaurav Gupta from Pexels

The bar is an accepting and inviting space where you may deconstruct social expectations and gender norms with other women and LGBTQIA+ members. Le Bonjour Madame, with its light brown brick walls, wooden furnishings, and low-light lighting, is both calming and stimulating.

In a world where current events can easily overwhelm or paralyze you, le Bonjour Madame allows you to take action, contribute, and add your stone to the superstructure of social change.

Les Taulières in Paris

10 Rue de la Font du But

Les Taulieres, owned by Catherine and Nathalie, a lesbian pair who run this stylish micro-pub on the north face of the Montmartre mound, greet you with “A bar where life pisses you off less.”

Photo by Martin Lopez from Pexels

Straight and gay regulars are as rock ‘n’ roll as the cocktail menu. Don’t miss the Femme Fontaine (vodka-cranberry-strawberry-cointreau). Also, the Clothilde de la Brigade mondaine (rum-ginger-strawberry-lime-mango) is on fire, and the unexpected Vladivostock (vodka-biscuit paste-hazelnut liqueur) is also great.

The décor is as outlandish as the management, rubber water lily leaves on the ceiling, orange vinyl fuzzy chairs and 1950s stools, comic strip pictures on the walls, and flames projected into the room.

Every Thursday and Sunday until 1.30 am, the DJs set up behind the chest of drawers that acts as a bar, mixing predominantly electro but also rock, funk, and hip-hop.

Here is more information on all You Need to Know About Paris Pride