Top 5 Bars in The Latin Quarter

Top 5 Bars in The Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter got its name thanks to the university that has been part of this district for centuries. Back in the day, Latin was the most widely taught and spoken language within facilities of higher education.

This neighborhood on the Left Bank remains a student town and thus the Latin Quarter was born.

Caveau des Oubliettes – by Caveau des Oubliettes – Uploaded by them

Being a student town, quality nightlife is of the utmost importance. Good music, affordable booze and intelligent conversation are three very valued elements that make up the after-hours spaces in this area.

Bar culture is superior to club culture in the Latin Quarter, those looking for dance clubs are better off heading over the Seine and into le Marais where clubbing is more popular.

Here are five unmissable bar experiences for your time in the LQ.

1. Le Caveau de la Huchette in the Latin Quarter

5 Rue de la Huchette

The Caveau de la Huchette is situated right on the edge of the Seine as you cross over onto the Left Bank from Notre Dame, using the Pont des Coeurs.

The building dates way back to the 16th century, its a wonder that it is still standing this close to the center of town. Inside there is a small cave-like space that has been home to the Huchette jazz bar since 1949.

Le Caveau de la Huchette – by Le Caveau de la Huchette – Sourced from their website

Every evening at around 9:30pm the cellar is opened to guests and the jazz performances commence. You’ll sip on wines and whiskeys of your choice.

The ambiance is phenomenal. The performances usually focus on 1920s jazz and dressing up is encouraged if you happened to remember your flapper dress when you packed! There is a €10 entrance fee which goes toward contribution for the performers.

After the jazz, le Caveau de la Huchette puts on additional live swing and rock shows that run into the early hours of the morning.

2. Le Piano Vache in the Latin Quarter

8 Rue Laplace

Every evening, aside from Sundays, le Piano Vache invites patrons inside for an evening of live music and cheap drinks.

It is a favorite amongst both the students and residents of the Latin Quarter. The crowd is always a well balanced mix of both young and old.

Le Piano Vache – by Le Piano Vache – Sourced from their website

The performances are mostly jazz, blues and classic rock. Customers in le Piano Vache drink beer on tap and converse in low tones so as to not drown out the performers.

Monday evenings are reserved strictly for jazz. The music begins at 9:30 sharp and there is no cover charge. You’ll have to get there early if you want to get a seat, otherwise you’ll have to swipe one during the musician breaks.

If you`re exploring the Latin Quarter and want more insights into its fascinating stories, join our free tip-only walking tour for an enriching experience.

3. Castor Club in the Latin Quarter

14 Rue Hautefeuille

Not far from the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore is this classy little joint known as the Castor Club.

In the Latin Quarter, most establishments welcome patrons in attire worn throughout a full day of exploration. It’s a common practice to unwind with a drink in the LQ after participating in a free guided walking tour of Le Marais or the nearby neighborhoods.

Castor Club – by Castor Club – Sourced from their website

This bar, however, values self preservation and you’ll want to put some effort into your night out here. It’s got the feel of a up-market Parisian speakeasy.

Crafted cocktails are the menu headliner here and the mixologists are very, very good. They’ll set you back a hefty €14 per drink, non-alcoholic cocktails will cost €9.

Dancing in the bar is encouraged. The genre of music depends on the night; sometimes 80s, sometimes country, sometimes even house. Luck of the day!

4. Caveau des Oubliettes in the Latin Quarter

52 Rue Galande

Not far from our first medieval jazz dungeon up near the Seine, we bring you another medieval jazz dungeon.

The Caveau des Oubliettes hosts nightly jazz performances off of a little stage in the back of the cave. There is no entrance fee for the performances but all customers are expected to purchase a drink upon arrival. Ratio is one drink per seat minimum.

Caveau des Oubliettes – by Caveau des Oubliettes – Uploaded by them

Performances here range between English, French, Portuguese and occasionally Spanish. It’s a great way of involving everyone in the music.

The bar doesn’t open on Mondays, but the rest of the week they are usually open until 3am. When the bars in le Marais start to close up at 2, simply cross over the river and find your way here instead!

Dress is smart-casual; nothing too fancy but effort is appreciated.

5. Le Requin Chagrin in the Latin Quarter

10 Rue Mouffetard

Le Requin Chagrin is a pub deep into the Latin Quarter just west of Paris’ Botanical Gardens.

The pub is open daily. It is loved by the locals of the Latin Quarter because it is open until 5am on Fridays and Saturdays, however it is usually only the locals who know this.

During happy hour you’ll enjoy beers for around €5. Cocktails during this hour are more reasonably priced too, regular prices can be seen as steep considering this is a student town.

Le Requin Chagrin – by Le Requin Chagrin – Uploaded by them

Le Requin Chagrin is a popular spot for after work drinks for the locals of the Left Bank. There’s not a night of the week where there isn’t a vibe in this pub; good music, exciting conversation and new acquaintances being made.

They open door policy allows you to “come as you are”, whether you’re dressed for a night on the town or you’ve been walking Paris all day and it shows, you’re welcome in le Requin Chagrin.

They also make a great plate of bar snacks — take note!