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When it comes to enjoying a glass of champagne in Paris, there are few cities in the world that can compete with the sheer number and variety of options available. Whether you're looking for an elegant champagne bar, a cozy wine cellar, or a trendy rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city, Paris has it all.
To uncover the city of light's hidden champagne gems, we asked the advice of local of 30 years: Cynthia Coutu. Cynthia is the founder of Delectabulles, a champagne networking club for women, hosts champagne workshops in Paris, judges wine contests, and takes lucky guests on insider tours of Champagne. She is passionate about supporting women winemakers, and sharing the stories of hte region's trailblazers throughout the years.
Here is a list of her most memorable places in La Capitale.
Le Dokhan's
117 Rue Lauriston, 75116 Paris
+33 1 53 65 66 99
Open every day from 18-24h.
https://www.hotelledokhansparis.com/le-dokhans-bar
Very elegant hotel bar within the iconic Dokhan's hotel in the 16th arondissment. So iconic, it even has a Louis Vuitton elevator. The candlelit bar is furnished with cozy plush velvet chairs. It is the very first champagne bar in Paris and has the most extensive selection of champagnes: 240 - from small grower champagne producers to famous big houses, all listed by sub-region!
Cynthia's recommendation: opt for their weekly selection of 3 champagnes by the glass and getting dressed up. Go with someone who appreciates the finer things in life. Enjoy the caviar or foie gras with your champagne.
L’Afterbulles
35 Rue de l'Espérance, 75013 Paris +33 1 77 35 11 10 Open from 18-21h on Fridays and Saturdays. www.vinissime.fr/afterbulles.php
Off-the-beaten path in a part of Paris that has a small village vibe. This bar is specialised in grower champagne. Laid back leather chairs. They host jazz concerts every second Saturday and brunches every other Sunday. Philippe, the co-owner, who created the champagne list for Le Dokhans, speaks a gazillion languages and is quite the character. He will greet you with arms wide open.
Cynthia's recommendation: Go with your best mate. Wear jeans. Order a plate of charcuterie to enjoy with your champagne.
Canard et Champagne
57 Passage des Panoramas, 75002 Paris +33 9 83 30 06 86 Open every day from 12-14h for lunch and 19-12 for dinner. Also possible to go for brunch or just drinks. www.frenchparadox.paris
This restaurant is tucked away in a charming passage and specialises in duck and champagne. This is my very favourite place to eat! They have a limited selection by the glass, but great selection of organic and biodynamic bottles.
Cynthia's recommendation: Go with a foodie and dress casual.
Caves Legrand Filles et Fils
1, rue de la Banque 75002 Paris +33 1 42 60 07 12 Open Monday from 11-19h, Tuesday to Saturday from 10-19:30. www.caves-legrand.com
An amazing wine boutique with hard-to-find champagne bottles. They even sell Selosse! I know because I broke a bottle there! Bar and restaurant for light lunch in beautiful passage.
Cynthia's recommendation: Go with a champagne geek.
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Hotel Pullman Eiffel Tower
22 Rue Jean Rey, 75015 Paris
+33 1 44 38 57 77 Open everyday for lunch and dinner, and for brunch on Sundays. www.pullmanparistoureiffel.fr/en/le-restaurant
A modern brasserie on one of the top floors of the Pullman hotel. Although it has a very limited selection of champagne, you can sip your glass with the most amazing view of the Eiffel Tower.
Cynthia's recommendation: Go on the early side when the weather is nice, ask for a table on the terrace, bring someone who likes taking selfies!
About Cynthia
Cynthia Coutu is Canadian and has been living in Paris for over 30 years. She obtained a B.A. in Fine Arts (Photography) in Canada, then came to France to do a Masters in Art History at the Sorbonne. Her love of wine and cheese kept her in France.
After working at the Canadian Embassy in France and the OECD for 20 years managing their digital communications, she hung up her international civil servant hat and pursued her passion. She studied wine at L’Académie du Vin and L’École du Vin, and is certified Wine and Spirits Education Trust Level 3 with Merit. She then specialised in champagne - the king of wines and the wines of kings!
She founded Delectabulles in 2017, a champagne networking club for women. She hosts champagne workshops in Paris, judges wine contests, and loves taking people to visit her favourite producers in Champagne. She only uses champagnes made by women, and only takes guests to visit champagne houses where women play an important role. It is her small way of supporting women in the male-dominated wine industry.
She has be mentioned in Le Monde, New York Times and Paris Match. She was also voted "Best Wine Tasting in Paris" by Expatriates Magazine, “Best Wine Experience in Paris” by Travel and Hospitality Awards, "Wine Expert of the Year” by Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards, and Top 50 Wine Experiences in the World by The Wine Magazine. She is currently researching the role of women in the history of Champagne for a book project.
Connect with Cynthia on instagram or through www.delectabulles.com/en/
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