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Paris Bars

It's not quite an alcoholics paradise but Paris has a multiude of bars, pubs and cafes. The French like to drink and lets face it, when it comes to style, cuisine and drink the French do it pretty well.

Paris is a great place to sample a glass of superb wine, hang out and people watch. There's lots to do and see here where you'll be able to find curios and decent bars and eateries practically anywhere.

To find those special places, it's always worth poking around the smaller streets for culinary gems - don't be afraid to get off the beaten path but for those who like to plan, we've provided a selection of treats for you to sample.

Bars in Paris

The Lizard Lounge: [18 rue du Bourg-Tibourg 4th Mº Hôtel-de-Ville 01 4272 8134] A cool urban and stylish bar that starts late and ends with dancing on the tables downstairs. It has a very international feel to it which is refelcted in the clientele. A host of DJ's and a great selection of cheap cocktails will ensure that you'll be shaking your thang all night. [Open Mon - Sun 12am-2am]

Hotel Costes: [239 rue St-Honore 01 4244 5000] Inspired a number of very cool and ambient compilations from some of the world's best DJ's. It's not cheap but you certainly get your money's worth at this lounge lizard's bar. Dark velvet, lots of opulence and plenty of intimacy make this Jacque Garcia designed hotel still one of THE places to hang out in Paris. [Open Mon - Sun 19.00 - 02.00]

Buddha Bar: [8 Rue Boissy d' Anglais M. Concorde 01 53 05 90 00] Who doesn't come to Paris and not visit the famous Buddha Bar. Famed for a huge Buddha that dominates the floor space, this bar is a great place to have a drink and sample some of the excellent food from the modern menu. Very trendy and a popular haunt with drinkers and diners alike.

Man Ray: [34 Rue Marboeuf 01 5688 3636] A huge restaurant/bar full of golden Buddahs, Chinese lanterns and Oriental antiques. Lots beautiful people go to Man Ray but it's not arrogant or pretentious. Jonny Depp and Sean Penn are part owners and you won't feel start-struck by going to this Champs-Elysées bar. Great food, cool tunes and live jazz each evening in the Mezzanine bar. [Open Mon - Sun 19.00 - 02.00]

Bound Bar: [49-51 avenue George V, 8th Mº George V 01 5367 8460] This bar used to be called Barfly for those getting alittle confused. Just round the corner from May Ray, this Champ-Elysees bar is a mixute between a New York style bar and a chic Paris cafe. You get a young cool crowd coming here and there's an exclusive ambience that makes you feel part of the club.

Fu Bar: [5 Rue St-Sulpice 6th Arroindesment 01 4051 8200] Located right in the heart of St Germain , this cool spot is easy to miss - small and compact but packing a great punch. Strong cocktails, a friendly local crowd and great music make this unpretentious place a winner everytime.

Le Cabaret: [2 Place du Palais Royal 01 58 625 625] Designed by Jacques Garcia, the same hand that build the Hotel Coste. With a hip Arabic and North African decor, regulars get to sample cocktails while relaxing on low cushioned beds in low-ceiling alcoves. This is where the Parisian beauties go - not only is the African art worth a look at but the clientele are quite an eye full too. With a strict door policy that even President Bush is jealous of, it's not easy to get through the door but once in, enjoy the experience. [Open Mon - Sat 19.00 - 06.00]