Ahh, midnight in
Paris. No, this isn't about the 2011 fantasy-comedy film directed by Woody Allen. This is about the actual city of Paris and what to do when it's midnight. The French capital is known for its nightlife as much as it is for its fashion, food, and art. Even as the clock strikes 12, you can still go around and have a good time. But if partying in the clubs isn't your thing, you can always take a night cruise along the Seine River, for example. Perhaps check out Pigalle's red-light district too. You can also head to Île de la Cité and see its stunning churches at night!
Pigalle
Pigalle is for a certain kind of night owl in Paris. Though the district itself is nice, it's rather infamous too. Why? Because
Pigalle is the red-light district of Paris. Even though the world-famous Moulin Rouge is here, the iconic cabaret is surrounded by sex shops, brothels, and more. If you're one to explore the erotic side of the French capital, then Pigalle is your spot. As long as you're of legal age, you're free to discover the sexier side of one of the world's most romantic cities. What a midnight adventure that will be!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Seine River
Can you hang out by the Seine River at midnight in Paris? Technically yes, you can! For one thing, the city offers a multitude of midnight cruises on the Seine. It's a great romantic activity to do with your special someone, especially if you're spending
Valentine's Day in Paris. At the same time, you're also free to roam and hang out by the banks of the river. During the day, these are the perfect spots to just chill, perhaps have a picnic, and enjoy a free date in the city. At night, you can go on a midnight stroll too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Île de la Cité
Île de la Cité is an underrated part of Paris. It's ironic too, since this is where you'll find one of the most iconic sights of the city: Notre Dame. Not a lot of people realize that the world-famous church is located on a separate island on the Seine. It's just that Île de la Cité is easy to get to so it doesn't feel like you're venturing off into an island. Fortunately, many hotspots here remain open even at midnight in Paris. You can even visit the island's beloved churches, including the stunning Sainte Chapelle, at night. It's a hauntingly beautiful experience you won't soon forget!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Le Marais
As the trendiest district of Paris,
Le Marais is another of the best spots to spend midnight in Paris. The entire neighborhood is a treasure trove of nightlife hotspots, each more vibrant than the next. Bistros stay open as late as the next morning, serving haute cuisine to those who require a midnight snack. The same for cafes too, and they even serve coffee to perk the sleepy night owls up! Don't miss the nightclubs too, specifically the gay clubs in Paris since this is the “gayborhood” of the city. They play the best pop music, put on
exciting drag shows, and more.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Au Pied de Cochon
From this point on, this list will highlight a few noteworthy culinary hotspots that stay open even beyond midnight in Paris. First up is Au Pied de Cochon on Rue Coquillière in the
1st arrondissement of Paris. Parisian night owls know to flock to this specific restaurant when they're still hungry after dark. Au Pied de Cochon is the first Paris restaurant to stay open at night. Imagine waiting for the clock to strike 12 with a hearty plate of a veal steak, foie gras, and mashed potatoes with black truffle. Sounds like a great place to spend New Year's Eve, doesn't it?
Source: Au Pied de Cochon Facebook Page/ © Julien Mouffron-Gardner
La Maison de l’Aubrac
Another great restaurant in Paris that stays open at midnight is La Maison de l’Aubrac on Rue Marbeuf. Located only a hop and a skip away from the chic
Champs-Elysées, you can already expect a first-class culinary experience. Haute cuisine is the name of the game here at La Maison de l’Aubrac, after all. They serve the infamous escargot, for example, but cook it so well, you'd hardly remember that you're eating snails. Their fried aligot truffle croquettes are to die for too, especially since they're as authentic as the ones made in the L'Aubrac region, where the dish came from.
Source: La Maison de l’Aubrac Facebook Page.
Le Café Louise
Among the myriad of cafes in Paris out there, Le Café Louise is one of the best for a midnight snack. Located on the ever-popular Boulevard Saint-Germain in the
6th arrondissement, the cafe stays crowded well into the night. You'd think it was a cocktail bar or nightclub or something! The place serves exceptional French cuisine, after all. Think lobster dishes, mouthwatering quiches, Niçoise salads, and more. Paired with their finest wines, you're guaranteed a Paris-worthy meal no matter how late it is. Of course, there's still some coffee to keep you awake too!
Source: Le Café Louise St Germain des Prés PARIS Facebook Page
If you want to spend midnight in Paris, you have to know the best hotspots that are open at this time. They range from lively neighborhoods with awesome nightlife to chic restaurants that serve all night long!
