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Opening and closing hours
In Paris and across France, restrictions on opening hours vary according to the kind of establishment that might serve drinks. As a summary:
- Most restaurants and cafés may open as early as 8am and stay open until as late as 2am. However, they may serve alcoholic drinks and small desserts or pastries in that time.
- Bars may open in the morning and stay open as late as 2am. If they are in a residential neighborhood, they may have additional restrictions such as be required to turn off the music, or close their doors earlier.
- Discos and clubs generally open between 10-11pm and stay open until 6-7am.
In French, a “nuit blanche” refers to spending the whole night partying, rather than going home to sleep.
Is drinking in public is allowed?
Picnics and drinking in public is legal in Paris and in larger cities across France, but some restrictions apply. In most parks and public spaces, alcohol is only allowed until 9 pm due to noise laws.
