private groupe explore hidden bars & speakeasies in Paris

Secret doors, good drinks, no guesswork. This private Paris bar tour takes you to two underground-style venues in the Temple area, with a host leading the way through secret entrances, cocktail menus, and the stories behind each place. I like the private format, since your group can set the pace and shape the evening around your tastes.

I also like the easy two-stop plan. You walk about 10 minutes to the first bar, spend roughly an hour there, then walk another 10 minutes to a second speakeasy known for calm energy and unusual cocktails. The main drawback is the short two-hour schedule, which leaves little time if you want a slow dinner, long conversations, or more than two drinks.

The host adds real value here. Nel has been praised for making groups feel welcome, helping them get their bearings in Paris, and keeping the mood relaxed. You choose from the menus, so you are not locked into a drink you may not enjoy.

Key details to know before you book

• Two bars in about two hours: The evening includes one bar reached through a secret passage and a second speakeasy with a laid-back mood and distinctive cocktails.
• A private group experience: Only your party takes part, making it easier to ask questions, move at your own pace, and choose drinks that suit you.
• Short, manageable walks: Each walk is about 10 minutes from the meeting point or first bar, so the tour does not depend on long city walks.
• Drinks beyond cocktails: Both venues offer cocktails, beer, soft drinks, music, and a social atmosphere.
• Flexible for different groups: Solo visitors, couples, friends, families, older participants, non-drinkers, vegans, and LGBTQ+ visitors are welcome.
• Useful local advice: Your host can offer personalized recommendations for the rest of your Paris stay.

Starting near the Temple district at 6 PM

The tour begins at Shideler, Gregory, at 2 Boulevard du Temple in the 11th arrondissement. The meeting time is set for 6 PM, with the activity scheduled to finish around 8 PM at the same spot.

That location matters. You are not being asked to cross Paris from a major sightseeing area just to reach the first drink. The meeting point is near public transportation, making it practical to reach by Metro or another city connection. Still, give yourself enough time to find 2 Boulevard du Temple. Paris addresses can be confusing when you are rushing, especially if you are meeting friends and checking a phone at the same time.

The evening begins with a walk of about 10 minutes to the first bar. This is a useful part of the experience, not wasted time. Your host leads, so you do not need to study a map, search for an unmarked entrance, or worry about taking a wrong turn in the dark.

The walking distance is also modest enough for most people who are comfortable walking around central Paris. If you have mobility concerns, it is sensible to contact the company before booking, since the tour includes two walks and the available details do not specify step-free access.

Finding the first bar through a secret passage

The first stop is reached through a secret passageway. That small bit of theater is central to the appeal. You are not simply walking into a clearly marked bar, ordering a drink, and leaving. The entrance gives the first stop a sense of discovery without requiring you to solve a puzzle or navigate the city alone.

You spend about one hour here. That should give you time to look over the menu, order a drink, and hear about the venue’s background and specialty from your host. The bar’s exact name and menu can vary, so the best approach is to arrive open to the style of the place rather than expecting a particular cocktail.

I like the way the tour handles drinks. You choose from the menu according to your taste, rather than receiving a fixed cocktail selected for everyone. That is especially helpful in a mixed group. One person can order a crafted cocktail, another can have beer, and someone else can choose a soft drink.

Non-drinkers are welcome, and that is worth taking seriously. Many bar tours quietly assume that every person wants alcohol. Here, the stated choices include soft drinks, and the company also welcomes vegans. You should still explain any dietary needs or preferences to your host, but the format gives your group room to make different choices.

The first stop also gives you time to settle into the evening. If you have just arrived in Paris, a guided drink in a characterful setting can be an easier introduction than trying to guess which bar deserves your time. You get a local point of contact, a menu to explore, and a chance to ask about the city before moving on.

Walking 10 minutes to the second speakeasy

After about an hour, you walk roughly 10 minutes to the second bar. This keeps the tour moving without turning it into a long walking route. The distance also creates a natural break between the two venues.

The second stop is described as one of the best speakeasy bars in Paris, with a chill atmosphere and very distinctive cocktails. The important point for you is the contrast. The first bar is reached through a secret passage and has its own history and specialty. The second focuses more on relaxed surroundings and unusual drinks.

Your host explains the character of both places, so the tour is not just a bar crawl with two random addresses. You learn why each venue is different and what makes its drinks or setting worth your time. The exact details depend on the bars selected for your date, but the experience is designed around two separate identities rather than one repeated format.

The second bar is likely to be the better stop for anyone who prefers conversation and a slower mood. The available description emphasizes chill vibes, though both bars also have music and a good atmosphere. If loud nightlife is your goal, this may feel too restrained. If you want a pleasant evening without racing from club to club, the pace should suit you.

Choosing drinks that fit your group

The drink element is flexible, but the price does not state that cocktails are included. At $65.06 per person, you should treat the fee as payment for the private host, planning, guidance, and access to the two-stop route, then expect to pay for drinks separately unless your booking terms say otherwise.

That distinction is important when you work out the real cost. A private two-hour experience can be good value for a couple, family, or small group that wants personal attention and an organized evening. It may feel less economical if you only want one quick drink or prefer to choose your own bars.

I see the strongest value in the guidance. Paris has no shortage of bars, but the difficult part is finding places that feel distinctive and getting through the evening without wasting time on poor choices. Your host handles the route and gives recommendations that can help you plan later nights.

The menu choice also protects you from a common problem with organized tastings. You are not forced to drink a house specialty you dislike. You can choose according to your preferences, and the options include cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks.

For vegans, non-drinkers, and mixed groups, that freedom makes the tour more practical. Couples can order differently. Friends can compare drinks. A family with an adult child can take part without treating the evening as an all-or-nothing drinking event.

A private setting with a personal pace

This is a private activity, so only your group participates. That changes the feel of the evening. You can ask more questions, pause to discuss a drink, or tell the host that you prefer a quieter setting without trying to keep up with a large crowd.

The private format is especially useful for introverts and solo visitors. A large group tour can make a bar feel like a social performance. Here, you have a host and your own companions, which can make the transition into Paris nightlife less awkward.

It also suits couples and friends who want a shared activity but do not want a rigid schedule. The pace is set around your group, within the two-hour window. You still need to arrive on time and follow the planned route, but the experience is not built around herding a large crowd through the city.

Families and older participants are explicitly welcome. That does not mean every bar will suit every age or preference, so tell the company what kind of evening you want. The provider invites you to write if you cannot find a date or time that works, and the tour can also be arranged with a host speaking French, German, or Spanish by prior contact.

The standard tour is offered in English. For many visitors, that is the simplest way to follow the stories about each venue and ask for Paris recommendations along the way.

What makes the host important

A bar tour succeeds or fails on the person leading it. The most useful host is not simply someone who knows the route. You want someone who can explain the bars, notice what your group enjoys, and help the evening feel natural.

Nel has received especially strong praise for being friendly, making the group feel welcome, and helping people get their bearings in Paris. That last point is valuable. A good host can turn a two-hour drink outing into a practical orientation to the city, especially if this is your first night.

You can ask about places to visit after the tour, areas to explore, or bars that fit the style you enjoyed. The experience includes personalized recommendations for the rest of your stay, so arrive with a few questions ready.

I would not expect a full city tour. The focus is underground bars and speakeasies, not major monuments or a detailed history of Paris. The local advice is an added benefit, not the main itinerary.

The company is woman-owned and LGBTQ+ friendly. Those details may not affect every booking, but they help signal the type of welcome the provider aims to offer. The stated approach is inclusive of solo visitors, couples, families, older participants, vegans, and non-drinkers.

Who will get the most from this Paris evening

This tour makes the most sense for you if you want an organized introduction to Paris nightlife without committing to a late night. The 6 PM start and 8 PM finish leave the rest of the evening open for dinner, a show, or a walk.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy drinks with a story. The two bars each have their own background and specialty, and the host explains what makes them different. You get context instead of simply collecting addresses.

You should consider it if:

• You prefer a private experience to a large group.
• You want a host to lead the route.
• You enjoy choosing from a menu rather than receiving a fixed tasting.
• Your group includes drinkers and non-drinkers.
• You want local bar suggestions for later in the trip.
• You like unusual entrances, calm atmospheres, and crafted cocktails.

It may not suit you if you want a long, late-night crawl. Two hours passes quickly, and the itinerary includes only two bars. It may also disappoint if you expect all drinks to be covered by the $65.06 price, so confirm that point before booking.

Timing, cancellation, and practical planning

The tour operates Monday through Sunday from 6 PM to 8 PM during the published operating period, which runs from April 26, 2023, through March 12, 2027. The duration is approximate, so allow a little flexibility around the end time.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is near public transportation. The tour requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation is possible if that minimum is not met. In that case, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off follows Paris local time.

I would book this early if the 6 PM slot is important to your dinner plans. If your schedule is uncertain, keep the cancellation rule in mind and avoid waiting until the last day to make changes.

Should you book this private speakeasy tour?

I would book it if you want a friendly, low-pressure way to find two unusual Paris bars and receive useful local advice along the way. The strongest points are the private setting, the short walks, the freedom to choose your drink, and the host’s personal guidance.

At $65.06 per person, the value depends on what you want from a night out. You are paying for more than two bar addresses, but you should budget separately for drinks unless told otherwise. The experience is best for people who value ease, atmosphere, and a bit of secret-door fun over a long night of bar hopping.

Skip it if you already know Paris nightlife well or prefer to choose every stop yourself. Book it if you want someone else to handle the route, introduce you to two distinctive venues, and help you get your bearings fast during your first evenings in the city.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at Shideler, Gregory, 2 Boulevard du Temple, 75011 Paris, France.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the tour run?

The scheduled time is 6 PM to 8 PM, Monday through Sunday, during the published operating period.

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in this activity.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The standard tour is offered in English. French, German, and Spanish can be arranged by contacting the company.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $65.06 per person.

Are non-drinkers and vegans welcome?

Yes. The experience welcomes non-drinkers and vegans, and the bars offer soft drinks as well as cocktails and beer.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted or refunded.