Le Connétable

This is one of Time Out's 100 best bars in Paris. Click here to see the full list.

Landlord! A pitcher of your finest ale! Given that a connétable was an Earl in charge of the royal stables, you half expect this place to turn out to be a Middle-Ages-themed tavern in the heart of the Marais. Which isn’t too far from the truth: this characterful bar with its exposed beams is set in the former mansion of the Cardinal du Retz, and is the HQ of night owls of all ages. Nightly gigs, courtesy of small groups of French singers, draw in the crowds; once inside, the atmosphere will keep you pinned to your seat as your tab racks up.

During the day, the Connétable is a different entity entirely: a chic Marais restaurant, where you don’t just roar in looking for a drink. While the upstairs dining room is open, the atmosphere is hushed and the clientele senior. In the purest tradition of French cuisine, the menu is mostly good meat and fish (sliced turkey with ceps, for example), generously accompanied by sautéed potatoes with garlic and good robust wines – come here to enjoy good quality local products that value good taste over good health.

The bill stings slightly, but is still reasonable for the area.