For Free - Paris - page 129

NEED TO KNOW
Tiered Pricing
Drinking in Paris essentially means paying the rent for the space you take up. So it
costs more to sit at a table than to stand at the counter, more for coveted terrace seats,
more on a fancy square than a backstreet, more in the 8e than the 18e.
Average Costs
A coffee starts at around €2, a glass of wine from around €3.50, a cocktail generally
costs €8 to €15 and a demi (half-pint) of beer between €3.50 and €7. In clubs and chic
bars, prices can easily be double this. Admission to clubs is free to around €20 and is
often cheaper before 1am.
Happy 'Hour'
Most mainstream bars and international-styled pubs have a 'happy hour' - called just
that (no French translation) - which ushers in reduced-price drinks for a good two or
three hours, usually between 5pm and 9pm.
Closing Times
Closing time for cafes and bars tends to be 2am, though some have licences until dawn.
Club hours vary depending on the venue, day and event.
Top Tips
Arrive early: come 10pm many cafes apply a pricier night rate.
Although most places serve at least small plates (often full menus), it's normally fine to
order a coffee or alcohol if you're not dining.
The French rarely go drunk-wild and tend to frown upon it.
Coffee Decoded
Un café A single shot of espresso.
Un café allongé An espresso lengthened with hot water (usually, but not always,
served separately).
Un café au lait A coffee with milk.