Understated wine bars and pubs with unexpectedly comprehensive selections of the finest beers and whiskies in idyllic little towns or art clubs offering alternative sounds on the dance floor. It’s a region of contrasts and surprising nights out you won’t forget. Here are the six best places to start.
la queue du coq
Captain Pub
Not just another Irish pub in France, this is the go-to place if you want a vast selection of top quality beers and whiskies with a picture postcard location.
Bar Le 365
Grown-up but not overly chichi. An excellent night out of fine wine and good conversation. Ask to try some lesser known regional wines. You won't regret it.
Doudonne Club
If it wasn’t for the snow on the boots of some of the guests, the electric party atmosphere in La Doudoune could make you forget you were in the heart of Val D’Isere. Decked out in full circus finery, this all-night spot is fuelled by a buzzing, dynamic energy, and regularly boasts sets from some of the best DJs in the world, including David Guetta, Pete Tong and Roger Sanchez. For a serious rave-up in a remarkably classy establishment, it is hard to beat. Open daily 11pm to 6am.
O'Cardinal'S
The Frenchiest ‘Irish’ pub you are ever likely to discover, the delightfully named O’Cardinal’s is a joyful and welcoming place. In a picturesque location hidden in the shade of the cathedral, O’Cardinal’s has a fantastic selection of beers on tap, as well as a surprisingly good list of wines by the glass. The food is tasty and fairly priced, and the ambiance is warm and relaxing. Open Monday 3:30pm to 1:30am, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 1:30am, and Sunday 4:30pm to 12am.