Paris has one of the largest populations of English-speaking transplants around. Many are travellers tired of their home country, professionals placed there by their company, or creatives who have been coming to Paris and seeking inspiration since the literary and artistic migration of the Lost Generation in the early 1900s. And with enough history to spend a lifetime exploring, it’s energetic culture, and decadent nightlife, it’s no wonder why they stay.
But life on the other end of the pond can be lonely – fortunately, with such high numbers of expatriates and travellers alike, dozens of watering holes have popped up where lost souls can come together. Whether you are an expat yourself, or a traveller simply looking to drink in the company of some English speakers here are a few of the best expat bars in Paris.
The Highlander
Hiding under an unassuming façade down a side-alley in Saint Germain, The Highlander is an authentic Scottish Bar known for its frothy dark beers, selection of fine whiskeys, and welcoming atmosphere. Rugby and soccer constantly play on the flat screens, and the place brings in a crowd of locals and visitors during the big games. The real attraction, however, is the cellar of The Highlander, where you’ll feel like William Wallace preparing for battle upon entering. The walls are adorned with ancient swords and shields, and it’s not uncommon to see the occasional kilt while there. The cellar, including a dance floor, is open till 5am, so it’s always lively with travellers and expats late into the night.
The Lions
Located in Les Halles, The Lions is a laid-back pub known as the place to be for English sporting fans. Flags of teams and countries are mounted on the walls amidst the numerous trophies, but the large televisions easily distract the bar’s residents. The busy Rue Montmarte is right out front, which makes for great spectating when a game isn’t on. The crowd here is a bit older, with regulars occupying the stools, but only until the weekend comes and the Jäger-bomb specials come out. If you still aren’t feeling at home, head into the basement for a game of billiards or darts.
O’Sullivans by the Mill
Travellers to Paris soon realize that the locals here drink sociably and respectably, even if it is with an entire bottle of wine. But for those nights when you just need to drink to get drunk, there’s no better booze-fest in Paris than O’Sullivans by the Mill. The Mill, of course, refers to the iconic mill atop the Moulin Rouge right next door. Located in the heart of Paris’s Red Light District (the abundance of shady strip clubs and sex shops will give it away) known for its risqué nightlife, and with an excess of hostels in easy walking distance, O’Sullivans is an Irish pub on steroids, attracting all the visiting English partygoers around. The crowd is rowdy, the space is huge, and a giant back room hosts live music on the weekends. Whether just visiting or long time residents, people know to come by the Mill for a good old drunken time.
The Great Canadian Pub
Well, the name is pretty self-explanatory. The Great Canadian Pub is ground zero for nostalgic Canadian’s looking for a frothy Moosehead on tap, a plate of poutine, and all the hockey their maple-leaf shaped hearts can handle. Nestled into the popular Saint-Michel region, the pub is more than just a Canadian hangout, despite what the signed jerseys and national paraphernalia on the walls would have you believe. The crowds are full of expats and young travellers of all sorts looking for a home away from home. The televisions will even switch from hockey to NFL, MLB, and NBA games, much to the delight of their American neighbors.
Frog and Princess Pub
The trendy and always-buzzing Frog and Princess Pub has the feel of an English sports bar through and through. Towering casks behind the bar brew the bar’s own beers, and numerous televisions bring in all sorts of English-speaking fans to cheer on their home teams. Expats missing a home-style meal come here for the wings, nachos, and burgers, and stay for the young and lively climate. With student nights, themed parties, and happy hours, the Frog and Princess is worth visiting whether you’re just passing through or looking for a place to call your haunt.
While you’re in Paris, check-in in one of our hostels here.
By Party Earth
