Hidden Bar Paris : A Secret Speakeasy Inside a Cinema

7 Avenue de Clichy, Paris 17th — 1st floor of the Cinéma des Cinéastes

The Hidden Bar Paris Locals Keep to Themselves

You won’t find this one on the tourist trail. Tucked away on the first floor of a working cinema — the Cinéma des Cinéastes — Le Bistrot des Cinéastes is the kind of place Parisians discover by accident and never tell anyone about.

Push through the cinema lobby, follow the discreet staircase marked by a glowing BAR neon sign, and step into another world entirely.

A Speakeasy in Paris, Steps from Montmartre & Pigalle

Perfectly positioned for explorers. Le Bistrot des Cinéastes sits at the crossroads of three of Paris’ most iconic neighbourhoods — a 10-minute walk from the bohemian streets of Montmartre, steps away from the vibrant nightlife of Pigalle, and right in the heart of the increasingly fashionable Batignolles district. Place de Clichy is your landmark : one of those quintessentially Parisian squares that locals actually use.

The perfect base for an evening that starts with cocktails and ends… well, whenever you feel like it.

The Décor — Welcome to Méliès' World

Step inside and you’ll immediately feel it : this is not your average Parisian bar.

The interior pays homage to Georges Méliès, the pioneering French filmmaker and magician. Dreamlike murals by artist Tofdru cover the walls in surrealist scenes. Warm lighting, vintage furniture sourced from flea markets, and a beautiful marble bar counter create an atmosphere that feels simultaneously cinematic and deeply intimate.

It’s the kind of place where you sink into a velvet sofa, look around, and think : « How did I not know this existed ? »

A Building With a Story

The address at 7 Avenue de Clichy has been hosting Parisians since 1765 — first as a guinguette (a traditional open-air tavern), then as the celebrated Cabaret du Père Lathuille, immortalized in paint by Édouard Manet. It later became the Music-Hall Le Kursaal before transforming into a cinema in 1930.

Seven generations have passed through these walls. The spirit hasn’t changed : people come here to eat well, have fun, and dance.

The Cocktails

Serious cocktails. That’s the promise — and our bartenders deliver.

Choose from around twenty signature creations, from 11€ : the Basil Smash with Citadelle Gin, a fiery Spicy Margarita, the delicate Pearl Harbour with ginger and pear, or the Fraise Fiction with strawberry and griottines. Non-drinkers are equally well looked after — our mocktails are crafted with the same care as everything else.

Wine lovers will find a carefully curated selection of independent French producers and natural wines. Nothing industrial. Everything chosen with intent.

The Food

Real food, made in-house, every night.

Our kitchen turns out generous sharing plates designed to be ordered again and again throughout the evening. Guacamole, hummus with za’atar, duck terrine with piquillos, Iberian charcuterie boards, chicken gyoza… alongside proper mains : red lentil dahl with coconut milk, black pudding gratin with truffle cream, artichoke pizzetta with house-made pesto.

Average spend : 40-50€ per person including drinks.

More Than Just a Paris Cocktail Bar

Some evenings, the venue transforms into something else entirely. DJ sets, live concerts, themed music blind tests, live karaoke nights, exclusive film previews followed by Q&As with directors and actors…

The cinema DNA runs deep here. Check the agenda before you visit — you might stumble onto something special. Check the agenda before you visit.

How to Find Us

We’re not on the ground floor — that’s part of the charm.

Enter the Cinéma des Cinéastes lobby, take the discreet staircase on your left marked with a neon BAR sign. No password required.

Address : 7 Avenue de Clichy, 75017 Paris — Place de Clichy

Metro : Place de Clichy (lines 2 & 13)

Opening hours : Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm – midnight. Closed Sunday & Monday.

Reservations : Recommended for groups. Walk-ins welcome, subject to availability. Some evenings the venue is privately booked — always check our agenda before visiting to make sure we’re open.

Phone : +33 9 67 55 40 34

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a password to enter Le Bistrot des Cinéastes?

No password, no secret knock. The only « secret » is knowing where to look: enter the Cinéma des Cinéastes lobby, spot the neon BAR sign, and head upstairs. Anyone can walk in — that’s what makes it special.

Is it really a hidden bar in Paris?

Technically yes. There’s no street-level entrance, no sign on the facade, and no window onto Avenue de Clichy. You access the bar through a working cinema lobby and up a discreet staircase. Most people walk past without ever knowing it exists.

How far is Le Bistrot des Cinéastes from Montmartre?

About 10 minutes on foot. Take the metro to Place de Clichy (lines 2 & 13) — you’re also walking distance from Pigalle, the Sacré-Cœur, and the Batignolles neighbourhood.

Do I need a reservation?

Walk-ins are welcome. For groups of 6 or more, a reservation is recommended. Important: some evenings the venue is fully privatised for private events — always check the agenda before you visit to confirm we’re open.

Is Le Bistrot des Cinéastes good for a date in Paris?

It’s one of the best spots in Paris for exactly that. Low lighting, velvet sofas, intimate corners, strong cocktails, and a setting that feels genuinely cinematic. It works every time.

Can I visit without seeing a film at the cinema?

Absolutely. The bar is completely independent from the cinema. You walk through the lobby to access the staircase, but no ticket required.