As the evening draws in the Paris streets upturn you. Even in summer you’ll be seduced by the smaller, narrower alleys with the warm twinkly lights. It’s time to stop meandering and for your space to become smaller. As you came to Paris to enjoy yourself it’s about time we found those tantalising after dark spots to eat, drink and snog. 

l'aperitif

Harry’s New York Bar; It’s dark exterior on Rue Daunou – 75002 belies the treat that’s inside- an old fashioned martini bar lined with red leather banquettes, ancient bar tenders in white coats stirring up perfect cocktails in grown up glassware. This is for those nights that you’re beginning to tingle with excitement.

La Perla on 26 rue Francois miron 75004: Kick things off at their happy hour from 5-8pm for half price margaritas and nachos. With large windows and outside tables, the post work buzz here spills out onto the streets with potent tequila mixing with cigarette smoke, small dogs and end of day bustle. I love it. It is also two min walk from my favourite haunt...

Restaurants 

Robert et Louise - rue vielle du temples marais 75003   - my ultimate spot- round the corner from La Perla. Ask for a table near the fire, they cook traditional snails and steak using wood fires and serve with the most scrumptious fried baby potatoes and dressed green salad. Some of the greatest food in Paris and certainly the most fun atmosphere.

I don't feel like I'm in Paris until I have eaten here.

Aux Lyonnaise- This is Alain Ducasse’s version of a traditional bistrot. And maybe the only affordable way to eat Alain Ducasse food- try the coddled egg with griolles, from the vintage champagne posters to the heavy linen and tiled walls, luxuriate in the how flippin *French* you feel right now.

Le Comptoir De La Gastronomie- 34 rue Montmartre 75001 metro  - this place is tiny, very foie gras led, it is part shop so you can select a glimmering painted tin of fois gras or jar of truffles to take home with you.

Bars 

Au Petit Fer a Cheval rue vile du temple - a cosy bustling wine bar with doors flung open onto the uneven pavement and a dramatic candelabra feature - try and nab a seat at the old zinc bar and have a glass of red then stroll the whole length of the street as Paris begins to trip into post dinner revelry.

Experimental Cocktail Club 37 rue saint sauveur    75002 A speakeasy cocktail bar which, although open for a while now, still feels achingly cool. The darkest bar I’ve ever been to, swathed in red velvet curtains and loud music and serving the best cocktails in Paris. Only naughtiness can happen here, and after midnight the atmosphere is shamelessly decadent.

Dirty Dicks 10 rue frochet 75009: A late night Tiki bar, tacky décor and always packed to the rafters. Deliciously moreish drinks that are far too strong for this time of night, but what the hell, you’re in Paris. Have another one, then go sleep it off till tomorrow.