Want to celebrate a birthday, graduation, end of an exam, or just get together with friends? You’ve come to the right place! Here are my top destinations in France for partygoers.
Paris
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Bars and nightclubs ★★★★★ 5/5
Activities ★★★★★ 5/5
Atmosphere ★★★★☆ 4/5
Cost ★☆☆☆☆ 1/5
When it comes to partying and having a good time with friends, there is no better place than Paris, where there are so many activities and outings to choose from that you won’t know which to begin with.
The number of districts where you can spend the best evenings is no less than the number of parties.
The Marais, Oberkampf, Pigalle and Châtelet areas are all major places in the city, and many trendy restaurants and bars can be found there. The reputation of the festive, young and relaxed atmosphere of these places is not to be denied. From the best restaurants to the best bars, you will spend excellent evenings there.
The rue Mouffetard and the districts of Saint–Michel, Saint Germain, Bastille and Mabillon are also perfect places for parties with friends. Here, you can find the most exciting clubs and bars in Paris. With our list of quirky bars in Paris, we can assure you an amazing evening.
To diversify your vacation, Paris does not lack activities: axe throwing (in French) for those looking for quirky activities, an arcade for a return to childhood, or simply an escape game.
You can even visit the most famous monuments of Paris and enjoy a stroll around the city for a little more relaxation during your vacation: the Eiffel Tower, the Champs–Elysées, or Montmartre are all waiting for you.
You are guaranteed to have a wonderful vacation in Paris with your friends, whichever way you look at it.
Lyon
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Bars and nightclubs ★★★★★ 5/5
Activities ★★★★☆ 4/5
Atmosphere ★★★★★ 5/5
Cost ★★☆☆☆ 2/5
In Lyon, you won’t lack anything for a vacation with buddies; especially not bars and clubs.
The Quartier Saint-Paul is a must for partygoers. There is a high concentration of bars, concert halls and nightclubs, which is perfect for partygoers. The Ninkasi gathers all these characteristics: you will be able to attend concerts in a festive and cozy atmosphere.
The Guillotière and Croix Rousse districts are also ideal for big parties with friends. These two districts, which are popular among students, are animated all night long. The friendliness is well known, and the atmosphere will make you spend the best evenings there.
Regarding activities, Lyon has nothing to be ashamed of compared to Paris.
Take some time during the day or evening to explore Lyon; it has a lot in store for you. A bike ride or a walk in the city, from the banks of the Rhône to the old town of Lyon, is truly worth it. We also recommend that you visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière which is an architectural gem.
You can also enjoy the many arcades (in French), and why not try an archery session (in French) for the more athletic of you.
This is the perfect place to combine nightlife with activities, offering you a great vacation.
Marseille
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Bars and nightclubs ★★★★★ 5/5
Activities ★★★★★ 5/5
Atmosphere ★★★★☆ 4/5
Cost ★★☆☆☆ 2/5
What could be better than a vacation in Marseille, with sunshine and good weather to go along with your outings and parties?
Here, you will not lack bars and nightclubs to go out to.
The old port and the Cours Julien district are perfect places for a successful evening. Here, you will find a wide range of bars and restaurants with a festive and casual atmosphere. Enjoy the best beers with a direct view on the port from the O’Malley, an Irish pub with a friendly atmosphere, an ideal place to begin the night.
The Place Castellan also promises you an exciting night. Here, you will find plenty of places that will make you have crazy evenings for your vacations, between the cinemas, bars and restaurants.
Finally, after a few cocktails and a tour of the bars, the nightclubs on the Canebière side of the town are waiting for you to end the evening (or start the day) on a high note.
For a little more peace and relaxation during the day and week, why not enjoy the good weather to visit the city? The old port is not only ideal for parties, but it’s also great for a walk under the sun.
Being in Marseille, it’s the perfect opportunity to try water sports and activities, such as canoeing (in French), or a boat ride (in French). A simple walk on the beach will also make you have a good moment of relaxation before going back to being partygoers.
Rennes
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Bars and nightclubs ★★★☆☆ 3/4
Activities ★★★☆☆ 3/4
Atmosphere ★★★★★ 5/5
Cost ★★★★★ 5/5
Brittany is considered an ideal destination for partygoers, which is why Rennes is the right place for you.
This city has no shortage of places to eat and party. The rue Saint-Michel and the place Saint-Anne are surely the most famous areas in the city. In these districts, which are popular among students, you can have crazy evenings. Here, you will find the perfect blend of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
To start the evening gently before going to the bars, La Part Des Anges awaits you in a small cozy place, where you can enjoy a drink while attending a concert.
To continue the evening, it is in the center of the city that you will find the best nightclubs. The festive atmosphere will keep you up all night so you can watch the sunrise. The 1998 Live Club (in French) awaits you for a unique night with numerous musical styles.
You can visit the old town and the atypical streets, such as the rue Saint-Malo, a very pleasant area to visit, both during the day and in the evening. A walk or a bike ride will help you recover from your restless nights. Why not enjoy your time while visiting some of the most important places, such as St. Peter’s Cathedral?
You can also enjoy plenty along with all your friends: an escape game (in French) for those looking for some challenge, or a bubble soccer session (in French) for the most athletic. It’s even the perfect opportunity for you to try some local specialities, such as the famous Breton crepes.
As for activities, you will have plenty to do to recover from your evenings. During this vacation with friends, you have many possibilities in Rennes.
Val Thorens
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Bars and nightclub ★★★☆☆ 3/5
Activities ★★★★★ 5/5
Atmosphere ★★★★☆ 4/5
Cost ★☆☆☆☆ 1/5
Val Thorens is the one vacation destination, the perfect place for groups of friends willing to decompress away from their lives.
You will have everything you need for your ski vacation.
Plenty of bars, restaurants and nightclubs await you at the ski slopes to spend crazy evenings.
After a typical Savoyard meal at La Chaumière (in French), you can continue your evening in the various bars and discotheques, such as the Klub Summit. You will spend a unique night there, full of music, in a very festive atmosphere. This is a great way to celebrate holidays with friends.
Regarding activities, you won’t lack anything in this popular ski resort. You’ll find what you’re looking for: from downhill skiing to snowshoeing, or even relaxation at the spa.
You can also enjoy this place during summer.
Strasbourg
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Bars and nightclubs ★★★★☆ 4/5
Activities ★★★★☆ 4/5
Atmosphere ★★★★★ 5/5
Cost ★★★★☆ 4/5
The city of Strasbourg is ideal for holidaying with friends, bringing together the perfect ingredients for chilling out.
Krutenau is the party district. Popular among students, here you will find everything you need for lively evenings. The concerts, bars, restaurants and nightclubs are known to be the best in the city. Le Local is a good place; here you can enjoy concerts in the basement while drinking a beer… or more.
The Grand Isle and the Petite France district gather plenty of restaurants and bars, which are good places before going to nightclubs. This is also the best opportunity to try some local food.
To recover from your evening, you can take a walk in the city. Those seeking peace and relaxation may also enjoy strolling through the old town and along the canal. Also, don’t miss a trip to Strasbourg’s landmarks, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Rohan Palace.
You can also enjoy many other activities: indoor soccer (in French) and climbing (in French) for the athletics ones, or even a playroom (in French).
Combining a low budget with unique parties and outings, you’ll have a great holiday with your buddies.
Lille
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Bars and nightclubs ★★★★☆ 4/5
Activities ★★★★☆ 4/5
Atmosphere ★★★★★ 5/5
Cost ★★★★☆ 4/5
Lille is not the most popular holiday destination in France, but it is very popular with partygoers. The city is ideal for young people who want to spend a holiday with friends.
When it comes to parties, you will not be disappointed.
The Massena Solferino and Vauban student districts await you with the perfect cocktails for a lively night. The bars, restaurants and nightclubs are known to be the best in the city. The Garden Bar is an excellent place to spend a part of the night.
The old town of Lille is just as lively, and restaurants with a friendly atmosphere will make you have a good time with your friends.
The Moulins district is waiting for you to end the night with its bars and its very popular concert places. La Bulle Café is an ideal place for music enthusiast.
As for activities, you will have plenty to do in Lille to help you recover from your evening.
For a unique excursion, why not go to Cita Parc, the local amusement park?
For something a little more unique, you can also visit the city and local monuments, such as the Citadelle of Lille. For those into sport, why not try your hand at a Laser Game session (in French)? A perfect activity for groups of friends.
Montpellier
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Bars and nightclubs ★★★★☆ 4/5
Activities ★★★☆☆ 3/5
Atmosphere ★★★★☆ 4/5
Cost ★★★★☆ 4/5
As a popular city among students in France, Montpellier is the perfect destination for young partygoers looking for relaxation and lively nights out.
The city centre is where you will find a majority of bars, nightclubs and restaurants. The Black Sheep (in French) is an ideal address for those who like to enjoy beers while listening to live music. The festive and lively atmosphere is ideal to start the night.
The Antigone and Boutonnet districts are also perfect for a night out with your friends. These districts are full of good places to spend a whole night to the rhythm of the music. The Black Building is also a perfect address for a crazy evening.
As for activities, there are many possibilities for people craving for change.
For those on a budget, you can simply visit the city and its various monuments. It is very pleasant to stroll through the city and go to the Place de la Comédie, visit the Parc de Lunaret or spend time at the Odysseum, a large shopping centre.
For those into sports, many activities await you: climbing sessions (in French) or a free-fall simulator (in French) for a rush of adrenaline.
Biarritz
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Bars and nightclubs ★★★★☆ 4/5
Activities ★★★★★ 5/5
Atmosphere ★★★★☆ 4/5
Cost ★★★★☆ 4/5
Biarritz is the ideal destination for partygoers willing to get away for relaxing holidays.
The old Biarritz train station is an interesting place, full of surprises. You can attend several shows and concerts, a unique way to start the night, immersed in a festive atmosphere.
Along the beach, you will find many bars, restaurants and nightclubs that will give you crazy nights. Charlie’s Bar awaits you with exceptional cocktails for a lively evening.
Regarding activities, there’s nothing better than water activities to enjoy your holidays and relax as much as possible. Surfing, city walks, hiking, or just a boat ride (in French)… you’ll have days full of fun with your friends.
Nice
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Bars and nightclub ★★★★★ 5/5
Activities ★★★★★ 5/5
Atmosphere ★★★★★ 5/5
Cost ★★★☆☆ 3/5
In Nice, you’re bound to have fun and great holidays with friends.
In the old town of Nice, you will find all the bars and restaurants needed for a good party. The bars and restaurants liven up the Cours Saleya from morning to night, and the atmosphere is festive and casual. Les 3 Diables (in French) is quite popular among students, it will be impossible for you to get bored there.
You will also enjoy your time in the Carré d’or, a district where you will spend a good moment in restaurants with a warm atmosphere and a cuisine worthy of being from one of the best districts of Nice.
The Promenade des Anglais also offers a wide range of bars and cozy lounges with mouthwatering cocktails and tapas. Sitting at the Topaz Bar, you can sip a drink with a view on the beach; an ideal way to chill out.
When it comes to activities, Nice is perfect for groups of friends. Walk on the beach, kayak (in French), or even take a boat ride (in French)… The city and its climate are ideal for relaxing after a hectic night.
You can also visit the city of Nice. The old town of Nice is full of unique places and addresses, such as the famous ice cream maker, Fenocchio. You’ll be able to experience a quiet stroll in the sunshine of the French Riviera as well as walking the Promenade des Anglais and visiting the port.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!