Paris: Le Verre Volé Origin Story

Since 2000, this is where the grower champagne revolution went mainstream. The bar that introduced Paris to small-producer bubbles. 18 seats, natural wine focus, the origin story of grower champagne's rise to cult status.

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1 Book Ahead (Only 18 Seats) Adventure · Free

   Only 18 seats fill the original wine bar at Le Verre Volé (67 Rue de Lancry, 10th arrondissement) — this is the tiny space that started it all, not the larger restaurant nearby. Call (+33 1 48 03 17 34) or email to book days ahead for weekends, though walk-ins sometimes work for bar seats at off-hours.

   Backup: Le Verre Volé Cave on Oberkampf is the sister wine shop with tastings.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Ask for Grower Champagne Wine · Price: moderate

   This bar championed "vigneron" (grower) champagne when no one knew what it meant, so ask for their current favorites at your table with the sommelier. Say: "Qu'est-ce que vous avez en champagne de vigneron?" and they'll light up — ask for recommendations and watch their eyes spark with enthusiasm.

   Backup: The by-the-glass list changes constantly - trust their picks.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Order Simply Prepared Food Adventure · Price: low · Optional

   The food is simple, seasonal, natural wine-friendly — charcuterie, terrines, simple mains at your table because this is drinking-focused, not dining-focused. Order a plate or two to share since the kitchen knows what works with their wines, and ask: "What food pairs with what I'm drinking?"

   Backup: Even just a cheese plate works. The wine is the star.

   Log Memory
4. 4 Walk the Canal After Adventure · Free · Optional

   The canal at night is beautiful — iron footbridges, tree-lined banks, bobos (bourgeois-bohemians) picnicking along Canal Saint-Martin outside the bar. Exit Le Verre Volé, turn left toward the canal, walk south past the romantic locks, and consider a second bar along the way.

   Backup: Even in winter, the walk is beautiful. Wrap up warm.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• Le Verre Volé has multiple locations - this is the ORIGINAL at 67 Rue de Lancry

• The 10th arrondissement is the natural wine heartland of Paris

• Owner Cyril Bordarier is a legend - if he's there, say thank you

• Nearby: La Buvette, Le Comptoir Général, other natural wine spots

• Open late (2am) - perfect for post-dinner drinking

• Buy bottles to go at their cave on Oberkampf