The holiday season is upon us—and in France, at least for many, this means one thing: it’s vin chaud season. This Christmastime staple is known around Europe by various names: glühwein in Germany, glögg in Sweden, or forralt bor in Hungary. But, for all its regional differences and various names, vin chaud universally signals several things: crisp weather, holiday markets, and, yes, the faint glow of flickering lights. In Paris in winter, whether or not a rare snowfall occurs, vin chaud is an undisputed way to mark the coming of Christmas.
What is vin chaud?
Balanced perfectly at the intersection of red wine and warm spiced cider, it is made by warming red wine with sugar, orange peel, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and cardamom–and can often be found spiked with a brandy such as cognac. Fruit-forward red wines like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir are typically used, to add notes like cranberry or cherry.
Where to Find Vin Chaud in Paris
1. Maison Sauvage, Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Nestled into a side street in Saint-Germain, Maison Sauvage has to be one of the coziest places to spend a winter’s afternoon in Paris. The café is, quite literally, overrun with plants, both inside and out—so much so that it has become more garden than building. In summer, they provide a shady alcove. In winter, the foliage has the effect of keeping in the warmth from the heat lamps, much like a greenhouse would (blankets included.) As for the vin chaud, it is reasonably priced at 5,50€ (especially considering you’d pay double to sit at the significantly-less-lush Café de Flore, just around the corner).
Address: 5 Rue de Buci, Paris, 75006
2. Le BarOurcq, 19ème
Le BarOurcq is known for serving a delightful vin chaud made with a rich blend of ingredients, perfect for warming up during the cold Parisian winters, and they’re not afraid to share their recipe. To make their homemade vin chaud, you will need 5 liters of red wine, 500g of brown sugar (cassonade), 1 orange sliced into rounds, 5 cloves, 3-star anise pods (padianes), 250cl of orange juice, and 2 cinnamon sticks. The combination of these ingredients creates a fragrant, spiced mulled wine that’s comforting and boozy. Enjoy it at the establishment or make your own at home.
Address: 68 Quai de la Loire, Paris, 75019
3. Auteuil Brasserie, 16ème
Auteuil Brasserie offers a cozy winter experience on its rooftop terrace, where guests can enjoy mulled wine, enriched with dried fruits, under warm blankets. Crafted by sommelier Nicolas Rebut, known for his work at Hotel Meurice and Alain Ducasse in Monaco, this mulled wine recipe provides a comforting winter treat. The terrace transforms into a lively and sheltered space, making it the perfect spot to savor the season’s flavors and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Address: 78 Rue d’Auteuil, Paris, 75016
4. La Petite Périgourdine, Quartier Latin
La Petite Périgourdine, a neighborhood bistro in the 5ème arrondissement, is a local favorite known for its comforting plates of aligot and perfectly cooked duck confit. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, and their vin chaud, for 5,20€, is the perfect way to warm up. Inside, you’ll find a cozy, welcoming atmosphere buzzing with French people, while the outdoor terrace offers a front-row seat to the active area—perfect for watching Sorbonne students dart between libraries and bookstores. Whether you’re there for a hearty meal or a quick sip of something warm, this spot delivers charm and authenticity in equal measure.
Address: 39 Rue des Écoles, Paris, 75005
5. La Closerie des Lilas, Montparnasse
If you’re looking for a slightly overpriced (take what you think it might cost and then add 10 euros) vin chaud in an extravagant location, look no further than La Closerie des Lilas. One of several old Hemingway haunts that dot the city, La Closerie de Lilas will undoubtedly transport you back in time. The waiters all wear three-piece suits, the clientele trends toward British nobility on holiday, and they make your vin chaud in front of you–with a hefty splash of brandy at the bottom, before taking it off to the kitchen to warm up. Of course, if you’re in the neighborhood and want a cheaper option, cross the street and check out Café Bullier: slightly less class, but significantly more vin chaud.
Address: 171 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006
6. La REcyclerie, 18ème
La REcyclerie is an eco-conscious café and community hub housed in a former train station, and it is known for its sustainability-focused ethos. During the winter months, the venue transforms into a cozy seasonal winter village, offering visitors a charming atmosphere to explore. Before wandering through the venue’s unique spaces, be sure to stop by their Café-Cantine for a vin chaud fait maison to-go. This warm, homemade mulled wine is perfect for sipping while you stroll through the village.
Address: 83 Bd Ornano, Paris, 75018
7. Chez Georges, 6ème
Chez Georges is a neighborhood staple beloved for its vibrant ambiance and jazz-filled evenings. The bistro serves a comforting vin chaud during the colder months. At just 5,50€, it’s an affordable indulgence to enjoy as you soak in the cozy atmosphere of the venue and listen to jazz—name a better way to spend a winter evening.
Address: 11 Rue des Canettes, Paris, 75006
8. Cafe Milou, 11ème
One of our favorite cafes in all of Paris, Café Milou is a true gem that offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere year-round. Known for its excellent coffee and relaxed vibe, Café Milou also serves vin chaud à la cannelle—a comforting cinnamon-infused mulled wine that’s perfect for warming up in the colder months. The cafe understands the importance of a good warm drink, even when wine is involved, and their mulled wine is a popular choice for those looking to unwind.
Address: 1 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, Paris, 75011
9. La Rotonde Saint Honoré, Palais Royale
For the best quality vin chaud maison aux épices, go to La Rotonde Saint Honoré, right near the Tuileries, the Palais Royale, and the beautiful Place Vendôme in central Paris. The price is slightly steeper than at other cafés (10€), but the product is worth it. La Rotonde offers a hearty vin chaud, with a thin layer of fruit at the top of the glass. Ambience-wise, the café is calm, with an outdoor seating area completely protected by a glass barrier that keeps in the heat. After you’ve finished, the location is perfect for some nighttime sightseeing, to boot.
Address: 10 Rue des Pyramides, Paris, 75001
10. A Paris Christmas Market
Of course, no vin chaud list would be complete without mentioning the fact that the drink is available at pretty much any Christmas market in Paris. For an exhaustive list of markets in Paris, look no further than here.
As they say in France, bonnes fêtes & tchin-tchin!
