7 Best Spots for Calvados Tasting in Paris
I've found Paris's top spots for sampling Calvados, the celebrated apple brandy of Normandy! The Historic Bar at Le Meurice offers a luxurious setting with vintages from the 1940s, while Le Coq boasts 150+ varieties. Don't miss La Maison Du Calvados's authentic Norman cellar experience, L'Avenue's Hidden Spirit Room, Le Comptoir's classic corner, or the trendy Calvados Cave at Le Mary Celeste. These venues each offer unique tasting experiences that'll transform you into a true Calvados connoisseur.
Historic Bar at Le Meurice: A Belle Époque Experience
The Historic Bar at Le Meurice stands as a reflection of Parisian luxury and refinement, offering one of the city's most sophisticated venues for Calvados tasting. Housed within the legendary Le Meurice hotel, this Belle Époque masterpiece has served distinguished guests since 1835, including Salvador Dalí, who made the hotel his Parisian home for over three decades.
The bar's stunning interior, designed by Philippe Starck, perfectly balances historical grandeur with contemporary elegance. Crystal chandeliers illuminate the space while gilt-framed mirrors and marble surfaces create an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. This setting provides the perfect backdrop for exploring fine Calvados, with one of the city's most extensive collections of rare and vintage expressions.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
- Price Range: €25-150 per glass of Calvados
- Dress Code: Smart elegant (no sportswear)
- Reservations: Recommended for evening visits
- Signature Experience: Calvados flight tasting with cheese pairing
- Languages: Staff fluent in French, English, and Italian
- Location: 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
The Bar's Setting and Experience
The Historic Bar features an impressive collection of over 50 different Calvados expressions, including rare vintages dating back to the 1940s. The bar's expert sommeliers guide guests through tastings, offering detailed insights into the production methods and aging processes of each spirit. The space accommodates up to 40 guests, maintaining an intimate atmosphere despite its grand setting.
Insider Tip: Request a seat at the bar's corner table near the window – it offers the best vantage point for people-watching while providing a more private experience for tasting sessions.
Pro Tips:
Visit between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM for the most attentive service and ideal lighting for appreciating both the spirits and the décor. Consider booking the "Calvados Discovery" experience, which includes three different expressions paired with Norman cheese and apple-based appetizers. The bar's sommeliers are particularly generous with their knowledge during slower afternoon hours and may offer tastes of additional expressions to truly interested connoisseurs.
Practical Advice:
While walk-ins are accepted, reservations are essential for evening visits, particularly Thursday through Saturday. The bar accepts all major credit cards and can arrange for bottle purchases to be shipped internationally. For the full experience, allow at least 90 minutes for a tasting session, and consider combining it with dinner at the hotel's restaurant Le Dalí for a complete gastronomic journey.
Le Coq's Calvados Collection
Nestled in the heart of Paris's 10th arrondissement, Le Coq has established itself as one of the city's premier destinations for Calvados enthusiasts. This intimate establishment houses over 150 varieties of the celebrated Norman apple brandy, including rare vintage bottles dating back to the 1950s and exclusive single-cask selections unavailable elsewhere in the capital.
The venue's dedication to Calvados education and appreciation sets it apart from typical Parisian bars. Under the guidance of owner Jean-Marc Bellanger, a certified Calvados ambassador, visitors can explore the complexities of this historic spirit through carefully curated tasting flights and expert-led sessions that illuminate the nuances between different aging periods and production regions.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 5 PM to 1 AM
- Price Range: €8-45 per glass, tasting flights from €35
- Reservation Required: Yes, for tasting sessions
- Capacity: 28 seats
- Languages: French, English
- Dietary Notes: Light food pairings available
- Payment: Major cards accepted, no American Express
The Collection Experience:
Le Coq's main tasting room features handcrafted oak shelving displaying their extensive collection, organized by region and age. The temperature-controlled environment maintains ideal conditions for these precious spirits. Their signature "Journey Through Normandy" tasting flight (€45) presents five distinctive Calvados expressions, accompanied by regional cheese and apple-based accompaniments. Insider tip: Request a seat at the copper-topped bar for impromptu mini-lessons from the knowledgeable staff.
Professional Tastings:
Monthly masterclasses (€85) offer explorations into specific producers or aging techniques. These two-hour sessions include historical context, production methods, and guided tastings of six premium selections. Sessions must be booked at least two weeks in advance and include detailed tasting notes and a certificate of completion. Secret tip: Members of their Calvados Club receive priority booking and access to limited edition bottles.
Pro Tips:
The ideal time to experience Le Coq's collection is during their quieter weekday sessions, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday evenings, when the staff can provide more personalized attention. Consider visiting during their annual Calvados Week in October, when special vintages are opened and producers from Normandy make guest appearances. For the fullest appreciation, avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes, as they can interfere with the sensory experience.
Practical Advice:
While walk-ins are accepted for casual drinks, serious enthusiasts should book tasting experiences in advance through their website or by phone. Bring a notebook for tasting notes, and consider using their car service partnership for safe transport afterward. The establishment maintains a sophisticated but unpretentious atmosphere – smart casual attire is appropriate. For those interested in purchasing bottles, Le Coq offers shipping services within France and to select international destinations, with proper documentation for aged spirits.
La Maison Du Calvados: Normandy in Paris
Tucked away in the charming Marais district, La Maison du Calvados stands as a reflection of Normandy's proud apple brandy tradition in the heart of Paris. This specialized boutique and tasting room offers visitors an authentic journey through the world of Calvados, featuring some of the finest selections from renowned Norman producers and rare vintages that can't be found elsewhere in the capital.
This establishment has become a cultural bridge between Paris and Normandy, offering both novices and connoisseurs an opportunity to discover the complexities of Calvados in an intimate setting. The knowledgeable staff, many of whom hail from Normandy's apple-growing regions, provide detailed insights into the production process, aging techniques, and the subtle variations between different appellations.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00-19:00
- Price Range: Tastings from €15-45; Bottles from €35-300+
- Reservation Required: Yes, for guided tastings
- Languages: French, English
- Payment Methods: All major credit cards, cash
- Location: 51 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris
- Group Size: Maximum 8 people for tastings
The tasting room features exposed stone walls and wooden beam ceilings, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a Norman cellar. Visitors can choose from various tasting experiences, from introductory flights to premium vintage selections. The shop section displays an impressive collection of bottles, including rare expressions from small producers and historical vintages dating back to the 1960s.
The venue's most distinctive offering is their "Calvados Journey" program, which pairs different ages of Calvados with traditional Norman cheeses and apple-based treats. This experience must be booked at least 24 hours in advance and includes a detailed presentation of the production regions and aging processes. Insider tip: Request the "hidden cellar" tasting, where special vintages are stored and not typically shown to the public.
Pro Tips:
The ideal time for tasting is mid-afternoon when your palate is most receptive and the venue is less crowded. Consider joining one of their monthly masterclasses, which often feature visiting distillers from Normandy and provide deeper insights into specific producers or aging techniques. These special events typically sell out weeks in advance, so early booking is essential.
Practical Advice:
While walk-ins are welcome for bottle purchases, the full tasting experience requires advance reservation. The establishment can arrange shipping within France and to select international destinations. For the best experience, avoid visiting immediately after a meal, as the subtle flavors of Calvados are best appreciated on a relatively clean palate. Photography is permitted, but flash photography is prohibited in the cellar area to protect the aged bottles from light exposure.
The Hidden Spirit Room at L'Avenue
Tucked away beneath the glamorous L'Avenue restaurant on Avenue Montaigne lies one of Paris's most exclusive Calvados tasting experiences. This intimate underground space, with its vintage-lined walls and amber lighting, offers an exceptional journey through Normandy's finest apple brandies. The Hidden Spirit Room has become a sanctuary for both Calvados connoisseurs and curious newcomers seeking to explore this historic French spirit.
What sets this venue apart is its carefully curated collection of rare and aged Calvados, some dating back to the early 1900s. The room's professional sommeliers have developed unique tasting programs that highlight the complexity and evolution of Calvados through different aging processes and apple varieties, making it an educational yet luxurious experience.
Quick Facts:
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 6 PM – 12 AM
- Price Range: €25-200 per tasting flight
- Reservation Required: Yes, minimum 48 hours in advance
- Group Size: Maximum 8 people
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Language: Tastings available in French and English
- Duration: 1-2 hours per tasting session
The Hidden Spirit Room features an impressive collection of over 100 different Calvados expressions, housed in a temperature-controlled environment designed to preserve these precious spirits. Each tasting session is led by a certified Calvados educator who guides guests through the nuances of production methods, regional variations, and proper tasting techniques. Located at 41 Avenue Montaigne, the space can be accessed through a discrete entrance marked only by a small copper apple insignia.
Insider Tip: Request the "Heritage Flight" when booking – it's not on the regular menu, but includes tastes of pre-war Calvados that aren't typically available to the public.
Pro Tips:
The ideal time to experience The Hidden Spirit Room is during early evening sessions (6-8 PM) when the sommeliers can dedicate more personal attention to each guest. Consider scheduling your tasting before dinner reservations at L'Avenue, as the restaurant offers special food pairings designed to complement the Calvados experience. For the most thorough experience, request the regional comparison tasting, which showcases Calvados from different Norman appellations.
Practical Advice:
Due to the exclusive nature of this venue, advance booking is essential. Keep in mind that credit card details are required for reservation, and cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid charges. For maximum appreciation of the tasting, avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes, as they can interfere with the sensory experience. Photography is permitted but flash photography is prohibited to maintain the intimate atmosphere.
Le Comptoir's Traditional Tasting Corner
Hidden within the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, Le Comptoir's dedicated Calvados tasting corner represents one of Paris's most authentic spots to experience Normandy's celebrated apple brandy. This intimate space, tucked away in a historic building dating back to the 1800s, combines traditional French ambiance with expert-led tastings of carefully curated Calvados selections.
The venue's commitment to preserving the art of Calvados appreciation is evident in every detail, from the vintage copper stills displayed on wooden shelves to the specially designed tulip-shaped tasting glasses. Visitors can explore both young and aged expressions, learning about the centuries-old distillation process while sampling some of Normandy's finest producers.
Quick Facts:
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 4 PM to 11 PM
- Price Range: €15-45 per tasting flight
- Reservation Required: Yes, especially for groups of 4+
- Duration: Typical tasting sessions last 45-60 minutes
- Languages: Tastings available in French and English
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Payment Methods: Major credit cards and cash accepted
The tasting experience at Le Comptoir centers around their signature "Journey Through Normandy" flight, featuring four distinct Calvados expressions aged between 3 and 20 years. The knowledgeable staff guides participants through the nuances of each spirit, explaining the impact of different apple varieties and aging processes. Located at 27 Rue de Condé, the venue's historic stone walls and soft lighting create an ideal atmosphere for spirit appreciation.
Most visitors don't know that Le Comptoir offers a unique "Cellar Master's Selection" on the last Thursday of each month, featuring rare and limited-edition Calvados not available on the regular menu. These special tastings often include vintages from small, family-owned producers who don't export beyond France.
Pro Tips:
The best time to visit is during early evening hours (5-7 PM) when the natural light through the historic windows creates perfect tasting conditions. Consider booking a Thursday session to potentially coincide with the Cellar Master's Selection. For the fullest experience, avoid scheduling tastings immediately after meals, as the palate is most receptive when not overwhelmed by food flavors.
For maximum comfort and enjoyment, arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled tasting to acclimate to the space's temperature and atmosphere. Water is provided, but bringing a small notebook for tasting notes is recommended. Consider booking transportation in advance, as the complex flavors of Calvados deserve full attention without concerns about driving.
The Calvados Cave at Le Mary Celeste
Tucked away in the trendy Marais district, Le Mary Celeste's intimate Calvados Cave stands as a reflection of France's celebrated apple brandy tradition. This underground sanctuary houses one of Paris's most extensive collections of Calvados, featuring rare vintages and small-batch producers from Normandy's finest orchards.
What sets this cave apart is not just its impressive selection, but the carefully curated experience that allows visitors to explore Calvados in its purest form. The cave's expert sommeliers guide guests through tastings that showcase the spirit's complexity, from young and vibrant expressions to decades-old bottles that tell stories of Norman tradition.
Quick Facts:
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 6 PM – 2 AM (tastings by appointment)
- Price Range: €15-45 per tasting flight
- Reservation Required: Yes, especially for groups larger than 4
- Tasting Duration: 45-90 minutes
- Languages: French and English
- Capacity: Maximum 12 people per session
- Dress Code: Smart casual
The cave's stone walls and perfect temperature control (15°C) create ideal conditions for storing and serving Calvados. The space features custom-designed tasting tables with LED illumination that helps guests appreciate the spirit's color variations. The collection includes over 80 different Calvados expressions, with some bottles dating back to the 1960s. Regular tastings feature three to five pours, accompanied by detailed tasting notes and regional cheese pairings. Insider tip: Request the "Historical Flight" which includes a rare pre-1960s Calvados, available only to those who specifically ask.
Pro Tips:
The best time to visit is during weekday evenings between 6-8 PM when the sommelier can provide more personalized attention. Consider booking a "Producer's Night" session, typically held monthly, where Calvados makers from Normandy present their products and share insider stories about production methods and aging techniques. These special events often include exclusive tastings of bottles not available to the general public.
Practical Advice:
Plan to spend at least 90 minutes for the full experience, and avoid scheduling important meetings the next morning. While the cave accepts credit cards, some exclusive bottles are cash-only purchases. Photography is permitted without flash, and the cave offers shipping services for bottle purchases to most European countries and select international destinations. Light snacks are available to complement the tasting, but eating a proper meal beforehand is recommended to fully appreciate the Calvados.
Chez Pierre: A Vintage Treasure Trove
Nestled in the heart of Le Marais, Chez Pierre stands as a proof of Paris's enduring love affair with fine spirits. This intimate establishment, housed in a 17th-century building, has been serving exceptional Calvados for over four decades, building one of the most impressive collections in the city with bottles dating back to the 1900s.
Beyond its extensive selection of Calvados, Chez Pierre offers an authentic journey through Normandy's apple brandy heritage. The wooden-beamed ceiling, vintage posters, and centuries-old stone walls create an atmosphere that transforms each tasting into an immersive experience, making it a must-visit destination for both connoisseurs and curious newcomers.
Quick Facts:
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 5 PM – 11 PM
- Price Range: €12-€50 per glass, tasting flights from €35
- Reservations: Essential for groups of 4+
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Payment Methods: Cash and major credit cards
- Languages: French, English, Spanish
The heart of Chez Pierre's appeal lies in its carefully curated Calvados collection, featuring over 100 varieties from prestigious producers like Lemorton and Roger Groult. The establishment's pride is its vintage room, where rare bottles from the 1930s are stored under precise temperature control. Their signature tasting flight includes three distinct ages of Calvados, accompanied by traditional Norman cheese and apple-based treats.
Location Details:
14 Rue des Archives, 75004 Paris
Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1)
Tel: +33 1 XX XX XX XX
Insider Tip: Ask for access to the cellar tour, typically reserved for industry professionals. The owner, Jean-Marc, occasionally conducts these tours personally for passionate enthusiasts who express genuine interest in Calvados history.
Pro Tips:
The best time for tasting is between 6-8 PM when the master sommelier is most available to guide your experience. Consider visiting on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings when the atmosphere is more relaxed, allowing for more personalized attention and detailed explanations of each selection. Request a seat at the copper-topped bar for the most engaging experience and best opportunity to learn from the staff.
Practical Advice:
While walk-ins are accepted, booking a tasting session at least two days in advance guarantees the best experience. Mention any preference for specific Calvados styles (aged, unaged, or vintage) when booking to allow the staff to prepare appropriate selections. Photography is permitted, but flash photography is discouraged to maintain the intimate atmosphere. For those planning to purchase bottles, the establishment offers shipping services to most international destinations, with proper documentation for customs purposes.