6 Unique Parisian Speakeasies With Secret Passwords

I've discovered six amazing hidden speakeasies in Paris that'll make you feel like a true insider! Le Secret Wash hides behind a laundromat's washing machine, while Maison Rouge's wine vault lurks beneath Le Marais' streets. You'll find an authentic bank vault bar, a bookshelf-concealed salon, the mysterious Candlestick, and a quirky apothecary-themed spot. Each requires secret passwords or special codes for entry, and trust me – their unique cocktails and intimate atmospheres are worth revealing the mystery.

Behind the Laundromat: Le Secret Wash

Hidden behind an unassuming laundromat in Paris's trendy 11th arrondissement, Le Secret Wash represents the epitome of the city's flourishing speakeasy scene. This cleverly concealed cocktail bar brings together the nostalgic allure of prohibition-era establishments with contemporary Parisian sophistication, creating an atmosphere that feels both mysterious and luxurious.

To access this clandestine drinking den, visitors must first navigate through a fully functioning laundromat, complete with washing machines and dryers in operation. The secret entrance, disguised as a vintage washing machine, leads to an intimate space where master mixologists craft innovative cocktails amid dim lighting and plush velvet furnishings.

Quick Facts:

• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 7 PM to 2 AM
• Price Range: €15-22 per cocktail
• Reservation Required: Yes, especially for weekends
• Dress Code: Smart casual
• Capacity: 40 people maximum
• Photography Policy: Limited, no flash photography
• Payment Methods: Cards accepted, cash preferred

The Space:

Le Secret Wash occupies a former wine cellar, transformed into an atmospheric drinking establishment that honors both French sophistication and American prohibition style. The 40-seat venue features original stone walls, custom leather banquettes, and intimate lighting created by vintage fixtures. The centerpiece is a stunning copper and marble bar where skilled bartenders perform their craft. Insider tip: Request Table 7, a hidden alcove that once served as a coal chute, now the most romantic spot in the house.

The Menu:

The cocktail program changes seasonally, with each drink telling a story connected to laundering, cleaning, or Parisian history. Signature cocktails include the "Spin Cycle" (gin, lavender, and champagne) and "The Pressing Matter" (bourbon, pressed apple, and aromatic bitters). House rules prohibit photographing the menu, adding to the secretive ambiance. Insider tip: Ask for the "Daily Stain" – an off-menu cocktail created based on your preferences.

Pro Tips:

The ideal time to visit is during the "blue hour" (7-8 PM) when you can watch the laundromat shift from day to night operations, adding to the clandestine experience. For the full experience, make a reservation for 7:30 PM and arrive 15 minutes early to observe regular customers doing their laundry, completely unaware of what lies behind the secret door. Request a seat at the bar for the best view of cocktail preparation and easier interaction with the knowledgeable bartenders.

Practical Advice:

Securing a reservation requires persistence – bookings open exactly two weeks in advance at midnight Paris time. The entrance procedure involves texting a specific number upon arrival and receiving a code word to use with the attendant. Dress code is strictly enforced, and while photos are allowed in certain areas, the establishment maintains a firm policy against revealing the exact mechanism of entry on social media to preserve the mystique.

The Hidden Wine Vault at Maison Rouge

Nestled beneath the cobblestone streets of Le Marais, the Hidden Wine Vault at Maison Rouge represents one of Paris's most intriguing speakeasy experiences. This former 17th-century wine cellar, transformed into an intimate drinking den, combines historical architecture with contemporary cocktail culture, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentically Parisian and delightfully clandestine.

Behind an unmarked red door and down a spiral staircase, visitors enter a vaulted space where centuries-old stone walls meet modern mixology. The vault's carefully curated wine selection focuses on rare French vintages, while the cocktail program incorporates wine-based innovations that pay homage to the space's original purpose. The experience offers a unique glimpse into both historical Paris and its modern drinking culture.

Quick Facts:

• Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 7PM-2AM
• Price Range: €15-25 per cocktail, €12-200 for wines
• Reservation Requirements: Essential for groups of 4+
• Dress Code: Smart casual
• Capacity: 35 guests maximum
• Photography: Limited, no flash photography
• Payment Methods: Credit cards accepted, cash preferred

The Wine Vault Experience

The main vault features original limestone walls and centuries-old wine racks, now displaying a carefully curated selection of bottles. Temperature-controlled at precisely 16°C (61°F), the space maintains ideal conditions for wine storage while creating an naturally cool atmosphere for guests. The vault accommodates just 35 visitors, ensuring an intimate experience. Insider tip: Request Table 7, tucked into a private alcove that once served as a secret passage to neighboring buildings.

Pro Tips:

For the ultimate experience, visit between 7:30-9:00 PM on Wednesdays or Thursdays when the crowd is lighter and the sommelier has more time for personalized recommendations. Book the "Degustation Historique" experience in advance to sample wines from the vault's private collection, including bottles from pre-phylloxera vintages that are rarely available elsewhere in Paris.

Practical Advice:

Location details are intentionally kept discrete – the entrance is marked only by a small red door at 15 Rue des Rosiers. Make reservations through their Instagram DM system, as they don't maintain a public phone number or website. Bring a light jacket even in summer, as the natural cave temperature remains cool year-round. While photos are permitted in designated areas, the establishment prioritizes privacy and discretion, maintaining the authentic speakeasy atmosphere.

The Bank Vault's Underground Bar

Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Le Marais, The Bank Vault stands as one of Paris's most intriguing speakeasy experiences. This former 1920s bank vault has been transformed into an atmospheric cocktail bar while maintaining its original architectural features, including the massive steel door and safety deposit boxes that now serve as private booths.

The establishment pays homage to both the prohibition era and French banking heritage, creating an unprecedented fusion of historical elements and modern mixology. Visitors descend a narrow staircase, passing through the original vault door, to enter a dimly lit space where master bartenders craft innovative cocktails using French spirits and locally sourced ingredients.

Quick Facts:

• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 7 PM – 2 AM
• Price Range: €15-25 per cocktail
• Reservation Required: Yes, especially for weekend visits
• Dress Code: Smart casual, no athletic wear
• Capacity: 40 guests maximum
• Photography: Limited, no flash photography allowed
• Payment Methods: Credit cards and cash (euros only)

The Main Vault Room serves as the primary bar area, featuring the original teller windows now converted into an elegant bar counter. The space accommodates up to 25 guests, with antique banking furniture repurposed for seating. The signature cocktail, "The Heist," combines French gin, local herbs, and champagne, served in a vintage safety deposit box-inspired vessel.

The Safety Deposit Lounge consists of six private booths crafted from original safety deposit boxes, each accommodating 2-4 guests. These intimate spaces require advance booking and feature private cocktail service with customized drink options. A minimum spend of €100 per booth applies.

Pro Tips:

For the most authentic experience, visit between 9 PM and 11 PM when local cocktail enthusiasts gather and the expert bartenders have time to craft their most elaborate creations. Request a seat at the bar counter to watch the mixologists at work and potentially sample experimental cocktails not yet on the menu. Early weekday evenings offer the best opportunity to secure a safety deposit booth without advance reservation.

Practical Advice:

Access requires knowing the evening's password, obtained through their discrete online reservation system or by calling ahead. The entrance is unmarked; look for the brass plaque of a vintage key near a black door. Photography restrictions are strictly enforced to maintain the venue's exclusive atmosphere and protect guest privacy. It's recommended to arrive 10 minutes before your reservation time to allow for security procedures reminiscent of the building's banking history.

Through the Library: Le Petit Salon

Hidden behind an unassuming bookshelf in Paris's trendy Marais district, Le Petit Salon represents the epitome of the modern speakeasy movement in the City of Light. This intimate cocktail den pays homage to the literary salons of 1920s Paris, where intellectuals and artists would gather for spirited discussions over carefully crafted drinks.

The journey to find Le Petit Salon is part of its allure – guests must first locate the correct leather-bound volume in a wall of books, triggering a mechanism that reveals the entrance to this sophisticated drinking establishment. Inside, the space transforms into a dimly lit sanctuary of vintage furnishings, crystal decanters, and the soft murmur of conversation punctuated by the gentle clink of glassware.

Quick Facts:

• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 7 PM to 2 AM
• Price Range: €15-22 per cocktail
• Reservation Required: Yes, especially for weekends
• Dress Code: Smart casual
• Capacity: 35 seats
• Photography: Limited, no flash
• Payment Methods: Credit cards accepted, cash preferred

The Setting:

Le Petit Salon occupies what was once a private library in a 17th-century mansion. The space retains its original wood paneling and herringbone floors, now complemented by velvet banquettes and art deco lighting fixtures. The focal point is the marble-topped bar, where mixologists craft drinks with theatrical precision. Insider tip: Request table 7, a hidden alcove beneath an original fresco, perfect for intimate conversations.

The Drinks:

The cocktail menu changes seasonally but maintains a literary theme, with drinks named after famous authors and their works. Each cocktail comes with a small card detailing its inspiration and ingredients. Signature drinks typically incorporate French spirits and house-made infusions. The "Hemingway's Revenge," featuring absinthe and champagne, has become legendary among regulars.

Pro Tips:

Arrive between 7:30 and 8:30 PM to secure the best seating and attention from bartenders. The early evening crowd tends to be more relaxed, allowing for conversation with the knowledgeable staff about their craft. On Thursdays, the bar hosts live jazz performances, but these nights book up weeks in advance.

Practical Advice:

Reservations are essential and can be made via their discrete Instagram account or through partner hotels. The entrance can be tricky to find – look for the blue door between two fashion boutiques on Rue des Archives. When making a reservation, request the door code and specific instructions for finding the correct book to access the entrance. While photos are permitted, the establishment prefers guests to maintain the mysterious atmosphere by limiting social media posts.

The Candlestick Speakeasy at Rue Saint-Jacques

Nestled in the historic Latin Quarter, behind an unassuming wooden door at Rue Saint-Jacques, The Candlestick Speakeasy transports visitors to the clandestine world of 1920s Paris. This intimate establishment, with its flickering candlelight and vintage décor, has become one of the city's most sought-after secret drinking destinations since its opening in 2018.

What sets The Candlestick apart is its commitment to authenticity, from the password-protected entrance to the period-accurate cocktail menu featuring forgotten French classics and prohibition-era American favorites. The speakeasy's master mixologists craft each drink using historical recipes and techniques, creating an immersive experience that goes beyond mere novelty.

Quick Facts:

• Operating Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 7 PM to 2 AM
• Price Range: €16-25 per cocktail
• Reservation Required: Yes, at least 48 hours in advance
• Dress Code: Smart casual, no athletic wear
• Capacity: 35 guests maximum
• Password: Changes weekly, provided with reservation
• Photography: Limited, no flash photography allowed

The Signature Experience:

The Candlestick's ambiance is meticulously curated, featuring original 1920s furniture, antique glassware, and a vintage gramophone playing period jazz. The speakeasy's piece de resistance is its "Bootlegger's Menu," featuring twelve rotating cocktails that tell the story of prohibition-era drinking culture. Each drink comes with a handwritten note describing its historical significance.

Location and Access:

Located at 47 Rue Saint-Jacques, the entrance is marked only by a small brass candlestick emblem. Visitors must make reservations through their website and receive the week's password via email. Insider tip: Request "The Librarian's Table" – a hidden alcove behind a rotating bookshelf that seats four and offers an exclusive menu.

Pro Tips:

The prime time to visit is during their "Golden Hour" (7:30-9:00 PM) when the setting sun streams through the vintage stained glass windows, creating a magical atmosphere. For the fullest experience, arrive on Thursdays when local jazz musicians perform live sets from 9 PM. The bar's intimate size means weekends can be particularly crowded, so mid-week visits offer a more relaxed atmosphere.

Practical Advice:

Ensure your reservation is confirmed before arriving, as the speakeasy strictly adheres to its capacity limits. While credit cards are accepted, having cash on hand is recommended for the coat check and gratuities. The establishment maintains a strict two-hour seating limit during peak times, so plan accordingly. For groups larger than four, contact the venue directly instead of using the online reservation system.

The Midnight Apothecary's Secret Door

Hidden behind an unassuming bookcase in Paris's vibrant Le Marais district, The Midnight Apothecary stands as one of the city's most enigmatic speakeasies. This clandestine establishment pays homage to the prohibition era while incorporating distinctly Parisian elements, creating an atmosphere that feels both historically authentic and contemporarily sophisticated.

The entrance ritual alone makes this venue worth discovering – guests must locate a specific medical textbook on the shelves, pull it at precisely the right angle, and wait for the mechanical whir that signals the secret door's opening. Beyond lies a world of craft cocktails served in vintage medical vials, with bartenders dressed as 1920s pharmacists who "prescribe" drinks based on guests' symptoms of choice.

Quick Facts:

• Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 8 PM – 2 AM
• Price Range: €15-25 per cocktail
• Reservation Required: Yes, 48 hours in advance
• Dress Code: Smart casual, no sneakers
• Capacity: 35 guests maximum
• Photography: Limited, no flash
• Payment Methods: Cards accepted, cash preferred

The Secret Door

The entrance mechanism requires finding "Le Guide Médical" on the third shelf from the bottom, slightly right of center. This leather-bound volume triggers a sophisticated pulley system that reveals the speakeasy's entrance. The bookcase façade is actually a carefully restored 19th-century piece from a defunct medical library, adding authenticity to the experience. Insider tip: The door closes automatically after 30 seconds, so confirm your entire party is ready to enter together.

The Space

Once inside, guests encounter an intimate 35-seat venue featuring vintage medical cabinets, antique examination tables repurposed as seating areas, and delicate glass light fixtures that cast an amber glow. The space maintains a perfect balance between thematic commitment and comfortable sophistication. Location: 27 Rue des Archives, 75004 Paris (though the exact entrance isn't marked). Insider tip: Request Table 7 – it's housed in a former confession booth and offers the most private seating in the house.

Pro Tips:

The ideal time to visit is during the middle of the week, around 9:30 PM, when the crowd is perfectly balanced – not too quiet, not too busy. For the full experience, ask the "pharmacists" to create a custom prescription based on your mood rather than ordering from the menu. They're trained to engage in character and will often share fascinating historical facts about prohibition-era Paris while crafting your drink.

Practical Advice:

Reservations must be made through their cryptic website, which changes URLs monthly. Follow their Instagram account @MidnightApothecaryparis for the current booking link. Arrive 10 minutes before your reservation time, as the entrance ritual can take several minutes, and late arrivals may forfeit their spots. The venue's strict capacity limits are enforced without exception, so splitting larger groups across different time slots is often necessary.