The Best Places to Drink Vin Chaud in Paris

Christmas is often evoked by familiar, even nostalgic, smells and tastes. For North Americans, eggnog and shortbread cookies, apple cider and gingerbread all revive the memories of Christmas past. In France, it is hot mulled wine, or vin chaud, that is evocative of Christmastime. Originally created in Rome in the second century AD, mulled wine in its many varieties can be found all across Europe and even in Chile and Canada.

Vin chaud à la française is made with dry red wine, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, orange zest and, for a bit more zing, cognac. More recently variations of vin chaud blanc have appeared (see the Marché de Noël in St. Germain).

Not all vin chaud is made equal (fait maison or homemade is preferable!), and so we’ve taste-tested the options in Paris to find you the absolute best hot mulled wine for the season. Et voila:

1.    Le Pick Clops – Located in the heart of the Marais, this is a great place to savour a glass of vin chaud sans souci. Choose between the vintage diner-esque decor inside or people-watching in comfort on the heated patio. 16 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003. Tel: +33 (0)1 40 29 02 18

2.    Le Cyrano – Tucked away on a small side street near Place de Clichy, what Le Cyrano lacks in size it makes up for in charm.. and, of course, deliciously spiced mulled wine. Great for an intimate digestif without noisy city distractions. 3 rue Biot, 75017. Tel: +33 (0)1 45 22 53 34

3.    La Péniche Antipode – Boat bars aren’t just for summer. This hybrid boat proves warming and inviting all year long thanks to a covered and heated terrace in winter. Friendly folks, laidback atmosphere and mulled wine for only 2,50€ a glass. 55 Quai de la Seine, 75019. Tel: +33 (0)1 42 03 39 07

4.   Café Martini – Convivial ambiance near Bastille great for a glass (ou plusieurs) with friends. Of course the vin chaud is fait maison. Why not stop by after a stroll around the Place des Vosges for a little warm-up? 11 rue du Pas de la Mule, 75004

5.    Chez Plumeau – Heading up to Montmartre? Why not stop in for some mulled wine at Chez Plumeau? Cozy and certainly less touristy than many other cafés in the area whilst maintaining a distinctly Montmartre feel. 4 Place du Calvaire, 75018. Tel: +33 (0)1 46 06 26 29

Bonus:

Musée des Arts Forains –  Usually open only for guided tours, the magical—and I do mean magical—Musée des Arts Forains is open to the public from December 26th to January 4th from 10am to 6pm daily. While you’re there, pick up a hot cup of mulled wine or even a cotton candy if you’re so inclined. Great for kids and the young-at-heart. 53, avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012

Bonne dégustation !

Jaimie is an adopted Parisienne hailing from Vancouver, Canada. After completing a study abroad program in Bordeaux she returned to France, this time making Paris her base, to launch her career. She currently works for Context Travel as activity coordinator for their France team. A network of scholars and specialists, Context Travel organises small, group walking tours in the world’s cultural capitals for intellectually curious travellers.