Paris: Le Verre Volé Origin Story

How to Complete

4 steps to experience this fully

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 $$

   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

   Optional

   adventure $

   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

   Optional

   adventure Free

   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