Bar Kléber at the Peninsula Paris - Our Top Pick for Wine Bars in Paris
Bar Kléber, one of the best wine bars in Paris
As a regular visitor to Paris in the past, before then moving permanently to the French capital back in 2016 in my mid-30’s, finding a place to go to enjoy the best French wine and enjoy the experience was essential. Paris has no shortage of cafés, with its café culture needing no further explanation; sitting outside on a terrace with a healthy choice of wine is so commonplace that anyone who doesn’t hail from France would be left dizzy with glee.
However, unearthing a real wine bar, where the staff take the time to describe the wine, to serve with elegance and to be surrounded by a venue brimming in history and culture is a little less ubiquitous. So, the first time I stumbled across Bar Kléber nestled in a quiet corner of the Peninsula Hotel in Paris was quite a treat.
The covered outdoor terrace at Bar Kléber in the Peninsula Paris
Bar Kléber at the Peninsula Hotel in Paris is located just a stone’s throw from the Champs-Elysées – close enough to be in the heart of the action, yet far enough to be a little haven of peace away from the crowds.
But first a little history about Bar Kléber and the Vietnam War…
What does the Bar Kléber and a blog about the best wine bars in Paris have to do with the Vietnam War I hear you ask? Good question. Well back in January 1973, the Peninsula Hotel played host to the signature of the Paris Peace Accords officially ending the Vietnam War and restoring peace. Signature of the Peace Accords took place in the modern-day Bar Kléber. In tribute to this momentous occasion, the Bar created a cocktail, the 1973, inspired by flavours and tastes of the Orient. You can sit back and sip the cocktail whilst admiring the full-length hand-embroidered silk tapestries also created to commemorate the end to the Vietnam War.
What makes Bar Kléber so special?
Quite simply Bar Kléber offers some of the best quality products Paris has to offer. The selection of wines is far from overwhelming, but the management has realised that it is not quantity, but quality which makes people want to return. Far from sitting and wondering which wine to choose from an endless list, the choice is simple. And the icing on the cake comes when served by a sommelier who knows the wines inside out, explains the vintage and shares their passion for the wine in your glass.
Although Bar Kléber is relatively small inside with just a handful of tables, this makes for an excellent intimate environment. It also means your waiter will be at hand whenever you need anything. The tables are close enough to feel intimate, whilst not being too close to the people next to you and every chair is the most comfortable you’ll find across the city of Paris.
The real treat at visiting the bar comes when the sun shines and the terrace is open. The terrace is larger than the indoor area, has a roof to keep away any fleeting showers and allows you to enjoy the Paris vista without being right on the street. It does tend to get busy on an evening so be prepared to wait, particularly in the fine weather of late spring and early summer.
Can you reserve at Bar Kléber?
Reservations are not possible at Bar Kléber for non-guests of the hotel. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing as I suspect the waiting list would be impossible to overcome. In my experience, afternoons are typically more manageable for finding a seat and table inside. During the spring and summer months, right up until early autumn, seating outside on the terrace is a delight thanks to the large tables, comfortable lounge chairs and space around you making the experience intimate without being on top of your next-door table.
During evenings when the bar is busier, there is often a wait for tables. However, in my experience the staff are more than accommodating. If you don’t mind perching on a comfortable stool at the bar, it is often one of the best ways of getting ahead of those who prefer a table. And for solo travellers, sitting at the bar is one of the best ways of making new friends, or simply watching the expert bar staff at work.
The elegant and chic interior of Bar Kléber in a quiet corner of the Paris Peninsula
Can you order food?
Food and bar snacks are available at Bar Kléber. The Peninsula Hotel – in true style of a palace parisien – has no shortage of fine restaurants on site catering to all tastes, whether you want classic French cuisine or luxury Asian food.
But fear not, if you want to soak up your 1973 cocktail with some good honest bar food you will be far from disappointed. And you’ll never forget you are in Paris as your drinks will always be served with a wonderful complementary serving of olives and chili-roasted nuts.
Bar snacks at Bar Kléber
Even for those not wanting a meal, the bar snacks at Bar Kléber are served with every drink and are delicious
The choice of bar snacks and tapas is not too extensive, but certainly worth your time. I have a weakness for a good club sandwich and can only recommend the Gershwin club sandwich with a substantial side serving of fries which will certainly keep you full for the rest of the day.
Bar Kléber, the ideal wine bar for digital nomads in Paris
As a digital nomad working remotely, finding a place to take my laptop where I can use unlimited internet and be welcomed is often harder than it seems. However, Bar Kléber has always welcomed me with open arms. As well as the bar and terrace which I’ve already discussed, there are a few small cubby holes outside of the bar along the corridor which have tables and chairs where you can also enjoy a drink and work if you need a little more discretion.
For those wanting a more private place to work at the Peninsula in Paris
Overall, Bar Kléber is without doubt one of my top picks in Paris for wine bars. Whether you want a place to work quietly over a glass of wine on a Friday afternoon, somewhere for a working lunch, or a date location in the evening, you’ll receive the best service by bar staff who always take time to treat you like royalty and serve some of the best wine, cocktails and food across Paris.
Useful information:
Bar Kléber at the Peninsula Hotel Paris
Website: Le Bar Kléber | The Peninsula Paris
Address: 19 Avenue Kléber, Paris, France, 75116