Au Chat Noir Paris

Poetry and good wine

Rachele from Paris

About me Born in Italy, brought up in England, France and Switzerland, I'm currently following a master's degree in journalism in Paris. I hope to pursue a career as a reporter on international affairs and geopolitics, but whenever I'm not fixating on what is going on in the world, I'm usually looking for new bars and cafés in the city. I have a soft spot for old-timey, vintage-...
"Au Chat Noir is a heartwarming, dimly lit bar where cozy chaos reigns, drinks are cheap, and the basement hosts poetry nights and small concerts."

Situated at 76 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, Au chat noir is a heartwarming, dimly lit bar in the 11e arrondissement. Unlike most Parisian spots, it doesn’t have a characteristic terrace, but it does include a basement that often hosts concerts and cultural events. 

Many locals of the 11e will have stopped at least once at this bohemian establishment, where drinks are still relatively cheap, and the long wooden counter acts as a natural melting pot for various encounters. The decoration is mostly composed of random objects that seem to have been abandoned by previous clients or picked up from flea markets. They transform the bar into a cozy chaos, where both locals and passers-by are welcomed.

I especially recommend going on Monday nights, where a ritual English poetry event is hosted by Spokenword_paris (you can find them on Instagram). During the course of the night, the basement is the stage to habitués and newcomers, who all sit down to appreciate exclusive poems or old-timey interpretations. Don’t hesitate to come with your own if you’re feeling confident, or just stop by to listen and have a chat with the wonderful community that animates the evening.

If you do happen to visit, on any given day, I recommend you go early because the bar fills up pretty quickly and the tables are limited. Nonetheless, if you don’t find a seat, just wander along rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, and you will be sure to find many other bars to your liking!

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Paris Spotter Rachele

About me Born in Italy, brought up in England, France and Switzerland, I'm currently following a master's degree in journalism in Paris. I hope to pursue a career as a reporter on international affairs and geopolitics, but whenever I'm not fixating on what is going on in the world, I'm usually looking for new bars and cafés in the city. I have a soft spot for old-timey, vintage-looking bars that make me feel like I'm living in a different time zone than the rest of the world. Thankfully, Paris has many of those, tucked away in various street corners, and I'm happy to share t...

About this spot

76 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud

Glass of wine:

5

Dec 3, 2025

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