A terrace covered in greens, a wide room opening onto it and would you believe it – smiley waiters. Find this cute little tapas bar on the roof of La Machine du Moulin Rouge, accessible via the hidden passage Veron.
Heading to Bar à Bulles around 7pm to unwind is the perfect idea – no line at the bar, a clear horizon on the terrace and the interiror feels like a decadent bourgeois holiday home. From 8pm, order at the counter and if you’re peckish get a few tapas plates (€4-9), such as charcuterie platters with cherry tomato foccacia and sweet potato fries. To go with these lovely bites, are drinks which hit the wallet a little harder, starting at €7 for an Aperol Spritz to €14 for a Mojito Moulin Rouge (with champagne, ooh la la).
Despite the relaxed vibe that comes with decor and plants, Bar à Bulles is not one for broke students, but it has already become a firm favourite among thirty-somethings and families. As it often happens with gentrification in Paris, it is a mere step between elevating a place and shutting out the area’s residents. Here’s hoping that this Moulin Rouge spot keeps a little working class spirit of yesteryear.
TRANSLATION: MEGAN CARNEGIE