Cravan

Cuisine

Refined French small plates and seafood specialties designed to complement an exceptional cocktail program, from delicate crab tarama to fresh oysters.

The Vibe

Sophisticated literary elegance meets contemporary cocktail culture across four distinct atmospheres, from lively ground-floor energy to intimate rooftop serenity.

Cravan masterfully orchestrates multiple atmospheres within a single address, creating a venue that adapts to your mood and the moment. The ground floor pulses with the sophisticated energy of Saint-Germain's cocktail scene—animated conversations blend with the rhythmic shake of cocktail tins, creating an atmosphere that's both festive and refined. This is where Parisians and visitors alike gather for aperitifs that stretch into the evening, surrounded by the elegant design touches that define the space. As you ascend through the building, the atmosphere shifts and softens. The upper levels offer more intimate settings where the energy becomes contemplative rather than energetic. These spaces invite longer conversations, quieter moments, and the kind of unhurried enjoyment that defines the best Parisian experiences. The presence of the Rizzoli bookstore adds an intellectual dimension, attracting a cultured crowd that appreciates the marriage of mixology and literature. The rooftop mini-kiosque represents yet another mood entirely—here, the atmosphere becomes almost cinematic (quite literally, given the film screenings). Reserved for those who book ahead, this space offers a sense of exclusivity and discovery, with the Parisian skyline providing a dramatic backdrop to your cocktail experience. The cultural programming, from literary events to masterclasses, ensures that Cravan attracts a crowd that values substance alongside style—people who appreciate that a great cocktail bar can also be a cultural hub.

Decoration

Art Nouveau elegance reimagined through a contemporary lens, with Hector Guimard-inspired design flowing through four distinct levels of sophisticated spaces.

Ramy Fischler's design for Cravan pays homage to Art Nouveau master Hector Guimard while creating something entirely contemporary. The result is a space that feels both historically rooted and refreshingly modern, where the flowing lines and organic forms of Art Nouveau are reinterpreted through a 21st-century sensibility. Each of the four levels maintains its own decorative identity while contributing to a cohesive whole. The ground floor establishes the tone with its chic, sophisticated aesthetic—polished surfaces catch the light from carefully positioned fixtures, creating an atmosphere that's glamorous without being ostentatious. The bar itself becomes a focal point, designed not just for functionality but as a sculptural element that draws the eye. As you move through the building, the design reveals new layers. The integration of the Rizzoli bookstore isn't merely functional—the books themselves become part of the decoration, their spines adding color and texture to the walls. Reading nooks and intimate corners are carved out of the space, each thoughtfully furnished to encourage lingering. The upper levels feature more intimate decorative touches, with seating arrangements that facilitate conversation and create pockets of privacy within the larger space. The rooftop mini-kiosque offers yet another aesthetic experience, where the decoration opens up to embrace the Parisian skyline. Here, the design becomes more minimal, allowing the view and the sky to provide the visual drama. Throughout the space, lighting plays a crucial role—it shifts and adapts to different times of day and different areas, creating warmth in intimate corners and drama in the main spaces. The overall effect is a venue that feels carefully curated yet effortlessly elegant, where every design choice serves both aesthetic and experiential purposes.

Uniqueness

The only cocktail bar in Paris integrating a Rizzoli New York bookstore with a four-level experience including rooftop cinema screenings and mixology masterclasses.

Cravan's uniqueness lies in its refusal to be just one thing. While Paris has no shortage of excellent cocktail bars, none combine mixology with literary culture quite like this. The partnership with Rizzoli New York brings a carefully curated bookstore into the heart of the establishment, creating unexpected moments where browsing titles becomes part of the evening's entertainment. This isn't a gimmick—it's a genuine integration of two complementary cultures, attracting a clientele that values both a perfectly balanced cocktail and a well-chosen book. The four-level structure creates multiple experiences within a single address. You can start your evening at the animated ground-floor bar, move to a quieter upper level for conversation, and finish on the rooftop for film screenings under the stars. This vertical journey through different atmospheres is rare in Paris, where most bars occupy a single floor. The rooftop mini-kiosque, accessible only by reservation, adds an element of exclusivity and discovery that rewards those who plan ahead. The cultural programming extends beyond the bookstore and cinema. Regular literary events bring authors and readers together, while cocktail masterclasses offer hands-on education in mixology. These aren't peripheral activities—they're central to Cravan's identity as a place where culture and cocktails intersect. The bottled cocktail program represents another distinctive feature, allowing guests to take home professionally crafted drinks, a service that bridges the gap between the bar experience and home entertaining. The building itself—a 17th-century structure in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés—provides a historical foundation that few modern cocktail bars can claim. The Art Nouveau-inspired design by Ramy Fischler doesn't simply occupy this space but engages with its history, creating a dialogue between past and present. This combination of historical setting, contemporary design, literary culture, and exceptional mixology creates something genuinely unique in the Parisian cocktail landscape.

Insider Tips

Reserve the rooftop mini-kiosque in advance for film screenings, and visit during weekday evenings for the best chance to explore all four levels without crowds.

The rooftop mini-kiosque and the atelier require advance reservations and are worth planning for—these spaces offer the most exclusive Cravan experience and book up quickly, especially for film screening nights. Make your reservation through the Seven Rooms system on their website to secure your spot. Timing your visit strategically can significantly enhance your experience. Tuesday through Thursday evenings (opening at 17:00) tend to be less crowded than weekends, giving you the freedom to explore all four levels and find your preferred atmosphere. Friday and Saturday see the space fill up quickly, creating a more energetic vibe but potentially limiting your ability to move between floors. The Saturday opening at noon offers a different experience entirely—the café atmosphere during afternoon hours provides a calmer introduction to the space before the evening cocktail crowd arrives. For the cocktail experience, don't hesitate to engage with the bartenders about pairings between drinks and food. The staff is knowledgeable and can guide you toward combinations that work particularly well together. If you're interested in the bottled cocktail program, ask about current offerings—these make excellent gifts or allow you to recreate the Cravan experience at home. The bookstore deserves dedicated time—it's not just decoration but a carefully curated selection from Rizzoli New York. Browse before or between cocktails, and don't be surprised if you leave with both a memorable drink experience and a new book. Check their website for upcoming cultural events and masterclasses, which often sell out and provide deeper engagement with both cocktail craft and literary culture. For first-time visitors, we recommend starting on the ground floor to get a sense of the space, then exploring upward. Each level reveals something new, and the journey through the building is part of the experience. If you're planning a special occasion, mention it when booking—the staff can help you choose the most appropriate space for your celebration.

Must-try Dishes

Royal Basilic cocktail, Xeres Martini, tarama de crabe, Marennes-Oléron oysters, ravioles de tourteaux, tempuras de champignons, tarte au citron meringuée