The Best Afterworks in France: Our Selection

Need to unwind after a long workday? Want to strengthen bonds with colleagues in a relaxed setting or simply discover trendy new places? Afterwork has become a true institution in 2025. Here's our selection of the best afterworks in France to transform your evenings into exceptional moments.

Why Afterwork Appeals to France in 2025?

In 2025, afterwork has established itself as an essential ritual in French professional life. This tradition from Anglo-Saxon countries has definitively conquered France, responding to a growing need for work-life balance.

More than just an outing after the office, afterwork embodies a new work philosophy where conviviality and networking become essential elements of company culture. In a post-COVID context where remote work has become normalized, these gathering moments take on a special dimension, helping to maintain and strengthen social bonds within teams.

Key Figures: Afterwork in France

The enthusiasm for afterwork continues to grow in France. According to an OpinionWay study conducted in January 2025, 78% of French companies organize at least one quarterly afterwork, compared to only 45% in 2020.

The average budget allocated to these events has also seen a significant increase, rising from €25 to €43 per person between 2020 and 2025, demonstrating the importance given to these team-building moments.

Even more revealing, 67% of employees consider afterwork an important factor in workplace well-being, and 54% state that these events have a positive impact on their professional motivation.

According to the 2024 Quality of Work Life Barometer (Malakoff Humanis), companies regularly offering afterworks show an employee engagement rate 23% higher than the national average.

Benefits of Afterwork for Companies and Employees

For Companies:

• Strengthening Team Cohesion: In a relaxed atmosphere, colleagues learn to know each other better and develop relationships of trust.
• Improving Internal Communication: Hierarchical barriers temporarily fade, facilitating exchanges across all levels of the organization.
• Attracting and Retaining Talent: Afterworks help create an attractive company culture, particularly among younger generations.
• Stimulating Creativity: An informal setting promotes the emergence of new ideas and innovative approaches.
• Enhancing Employer Brand: These events convey a positive and dynamic image of the company.

For Employees:

• Decompression and Stress Reduction: A welcome break after an intense workday.
• Professional Network Development: Opportunity to meet colleagues from other services or departments.
• Sense of Belonging: Strengthening social bonds and attachment to the company.
• Discovery of Original Places and Activities: A valuable cultural and social broadening.
• Work-Life Balance: A smooth transition between these two spheres.

Essential Afterwork Concepts in 2025

Themed Bars and Innovative Spaces

Themed bars continue to attract with increasingly creative concepts:

• Speakeasies and Hidden Bars: These establishments with retro charm, accessible through discreet entrances, offer an exclusive experience.
• Game Bars: Combining tasting and entertainment with board games, pool tables, darts, or arcade machines.
• Rooftops: These high terraces offer breathtaking views of the most beautiful French cities.
• Concept Bars: From natural wine bars to science pubs to molecular cocktail bars.

Fun Activities and Team Building

• Escape Games: These life-sized escape games strengthen team spirit and communication.
• Creative Workshops: Cooking, mixology, painting, perfume creation... activities that reveal hidden talents.
• Urban Sports: Padel, bubble football, bowling, indoor mini-golf... physical activities accessible to all.
• Quizzes and Blind Tests: Simple but effective animations to create a festive atmosphere.

Gastronomic Experiences

• Food Halls and Covered Markets: These convivial spaces bring together several food stands around a central bar.
• Themed Tastings: Wines, cheeses, spirits, chocolates... gustatory discoveries guided by passionate experts.
• Culinary Workshops: Preparing a cocktail or dish together naturally strengthens bonds.
• Privatizable Restaurants: Flexible spaces adapted to groups of all sizes.

Selection of the Best Afterworks by Major City

Paris: The Afterwork Capital

Paris concentrates the greatest diversity of venues and concepts for afterwork:

• Le Perchoir Marais (33 Rue de la Verrerie): This iconic rooftop offers a spectacular view of Paris in a bohemian-chic atmosphere.
• Ground Control (81 Rue du Charolais): Alternative third place with bars, food court, and cultural events in a former SNCF depot.
• Le Nid (6 Rue Guénégaud): Intimate cocktail bar offering original creations in a warm decor.
• La Felicità (5 Parvis Alan Turing): Europe's largest restaurant with several bars and themed spaces in Station F.
• Le Mazette Club (61 Rue de Lyon): Game bar with over 500 board games and a menu of creative cocktails.

Lyon: French Elegance

The gastronomic capital has no shortage of addresses for memorable afterworks:

• Le Sucre (50 Quai Rambaud): Cultural rooftop with a breathtaking view of the city and varied programming.
• Les Berthom (24 Rue Victor Hugo): Lyon institution with an impressive beer menu and warm atmosphere.
• Le Heat (70 Quai Perrache): Hybrid venue with bar, restaurant, and flexible spaces for events.
• Groom (6 Rue Roger Violi): Intimate cocktail bar with sophisticated creations and personalized service.
• Pina Colada (20 Rue Parmentier): Tropical bar with exotic cocktails in an exotic setting.

Marseille: Mediterranean Conviviality

The Phocaean city offers afterworks with views of the Mediterranean:

• La Friche Belle de Mai (41 Rue Jobin): Alternative cultural venue with several bars and dining spaces.
• Rowing Club (34 Boulevard Charles Livon): Bar-restaurant with terrace offering a breathtaking view of the Old Port.
• La Caravelle (34 Quai du Port): Marseille institution with panoramic view and refined cocktails.
• Lacaille 18 (18 Rue Lacaille): Artisanal distillery offering tastings of local spirits.
• R2 Rooftop (Les Terrasses du Port): France's largest rooftop with 360° views of the city and sea.

Bordeaux: Aquitaine Elegance

The pearl of Aquitaine seduces with afterworks between tradition and modernity:

• Night Beach (Hôtel Grand Intercontinental): Luxurious rooftop with pool and panoramic view of the city.
• IBOAT (Bassin à Flot n°1): Barge transformed into a cultural venue with several bars and festive spaces.
• Le Point Rouge (1 Quai de Paludate): Sophisticated cocktail bar in a hushed atmosphere.
• La Guinguette Chez Alriq (ZA Quai des Queyries): Riverside café along the Garonne offering concerts and dining.
• Jaqen Craft Beer (5 Rue du Pas-Saint-Georges): Craft beer bar with more than 20 draft references.

Lille: Northern Conviviality

The capital of Flanders cultivates the art of afterwork in a warm atmosphere:

• Le Bistrot de St So (17 Boulevard Jean-Baptiste Lebas): Cultural venue with bar, restaurant, and event spaces.
• La Friche Gourmande (90 Rue Mabille): Food court with several food stands and central bar.
• Quai 38 (38 Rue de Wazemmes): Bar-restaurant with terrace and festive atmosphere.
• The Liturgy (109 Rue Saint-André): Cocktail bar with neo-gothic decor offering unique creations.
• La Piscine (168 Rue d'Arras): Former swimming pool converted into a cultural and festive venue.

Nantes: Creative Boldness

The city of the Dukes of Brittany offers innovative afterworks:

• Le Nid (Tour Bretagne): Panoramic bar perched on the 32nd floor with 360° views of the city.
• Le Lieu Unique (2 Rue de la Biscuiterie): Cultural center with bar-restaurant and eclectic programming.
• Microbrasserie La Chapelle (8 Rue de la Chapelle): Craft brewery offering tastings and tours.
• Les Terrasses de l'Erdre (Île de Versailles): Summer guinguette along the Erdre River.
• Joséphine (11 Rue des Olivettes): Intimate wine bar with carefully curated selections.

Focus on Unusual Afterworks and Emerging Trends

Digital Detox

"Disconnected" afterworks are experiencing growing success in 2025. The concept is simple: all participants leave their smartphones at the entrance for a 100% human experience. These events favor traditional games, face-to-face discussions, and sometimes even writing on paper. Among the pioneers of this trend:

• Le Silence des Machines (Paris): A bar where wifi is banned and phones are locked away.
• L'Imprévu (Lyon): A space offering board games and manual activities in a warm setting.
• La Déconnexion (Bordeaux): A concept combining tea room by day and game bar by night, without screens.

Eco-Responsible Events

Environmental awareness is also transforming the afterwork universe with sustainable concepts:

• Le Cerf-Volant (Nantes): Zero-waste bar offering cocktails made with local, seasonal ingredients.
• Ecotone (Marseille): Ecological third place with urban garden and awareness workshops.
• Green Village (Paris): Ephemeral event space entirely powered by solar energy.

Wellness Afterworks

Body-mind balance is entering afterworks with concepts that combine relaxation and socialization:

• Ôm Bar (Lyon): A venue offering yoga classes followed by healthy drink tastings.
• Respire (Lille): Space combining sauna, hammam, and juice bar in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Méditation & Mixologie (Paris): Concept alternating guided meditation sessions and cocktail creation workshops.

Technological Innovations

Technology is also transforming the afterwork experience:

• Virtual Room (Multiple cities): Collaborative virtual reality experiences for teams.
• Mix'Arts (Paris): Bar where customers can create their own playlists via a dedicated app.
• Hologram Bar (Lyon): France's first bar integrating hologram artist performances.

How to Organize a Successful Afterwork?

Practical Checklist

1. Define Objectives: Networking, team building, celebrating success...
2. Choose Date and Time: Favor Thursday (76% of afterworks) or Friday (19%).
3. Select the Venue: Adapt the space to the number of participants and desired atmosphere.
4. Plan a Realistic Budget: Count between €30 and €60 per person on average.
5. Send Invitations: At least two weeks in advance, with a reminder 48 hours before.
6. Reserve a Dedicated Area: To encourage interaction among participants.
7. Plan an Inclusive Offering: Non-alcoholic options, vegetarian options, adapted to dietary restrictions.
8. Organize an Activity: A unifying element to break the ice.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Inappropriate Timing: Avoid Mondays and evenings before busy days.
• Absence of Non-Alcoholic Alternatives: Offer mocktails and original beverages.
• Too Noisy Venue: Prefer a space that allows conversation.
• Implicit Obligation: Respect everyone's freedom to participate or not.
• Lack of Moderation: Ensure responsible alcohol consumption.

The Legal Framework of Afterwork in France

Employer Responsibility

If the afterwork is organized by the company, it bears responsibility:

• The employer must ensure employee safety, even outside company premises.
• An accident occurring during an afterwork can be classified as a workplace accident under certain conditions.
• The Evin Law applies: prohibition of encouraging excessive alcohol consumption.

Alcohol Consumption

According to the Labor Code (Article R4228-20), the employer must:

• Systematically offer non-alcoholic alternatives.
• Provide means to check blood alcohol levels (breathalyzers).
• Plan for secure transportation solutions (medical transport vehicles, taxis).

Harassment and Discrimination

Afterwork remains a professional setting where usual rules apply:

• The employer must prevent any inappropriate behavior (sexism, racism, harassment).
• A reference person can be designated for the evening in case of problems.
• A preventive reminder of good conduct rules is recommended.

Practical Resources: Tools, Platforms, Useful Contacts

Specialized Booking Platforms

• Privateaser: Search and reservation service for afterwork spaces.
• Funbooker: Platform offering original activities for companies.
• Kactus: Professional event management tool with integrated budget.
• Tonight Pass: Online ticketing for events and parties, with guaranteed quick entry.

Useful Applications

• Afterwork Finder: Application listing the best afterwork spots in real-time.
• HomeDrinks: Cocktail delivery service prepared by professional bartenders.
• TeamOut: Voting platform to collectively choose the venue or activity.
• SafeNight: Secure carpooling application for afterwork returns.

Complementary Services

• Mix & Match: Agency specialized in organizing custom afterworks.
• Happy Hour Agency: Concierge service offering turnkey solutions for companies.
• Festive Corp: Rental of equipment and furniture for professional events.
• Anim'Pro: Catalog of animations and speakers for original afterworks.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best day to organize an afterwork?
Thursday remains the preferred day for 76% of companies, followed by Friday (19%). Thursday creates a break in the week without impacting the next day.

How to encourage teams to participate without creating pressure?
Communicate in advance about the non-mandatory nature of the event, offer alternatives (flexible hours, hybrid format), and highlight the diversity of activities offered.

What budget should be planned for a successful afterwork?
The average budget is between €30 and €60 per person in 2025, but more economical options exist, particularly via happy hours or negotiated packages.

Are afterworks suitable for remote work?
Absolutely, they are even an excellent way to maintain social bonds in organizations practicing remote work. The 2025 trend shows an increase in monthly afterworks in hybrid companies.

How to manage alcohol consumption during an afterwork?
Systematically offer attractive non-alcoholic alternatives, limit strong alcohol offerings, provide transportation services, and designate a sobriety reference person.

Conclusion: Afterwork, a Lever for Conviviality and Innovation in Business

In 2025, afterwork has established itself as much more than just a trend or occasional ritual. A true management and cohesion tool, it actively participates in building a positive and inclusive company culture.

Concepts are diversifying to meet new employee expectations: digital disconnection, ecological commitment, holistic well-being, or technological innovations. This evolution demonstrates afterwork's ability to constantly reinvent itself.

Throughout France, innovative venues and original concepts now make it possible to transform these moments after work into truly unifying and memorable experiences. Whether it's a Parisian rooftop, a Nantes microbrewery, or a Lyon wellness space, each French city now offers its afterwork ecosystem adapted to everyone's tastes and expectations.

Afterwork 2025 is thus establishing itself as a fantastic lever for balance between professional performance and personal fulfillment, between collective ambition and individual well-being. A French art of living that confirms that the best ideas often arise in the most convivial moments.