Bar des Ferrailleurs Bar

Bastille / Oberkampf - 11eme, Paris –

Although themed bars are nothing unusual on the popular Rue de Lappe, it is nonetheless a pleasant surprise to stumble upon a beach bar in the middle of Paris, which is exactly what patrons find at Bar des Ferrailleurs.

Once an old welder’s shop, the tiny one room venue was created by its owner as a tribute to his years spent surfing in the Hawaiian islands.

The décor consists of all the requisite surfing memorabilia, as well as some unique details from the original building, including a gas pipe that has been restored to serve tap beer. There are also a few treasures hanging above the bar in the form of homemade, hand-labeled rums infused with tropical flavors like banana, kiwi, coconut, and cocoa.

The bar is tended by the owner and his brother, who also take care of the music and keep a steady stream of surfing videos looping on the large screen. The only other entertainment is friendly conversation, and there’s plenty of that to be had with the pleasant mix of international customers and dedicated regulars.

Whether adventure sports fans or not, the warm atmosphere and mellow vibe at Bar des Ferrailleurs has a way of transporting patrons from the eternal City of Light to a carefree endless summer.