Au Vieux Carré, the cocktail bar in the 11th arrondissement, offers refined, made-to-measure creations.

When it comes to bars, Paris has it all! And when it comes to cocktails, there are so many concepts to choose from that there's something for everyone. For the most fastidious sippers, in search of recipes that enhance rather than mask the spirits, here's the secret den awaiting you in the capital's11th arrondissement : le Vieux Carré.

From the front, it's a mystery what kind of decor awaits you: a neon sign tells you that you've come to the right place. While access to the address isn't as discreet as that of a true Parisian speakeasy, the prevailing atmosphere transports us to an anachronistic, trendy version of the idea of bars in the Prohibition era. Like a Tardis (for Doctor Who fans), the place is much bigger than it looks from the outside.

The atmosphere is hushed, in a swirl of duck blue and copper. Leaning against the imposing counter, you can admire the spectacle of the bartenders at work, and watch cocktails of all shapes and colors being made. For a more intimate ambience, curl up in the velvet chairs and banquettes from the first floor to the mezzanine.

Here, you're immersed in the world of Anthony and Renaud, two enthusiasts who left finance for one and the kitchen for the other to embark on the art of mixology and give birth to Le Vieux Carré. Named after a well-known cognac-based cocktail, this bar invites you to discover signature creations and classic twists in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

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But don't expect to sip sweet beverages reminiscent of candy in its liquid state: rather than drowning the alcohol in flavors, here the spirit, more than a base, constitutes the red thread that connects the different elements together, without stifling the subtlest notes. This kind of lightness and pointillism can be found in the different cocktails we were able to taste, while discovering, from glass to glass, a variety of flavors to suit the different palates that might be brought to push back the curtain of Le Vieux Carré.

The star cocktail on the menu is the Vieux Carré Norman, a revisit of the classic that gave the establishment its name, featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Calvados, chestnut, red vermouth, angostura and Peychaud Bitter. A more gourmet approach to a cocktail with a clear-cut character. This is the second thing that struck us about Le Vieux Carré 's creations: refined cocktails, respectful of the most subtle notes, but never devoid of character. To accompany them, a sober, well-thought-out menu allows you to nibble on homemade hummus and tapenade, as well as plates of charcuterie (Coppa, Bresaola) and cheese (Tomme de Savoie, truffle brie).

Our mischief led us to indulge in the made-to-measure cocktails, leaving the barman carte blanche. And if you're prepared to really think outside the box, you'll be surprised by some unusual discoveries, including a spicy pepper-based creation whose smoky notes hinted at the presence of mezcal. These blind orders then lead you to savor recipes that you might not have thought to order, but which you'll probably be glad you didn't! And now we come to another special feature of this bar: you can order your favorite creations in bottles, so you can share your discoveries with friends and family, surprise your guests or hosts at parties, or accompany your aperitifs in the open air when the weather's fine.

Finally, good news for large groups and those in search of a venue for an event: Le Vieux Carré can be privatized in part or all of its spaces. So, are you ready to make it your mixolovers' HQ?