BEST COCKTAIL BARS MONTPELLIER

Aperture in Montpellier functions as an inhabited gallery where cocktails become artistic compositions, designed by renowned bartender Julien Escot. Named after the photographic aperture concept, the space uses light and materiality to create an immersive sensory experience, with regularly changing exhibitions showcasing contemporary art. Ranked among the world's 10 best new cocktail bars by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation in 2019 and featured in 150 Bars to Visit Before You Die, Aperture represents cocktail culture as experiential art at the intersection of taste, image, and sound.

Bonsoir Cocktail Bar is a stylish establishment in Montpellier's historic center, just steps from Place de la Comédie. Featuring Neo-Art Deco design inspired by 1970s hotel bars, the venue offers both an elegant indoor space and a sumptuous terrace. Led by Jean-Philippe, French cocktail champion in 2014, the talented team creates original cocktails using homemade ingredients and locally sourced spirits. The menu complements expertly crafted drinks with varied international tapas. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 1am, Bonsoir combines refined mixology with a relaxed atmosphere and world-class flavors in an intimate setting.

Le Parfum is an upmarket cocktail bar in the Beaux-Arts district where bartenders express creativity through original, fragrant cocktails paired with homemade dim sum. Located at 55 bis rue de la Cavalerie, the venue boasts Asian-inspired decor featuring typical lanterns and elegant design centered on precious alcohols and homemade infusions. Cocktails range from €12 to €20, with trained bartenders performing ice sculpture artistry and presenting each drink illuminated. The menu includes Cantonese steamed bites crafted in-house to complement the beverages. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 7pm to 1am, Le Parfum delivers both visual and gustatory sophistication.

Rhum Runner is a rum-focused cocktail bar and rhumerie in Montpellier's heart near Place de la Comédie, specializing in handcrafted cocktails and a curated selection of over 150 rums from the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The intimate space features wood decor evoking a refined Caribbean aesthetic, creating an immersive tropical atmosphere. Signature cocktails include a piña colada served in a real pineapple and the Rhum Runner house cocktail combining three premium rums with spiced pineapple notes. The bar offers guided rum tastings where passionate bartenders share the stories and origins of each spirit, complemented by tapas pairings. Rhum Runner combines expertise in rum production with exceptional mixology, appealing to both casual drinkers and spirits enthusiasts seeking authentic Caribbean-inspired flavors.