Paris Nightlife
Paris may have a reputation for classic beauty, art, history and fine food, but rest assured, when it comes to nightlife, the city has every kind of diversion for every kind of taste too. From opera to hard rock, intimate bars to throbbing nightclubs and every type of tourist kitsch, it's impossible to be bored by the City of Lights after dark.
Tickets for concerts and shows of all kinds can be purchased at FNAC Forum des Halles, 1 rue Pierre Lescot, 1st (tel: +33 825 020 020; www.fnac.com) or Carrousel du Louvre, 99 rue de Rivoli, 1st (tel: +33 1 4316 4710; www.carrouseldulouvre.fr).
Bars in Paris
Experimental Cocktail Club
Anyone after more than a small glass of red should make for the Experimental Cocktail Club, a mixology bar that takes its inspiration from New York City's best concoction joints. The drinks are inventive and a world away from the ready mixed tipples that have come to dominate the drinks scene in less salubrious surroundings. Arrive early as tables are hard to come by.
Address: 2nd, 37 rue St-Sauveur, Paris, 75002Telephone: +33 1 4508 8809.
Website: http://www.experimentalcocktailclub.fr
Le Bar du Bristol
Considered one of the best cocktail bars in Paris, Le Bar du Bristol is a fantastic place for those after a luxurious night out. You can order off the menu or have it custom-made by the bartender. This place receives great reviews.
Address: 75008, 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris, 8thTelephone: +33 1 53 43 42 41
Website: http://www.oetkercollection.com
Moncoeur Belleville
This traditional Parisian bar has become a go-to spot for those after a traditional French watering hole. Locals throng on the pavement terrace which affords stunning city views, but the interior is every bit as enticing come nightfall. The coffee is to die for and unlike tourist hotspots, you’ll get change from a €5 note. Be sure to have a few glasses of pastis (anise-flavoured spirit) before you switch to caffeine.
Address: 20th, 1 Rue des Envierges, Paris, 75020Telephone: +33 1 4366 3854
Website: https://moncoeurbelleville.com/en/
Panic Room
For a more arty atmosphere, head to the ground floor of the Panic Room. This exciting cocktail bar also comes with a nightclub downstairs for live music acts, electronic and dance music.
Address: 11th, 101 Rue Amelot, Paris, 75011Telephone: +33 1 58 30 93 43
Website: http://www.panicroomparis.com/
Clubs in Paris
Concrete
A destination for serious ravers, Concrete is renowned for its all day parties, with the best new DJs from around the world clamouring to get on the decks. And we don’t just mean the ones for spinning tunes - Concrete is located on a boat docked on the Seine. It flings its doors open at 0700 and shuts at 0200, so you can drop in whenever the dancing mood takes you.
Address: 12th, 69 Port de la Rapée, Paris, 75012Telephone: +33 1 77 17 78 49
Website: http://www.concreteparis.fr
Rex Club
For a heady mix of techno and dance music, electronica fans should head to the Rex Club in the 2nd arrisdonment. It offers an ever changing, musical line up that keeps the experience fresh. Prices are on the high side – but this is Paris.
Address: 2nd, 5 boulevard Poissonière, Paris, 75002Telephone: +33 1 4236 1096.
Website: http://www.rexclub.com
Live music in Paris
Caveau de la Huchette
A jazz mainstay in Paris for the last 60 years, Caveau de la Huchette has hosted the likes of Memphis Slim, Harry Sweet Edison and Dany Doriz in the past. Far from being a fingers-in-your-ears club, dancing is encouraged, and has been since 1946, the heady days of be-bop.
Address: 5th, 5 rue de la Huchette, Paris, 75005Telephone: +33 1 4326 6505.
Website: http://www.caveaudelahuchette.fr
La Cigale
This is a favourite for touring indie bands, cultish French rockers and cutting-edge musicians. The vibe is sweaty and lairy, making this one of the best music venues in Paris. Cabaret and flamenco sit alongside Seu George and Mark Ronson. Always check out the venue website before visiting.
Address: 18th, 120 boulevard de Rochechouart, Paris, 75018Telephone: +33 1 4925 8999.
Website: http://www.lacigale.fr
Point Éphémère
For music that floats across the water, Point Éphémère offers a great place to sip an aperitif and overlook the tranquil Canal Saint Martin. This converted warehouse contains studios for both professional and amateur dancers as well as exhibition spaces, art workshops and creative conferences. Its mainstay, however, remains live music that reflects an ever-changing city.
Address: 10th, 200 quai de Valmy, Paris, 75010Telephone: +33 1 4034 0248.
Website: http://www.pointephemere.org
