Best Nights Out
Paris
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Java (La)
Contact:
- 33 1 42 02 20 52
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Location:
- 105 Rue du Faubourg-du-Temple
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Map
Description:
This club's motto is 'everything for dance'. Mission accomplished: since 1920, Java has made the little world of Belleville swing. This former public bath was first converted into a cabaret (Edith Piaf made her début here) and then became a dance hall. Today, the old dame sways to Cuban rhythms with the explosive salsa performed by the Cuban Jam Sessions. Live shows last until 3am with the best latino bands in Paris followed by gold-fingered and hot-blooded DJs who keep you dancing until dawn. Caliente!
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Bataclan (Le)
Contact:
- 33 1 4314 3535
- visit website
Location:
- 50 Boulevard Voltaire
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Map
Description:
The place used to be called Chinese Palace of the Bataclan under Napoleon 3rd. Now it is called the Bataclan. More or less well-known international music groups of all kinds play in this big old room (1200 seats) with a lot of charm going for it. Avoid the balcony if possible - the floor is much more fun! The amplification is at times a bit zealous but, after all, we are talking about rock concerts here. The Bataclan also welcomes group shows and one-man shows.
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Le Sunset/Le Sunside
Contact:
- 01-40-26-46-60
- visit website
Location:
- 60 rue des Lombards, 1er
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Map
Description:
This is a dual temple of jazz, one of the hottest addresses on the after-dark scene in Paris, lying between the Forum des Halles and the Centre George Pompidou. The Sunset Jazz Club, created in 1983, is dedicated to electric jazz and international music, whereas Sunside, launched in 2001, is devoted to acoustic jazz for the most part. Some of the most innovative names in European jazz appear here regularly, along with jazz legends, many from abroad. Both clubs form a single complex with two concerts every night. Open Monday to Saturday 9:30pm to 1am.
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Moulin Rouge
Contact:
- 01-53-09-82-82
- visit website
Location:
- 82 bd. Clichy, 18e
- Place Blanche
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Map
Description:
This is a camp classic. The establishment that Toulouse-Lautrec immortalized is still here, but the artist would probably have a hard time recognizing it. Colette created a scandal here by offering an on-stage kiss to Mme de Morny, but shows today have a harder time shocking audiences. Try to get a table -- the view is much better on the main floor than from the bar. What's the theme? It's strip routines and the saucy sexiness of la Belle Epoque, and of permissive Paris between the wars. Handsome men and girls, girls, girls, virtually all topless, keep the place going. Dance finales usually include two dozen of the belles doing a topless cancan. Revues begin nightly at 9 and 11pm.
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Lizard Lounge
Contact:
- 33 1 4272 8134
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Location:
- 18 Rue du Bourg-Tibourg
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Map
Description:
Yes, there really is a good old English pub right in Marais. Not far from the trendy cafés, a friendly pint can be sipped at convivial tables. Try the excellent cocktails, served by English-speaking barmen, of course. Come nightfall and techno music is played downstairs, for a young and cosmopolitan crowd. Delicious snacks are available, like the Supernacho, with guacamole and melted cheese. Unbeatable Sunday brunch from noon to 4p. Happy hours 8p-10p.
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Divan du Monde
Contact:
- 33 1 44 92 77 66
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Location:
- 75 Rue des Martyrs
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Map
Description:
The Pigalle district has always been home to Paris' concert halls. Next to Le Divan du Monde are various other shrines to music such as La Cigale, L'Elysée Montmartre or even La Locomotive;so many venues that have hosted the most famous names in entertainment. Le Divan du Monde itself is actually quite small but very inviting, with eclectic programming that has originality and novelty as its hallmark. No prestigious posters, rather theme nights (bossa nova, hip-hop) or up-and-coming artists, with a strong tendency towards world music. Worth a look for those who like to move to the rhythm a little off the beaten track.
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Olympic Café
Contact:
- 33 1 42 52 29 93
- visit website
Location:
- 20, Rue Léon
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Map
Description:
Originally constructed in 1934 as a ballroom, the Olympic Café is today a concert hall, bar, and restaurant which is part of the artistic project of the multicultural popular laboratory developed by Procreart, an association for local cultural development. The concerts range through a great variety of genres and instrumentation, and the cover charge typically ranges in price, depending on membership and reductions. Along with other venues of the association, the Olympic hosts over 600 events each year and draws nearly 100,000 visitors. The kitchen is open from 7:30 p.m. until midnight on the same nights as the bar, and the space may be rented for private events.
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Le Fumoir
Contact:
- 01-42-92-00-24
- visit website
Location:
- 6 rue de l'Amiral-de-Coligny, 1er
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Map
Description:
This upscale brasserie is in an antique building a few steps from the Louvre. It's one of the most fashionable places in Paris for a bite or drink. You can order salads, pastries, and drinks at off-hours, and platters of more substantial food at mealtimes. Examples are Argentine beefsteak, rack of veal simmered in its own juices with tarragon, calves' liver with onions, and herring in mustard-flavored cream sauce.
