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The city of light has no shortage of traditional cultural excursions, with world-class opera and ballet as well as revues that range from comedy to fury. But there is also a whole range of eclectic clubs for those who want to continue the festivities into the wee hours. Nightlife is concentrated in Pigalle (especially trendy SoPi, or South Pigalle), around Canal Saint-Martin and Strasbourg Saint-Denis, and in the bustling Grands Boulevards district.
Below, our expert presents her favorite after-hours spots, while for further Paris inspiration, see our guides devoted to the French capital’s best hotels, restaurants, bars, things to do, free things to do and shopping, plus how to spend a weekend in Paris.
Opera National
It’s well worth splurging on a ticket to a night out at the opera. The Second Empire architecture of the Palais Garnier, all marble and crystal chandeliers and a grand central staircase could hardly be more fairytale-like, while art lovers will appreciate the Chagall fresco in the auditorium. The performances themselves are always impressive thanks to the huge stage (there is room for more than 400 performers), but also the programming that spans the traditional to more modern, such as classical ballet set to the music of James Blake. The Opéra Bastille a little further east is more modern, but a wonderful venue nonetheless, valued especially for its acoustics. Reduced prices available for people under 28 and over 65, and on the door if you arrive just before the show starts.
Consult: operadeparis.fr
Prices: £££
Come in: Smart dress
Folies-Bergère
The beautiful Art Nouveau facade of this legendary cabaret is a show-stopper on its own, but it also has a dazzling cultural history and exciting present. This place was a lynchpin of Paris’ Belle Epoque in the early 20th century and played host to the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Joséphine Baker. Today, the atmospheric Art Nouveau theater space plays host to a diverse selection of dramatic and musical talent.
Consult: foliesbergere.com
Prices: £-££
New morning
This relaxed jazz venue attracts music lovers from all over the world as well as many loyal locals. It was founded in the early 80s by Franco-Egyptian journalist Eglal Farhi, who was responsible for transforming a former printing shop in the bustling 10th arrondissement into a must-visit music venue, frequented by the likes of Prince and Bob Dylan impromptu gigs. The main feature here is still the excellent list of jazz performers (from the start stars like Chet Baker and Stan Getz played here). Check out the program online and book in advance to enjoy a relaxed evening at one of the most beloved music venues in the French capital.
Consult: newmorning.com
Price: £££
Come in: Book in advance for the Music Hall
Le Duc des Lombards
For jazz enthusiasts, this concert venue-cum-restaurant in the center of Paris offers a varied program of French and international acts in a setting optimized for acoustics, where crowds respectfully huddle to hear the musicians. Go there after 11.30pm on a weekend for free entry, a more relaxed atmosphere and local acts. Ask to sit in the dimly lit upstairs gallery if you want a little more freedom to chat. Drinks are quite expensive, so order by the bottle for better value. Expect a diverse crowd of locals and visitors and a generally grown-up vibe.
Consult: ducdeslombards.com
Prices: £–££
Come in: Reservations required for concerts
Silencio
Silencio, David Lynch’s first nightclub venue is a must for film lovers, aesthetes and artists. Inside this cool underground space, the bar from the director’s cult film Mulholland Drive is transformed into a real place. Inside, you’ll find gold leaf-adorned walls, modernist furniture and even a private cinema and art library. For non-members, entry is at the doorman’s discretion and it’s not always clear what they’re looking for, but certainly don’t rock up in your tracksuit and trainers. And hey, if you can’t get in, there are plenty of other cool bars in this district, like the ones inside the Hoxton Hotel.
Consult: silencio-club.com
Prices: £££
Come in: Open to members and guests; free but selective entry after 12.00
La Bellevilloise
This cultural space in the 20th arrondissement started life as a workers’ cooperative, and today it remains a hub for music and art enthusiasts, as well as weekend parties and diners. The lovely “Halle” with olive trees, arranged over two levels, is a wonderful venue for concerts, including “jazz brunch” on Sundays. After dark, the downstairs area transforms into a club with live acts and DJs, bringing in soul, funk, hip-hop, r’n’b, Latin, swing and more. Wine is reasonably priced and tasty fruit-based cocktails are offered for €10.
Consult: labellevilloise.com
Price: ££
Come in: Book tickets in advance for themed club nights
Crazy horse
Located in the prestigious “Golden Triangle” area of the 8th arrondissement, this legendary cabaret is the most creative and perhaps the sexiest of its kind in Paris. The female cast are all classically trained dancers and are selected for their talent as well as their looks (the cabaret has specific target requirements for their topless dancers to create the highly stylized signature look). Costumes for the elaborate shows are designed by fashion stars such as Givenchy, Balenciaga, Karl Largerfeld, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Elie Saab.
Consult: lecrazyhorseparis.com
Price: £££
Come in: Book in advance for the Music Hall
Badaboom
Badaboum has the feel of a London club with its stripped down industrial look and neon lighting. It’s a popular spot for an “after”, where a mix of both Parisian and international DJs spin techno and electro tracks into the early hours. The cocktail bar, a dimly lit space decked out with the obligatory exposed brickwork and chesterfield sofas, is open until 2 a.m. and presents a quieter option for tired dancers to retreat to. The club also hosts live acts from around the world, including American rappers and indie bands.
Consult: badaboum.paris
Prices: ££
Come in: Book tickets in advance
La Machine du Moulin Rouge
Fancy visiting the Moulin Rouge, but looking for something a little more modern than the can-can? The former boiler room of the iconic cabaret has been transformed into La Chaufferie, an underground dance floor, which connects to Le Centre, one floor up, a club night and concert space that seats up to 1,000 revelers and hosts regular LGBTQI nights. There’s also a tapas bar adorned with greenery and a rooftop terrace, great for cooling down between sessions on the floor, which stays open until 10am. 04.00 on club nights.
Consult: lamachinedumoulinrouge.com
Price: £
Come in: Book tickets in advance
Boeuf sur le toit
This century-old jazz bar and restaurant has been completely renovated and restored to its roaring twenties. This was a meeting place for avant-garde artists of all stripes in the interwar period, including Josephine Baker, Erik Satie and Jean Cocteau. Huge reproductions of Cocteau’s expressive drawings decorate the walls and ceiling of the atmospheric bar at the back of the venue. Book in advance to experience one of the old-fashioned sit-down dinners accompanied by jazz in the Music Hall, a retro dining room decorated in an elegant Art Deco style.
Or enter through the beautiful dining room with mirrored walls, period light fixtures and patterned carpet for an evening drink at the bar.
Consult: boeufsurletoit.com
Price: ££
Come in: Book in advance for the Music Hall
