Activities

Paris Nightlife: Famous Parisian Bars, Night Clubs & Cabarets

I am an English Literature student from Ankara, Turkey. I enjoy travelling and experiencing what the world has to offer.

Paris nightlife is synonymous with excitement, energy, and a pulsating atmosphere. As the capital of France, it offers a diverse range of nightclubs and entertainment options that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a fan of live music, eager to dance the night away, or simply looking for a place to enjoy delicious cocktails, Paris has it all.

What is it like to visit a Paris nightclub?

paris nightclubs

Paris nightclubs offer a unique and energetic experience with diverse music catering to all tastes. The stylish atmosphere attracts fashion enthusiasts, models, and designers during Fashion Week. Enjoy world-famous DJs and performers or a laid-back evening at a jazz club or cocktail bar. Paris has something for everyone.

Paris, the city of lights, boasts an extensive range of nightlife options. One can enjoy sophisticated lounges along Boulevard Poissonnière or hit the energetic dance floors in the Latin Quarter. Irrespective of the day- Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night- Paris offers a vibrant atmosphere and diverse club culture. The splendid Arc de Triomphe, marking the end of Champs-Élysées, and the picturesque Seine River flowing beneath Pont Alexandre III provide a breathtaking backdrop for memorable clubbing experiences.

If you are in Paris and wonder which clubs are worthy of exploring, come along, and together, you will find which Paris nightclubs are the best place for you and fit your interests.

Parisian Nightlife Culture

From Bastille to Oberkampf, Paris has several districts that are iconic simply because of their social background. The concept of young people dancing the night away is nothing new in Paris, and there are many districts that serve as a hub for the young people who wish to experience the Paris nightlife.

Diversity in Music and Venues

Whether you want to dance until you cannot walk the next day, or you are looking for a more laid-back form of nightlife entertainment, Paris has it all. In addition to having some of the best nightclubs, The City of Lights also offers beautiful Paris jazz clubs and very high quality experimental cocktail bars. No matter what you are looking for, you are guaranteed to find it in Paris.

Famous DJs and Performers

There are an almost infinite amount of world famous DJs and Performers that perform regularly in Paris. Whether you are in the mood for a heavy metal concert or a DJ set, you can be sure that there will be an event of the sort you will enjoy. Paris has some of the greatest venues in the world, so the experience of witnessing a famous performer’s art is other worldly, to say the least.

1. The Best Clubs in Paris for Dancing the Night Away

Rex Club Paris

Rex Club Paris

Rex is one of the oldest and most iconic nightclubs in Paris. It opened its doors in 1932, serving as a theatre. The current version of the Rex started in 1988 and it still goes strong. Since its inception in 1988, the club has played an important role in shaping the city’s electronic music scene, hosting both established and emerging DJs from all over the world. The club’s underground vibe and commitment to quality music draw a devoted following of music fans, who flock to the venue for its legendary all-night parties.

The artists who perform regularly have a huge following, and they all surely deliver when it comes to electronic dance music. The staff of Rex is particularly praised by their customers, so be ready for an extra quality service!
Rex Club is a well-known Parisian nightclub known for its exceptional sound system and immersive techno and house music events.

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La Machine du Moulin Rouge

La Machine du Moulin Rouge

Photo Credit: @LaMachineduMoulinRouge

Another iconic Parisian nightclub, La Machine du Moulin Rouge, is located in the vibrant Pigalle neighborhood. The club features a wide variety of music genres, ranging from electronic and techno to indie rock and hip-hop.

The place is known for its one-of-a-kind decor, which includes an antique carousel and a massive neon-lit robot. La Machine du Moulin Rouge also hosts concerts, art exhibitions, and other cultural events on a regular basis, making it a creative and innovative hub in Paris’ nightlife scene.

La Machine is a huge venue, and it is a local favourite. The architecture of La Machine du Moulin Rouge is spectacular, and it’s just 20 minutes by walk from the famous church on Montmartre, so you might wander around before stepping inside.

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Palais Maillot Paris

Palais Maillot Paris

Photo Credit: @PalaisMaillot

Palais Maillot Paris is another local favourite in our list. With great music all night and a large venue, it is everything you expect from a Parisian night club.

The club is known for its luxurious decor and sophisticated ambiance, offering an upscale party experience in the heart of the city. The venue hosts a variety of music events, ranging from electronic and house music to hip-hop and R&B.

Palais Maillot also features a spacious dance floor, VIP areas, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. The club attracts a chic and trendy crowd, making it a favorite destination for Parisians and visitors seeking a night of glamour and style.

Insider tip: Though it is very popular and the lines can be a bit long, it is worth it. However, be mindful that you will wait in the line for a while if you happen to give your jacket to the vestiaire.

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Niki Club

Niki Club

Photo Credit: @NikkiClub

Niki Club has a beautiful ambiance and reasonable prices. Located in Quartier Bastille, it is guaranteed to give you a great night and lots of memorable experiences.

The club is smaller than most of the other venues in this list, but it has a loyal crowd and parties get wild. On top of all that, you can find amazing cocktails.

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Le Carmen

Le Carmen Paris

Photo Credit: @LeCarmen

The famous French composer Georges Bizet composed one of his most important works, Carmen, in this building, hence the name. It holds a special place in the hearts of many Paris locals, with its intimate atmosphere and easy to listen music selections.

The building itself is an experience on its own. Note that since the Le Carmen is a historical building, it can get a bit claustrophobic in the first entry, but the clubbing area is definitely worth the trouble of getting there.

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Petit Bain

Petit Bain Paris

Photo Credit: @PetitBain

If you are looking to dance non-stop even until way after the sun comes up, Petit Bain seems to be the perfect place for you. In addition to popular dance music, it is possible to find in Petit Bain from live rock and metal to reggae and experimental techno bar.

It is one of the very few clubs in Paris that stay open even after the sun comes up.

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Le Sacré

Le Sacré Paris

Photo Credit: @lesacre

Le Sacré serves as two different clubs merged into one. It has two stages with very different atmospheres and the programs featured are very diverse. In one of the rooms you are in for a more familiar techno stage with a DJ booth and the other has a charming night club vibe.

On top of all this, it also features a great food section with lots of options to choose from. You can go to Le Sacre if you particularly want to listen to good house music.

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2. Cabarets and Burlesque Shows

It is difficult to think of Paris nightlife without cabarets. As many locals would definitely argue, not trip to Paris would be complete without the experience of a cabaret. They are world famous for a reason. Some of the most important cabarets are Moulin Rouge, Crazy Horse, Le Paradis Latin, and Au Lapin Agile.

Moulin Rouge

moulin rouge paris

The Moulin Rouge is a legendary cabaret in Paris’s Montmartre neighborhood. The club, which was founded in 1889, is known for its extravagant shows that feature spectacular dance performances, dazzling costumes, and a diverse range of music genres such as French chanson, pop, and electronic. The red windmill and ornate decor of the venue have become iconic symbols of Parisian nightlife and entertainment.

Moulin Rouge has hosted plenty of famous visitors over the years, including Salvador Dali and Edith Piaf, as well as Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor. Today, the club’s spectacular and unforgettable performances continue to captivate audiences all over the world.

Though the ticket prices might be a little more on the expensive side, the shows that are performed in Moulin Rouge definitely worth it. Some of the highest value productions in the entire Europe are performed in Moulin Rouge, in addition to a huge stage, the venue has a decent restaurant with high quality food and reasonable prices.

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Crazy Horse

Known for its elegant and sensual performances, Crazy Horse is a well-known nightclub in the center of Paris. Since it first opened its doors in 1951, the location has established itself as a popular tourist and local attraction. The performance includes a distinctive fusion of music, dance, and lighting effects that are expertly choreographed.

The performers, known as the Crazy Girls, display their talents in a succession of aesthetically breathtaking tableaux while wearing colorful costumes. The interior of the club is tastefully furnished in the Art Deco style, giving it an opulent and glamorous feel. The Crazy Horse is still one of Paris’ most well-liked nightlife destinations thanks to its outstanding shows.

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Le Paradis Latin

Le Paradis Latin

Photo Credit: @leparadislatin

Le Paradis Latin includes a three course meal with the tickets and performers are all on the top of their game. There are discounts for people under 25, so if you are, make sure to take advantage of those. Make sure to buy tickets in advance to be able to enjoy your night.

The staff at Le Paradis Latin are brilliant and the pre-show entertainment will make your meal before the show even more enjoyable. The sets are carefully crafted and there is an extensive selection of wine and spirits. What more can one want?

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Au Lapin Agile

Au Lapin Agile

Photo Credit: @aulapinagile

Au Lapin Agile is a historic cabaret in Paris’s Montmartre district. The club, which was founded in 1860, was originally a gathering place for artists and writers such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. Today, the intimate venue hosts nightly performances of traditional French chanson and comedy acts, attracting both locals and tourists.

The name “The Agile Rabbit” is said to have come from a painting on the wall of a rabbit jumping out of a cooking pot, symbolizing the club’s ability to break free from the confines of conformity. Au Lapin Agile is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a taste of authentic Parisian culture, thanks to its intimate atmosphere, rich history, and lively entertainment.

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3. Jazz Clubs

Jazz clubs have a significant cultural value in Paris night life. Most of the earliest instances of people gathering around at night to have fun happened inside the historical Jazz clubs in Europe, and Paris is no exception.

From small, intimate venues such as The 38 Riv Jazz Club to more relaxed, café like clubs like Jazz Café Montparnasse, or from the open air Mon Coeur Belleville to world famous Caveau de la Huchette, you can surely find everything you can expect from the culture of Jazz clubs in Paris.

The 38 Riv Jazz Club

The 38 Riv Jazz Club

Photo Credit: @The38RivJazzClub

Widely renowned for how cosy and home-like it is, this small venue is for people who want nothing more than to listen to amazing Jazz music in a relaxed environment, with spending very little in comparison.

The club does not offer much except for the music, but it is more than enough to give you an entertaining night out.

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Jazz Café Montparnasse

Jazz Café Montparnasse serves some of the best music available in the entire Paris, in addition to a decent selection of wines, so be sure to check it out if this is what you chase on your night out. They regularly feature up and coming local artists, the atmosphere is amazing and there are frequent open mic nights. It can be hard to find a table at times, so be sure to reserve ahead.

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Mon Coeur Belleville

Mon Coeur Belleville

Photo Credit: @MonCoeurBelleville

This small venue doubles as a restaurant during the day, and a jazz club at night. The main focus is still on jazz, but you can get access to high quality food while listening to some of your favourite jazz pieces, which is a rare occasion.

The view from Mon Coeur Belleville is magnificent, so take in the beauty of Paris while you are enjoying your meal at the restaurant. Happy hour at sunset might be a one-of-a-kind experience at Mon Coeur Belleville.

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Caveau de la Huchette

Still going strong since the early days of the post-war era, Caveau de la Huchette focuses mainly on 1920’s jazz music, which has many enthusiasts in Paris. If you are one of them, go check it out. The historical building featured many famous artists of the 20th century, and continues it great legacy to this day.

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4. Gay Clubs

Paris is a very inclusive city and it has a place for everyone. It is widely known among the LGBTQ community that Paris has amazing clubs that people can very easily feel safe and at home regardless of their identities. From the warm La Champmesle to ambient Café Moustache, vibrant Le Pulp to reasonably priced Labo Bar, or spicy Le Depot to lively Le Cox, it is possible that everyone can feel right at home while having a great night out.

La Champmeslé

La Champmeslé

Photo Credit: @LaChampmeslé

La Champmeslé is accepted as the first lesbian bar to open in Europe. It has been around since the ‘80s and continues to be a popular spot in the Marais district for LGBTQ+ locals and tourists alike. With its cozy and intimate atmosphere, La Champmeslé is perfect for those who want to have a relaxing night out with friends. The staff, especially the owner Josy, are very welcoming and attentive, so be sure to check it out.

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Café Moustache

Café Moustache is a very intriguing place, to say the least. It is the oldest gay bar in Paris. For it, it is well known and usually packed, but once you get in, the prices are great and the atmosphere is incredibly friendly. It is a great bar to watch how locals of Paris have fun on a night out.

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5. Underground Parties and Raves

If you are less into popular dance music that most people find enjoyable, there are many options available for people who are on the more extreme side of partying in Paris. There are many hardcore techno raves that are surprisingly easy to come by scattered all around the city. Some of the most popular locations for underground parties and rave lovers are La Station, Sierra Neon, and 824 Heures.

La Station

Looking for something along the lines of a hardcore techno club that Paris has to offer? This is your place. It doubles as an exhibition by day and has several different stages inside. Please note that you need tickets for most of the events that take place in La Station and the tickets are accessible on the boots inside the venue.

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6. Boat Parties

Would you believe that in addition to all the things we’ve mentioned, there are also many boat parties for people who are looking to spice things up even more. There are very luxurious boat parties, and then there are more modest boat parties that are more frequented by locals. From jazz parties to hardcore techno, it is possible to find every type of music to dance over, transferred to the waters.

 

To conclude, there are many beautiful Paris clubs, and we are confident that there is a place for everyone in Paris nightlife. From very fancy and luxurious clubs to local favourites, there are many nightlife entertainment options for people who look for different night adventures. If you wonder what to do when it’s daytime in Paris, you can check our other posts on the Michelin Starred restaurants, and the best rooftop bars in Paris!

FAQ

What is the most famous nightclub in Paris?

According to Google search statistics, The Moulin Rouge is the most famous nightclub, not just in Paris but in the whole Europe.

Is Paris good for clubbing?

Paris is amazing for clubbing, with beautiful clubs scattered all over the city. There is something for everyone in the Paris nightlife.

Where in Paris is the best nightlife?

The area between Bastille and République have the most frequent clubs in Paris.

What is the hardest club to get into in Paris?

It is Club Le Montana, which opened in 2009 Fashion Week by Oliver Zahm and Andre Saraiva

How much is club entry in Paris?

On average, a club entry fee is €15 in Paris, though the fee depends heavily on the type of the club.
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