Paris NightLife Page

France,Paris

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Nightclubs

Parisian nightclubs are imaginative and numerous, often occupying unusual venues. Big areas for fashionable clubs on the Rive Droite include Pigalle and the southern slopes of Montmartre, Bastille, and the Marais, the latter dominated by the gay scene. Pigalle boasts the big crowd-pullers of La Locomotive and the Elysée Montmartre. For a wide choice of diverse clubs in the Marais, try Rue Vieille du Temple. The gay establishments around here are clearly indicated by rainbow flags so you can choose a venue to suit with reasonable confidence. Around Bastille, most of the action takes place along Rue de Lappe, 11e, home to the well-known Le Balajo dance venue. Other top clubs in this lively capital include: Les Bains 7 Rue du Bourg-l'Abbé, 3e Tel: +33 (0)1-4887-0180 The most famous nightclub of the lot is Les Bains, located in an old Turkish bath house. If you really want to rub fashionably clad shoulders with the smart set then this is the place to do it. Put on your finery, but still expect to be upstaged. La Locomotive 90 Blvd de Clichy, 18e Tel: +33 (0)1-5341-8888 "La Loco", as the locals call it, is one of the best known nights out in the city for young clubbers (think teenage or early 20s). It's rather grungy in atmosphere, and its situation in the less than salubrious Pigalle district ensures that it enjoys a certain notoriety that is actually rather at odds with the happy ambience inside. Wagg 62 Rue Mazarine, 6e Tel: +33 (0)1-5542-2201 The French arm of London's Fabric nightclub, since its launch in the capital Wagg has proved incredibly popular with a cool and savvy set of party-goers who know their music. Top name DJs man the decks and have no problem packing this small but stylish venue. Le Balajo 9 Rue de Lappe, 11e Tel: +33 (0)1-4700-0787 A legendary music joint (and for once that word is appropriate to the club/diner ambience), Le Balajo is one of Paris's oldest clubs. Different nights see a variety of music from golden oldies to salsa. Amnesia 24 Rue de l'Arrivée, Montparnasse Tel: +33 (0)1-5680-3737 Owned by legendary chanteur Johnny Halliday, this club right underneath the Tour Montparnasse is a honeypot for the trendy, beautiful inhabitants of Paris. Playing predominantly House and Techno, the cavernous club is decked out with avant garde decor, its huge dance floor heaving every night. Gay night on Sundays. Batofar 11 Quai François Mauriac, 13e Tel: +33 (0)1-5360-1730 Le Batofar inhabits a boat on the Seine below the new Bibliothèque Nationale - it's always at the cutting edge of Paris's music scene. if you can't get in there, a couple of other boats-cum-clubs are moored either side. You'll find a choice of similar floating venues at various points on the Rive Gauche quays, especially along Quai Malaquais by the pedestrian Pont des Arts across from the Louvre and along Quai de Montebello opposite Notre Dame. Le Queen 102 Ave de Champs Elysées, 8e Tel: +33 (0)892-707-330 The legendary gay club right on Paris's most famous avenue still pulls in the crowds, though it's not purely gay these days. Still a good place for a lively night out. Club 18 18 Rue du Beaujolais, 1e Tel: +33 (0)1-4297-5213 Intimate gay club right by the Palais Royal, playing a mix of (mainly pretty mainstream) music, and drawing in a crowd of friendly twenty-and-thirty-somethings.

Comedy

Michou (80 Rue des Martyrs, 18e. Métro: Abbesses. Tel: +33 (0)1-4606-1604) is a drag venue that's known across France for its outrageous satirical shows. For more biting satirical comedy, you could try Don Camilo (10 Rue des Saints-Pères 7e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4260-8284. Métro: St-Germain-des-Prés).

Sports

The two main venues for football and rugby in Paris are the modern Stade de France, in St-Denis and the older Parc des Princes. The latter is the home of Paris's premier soccer side Paris St Germain (Tel: +33 (0)825-075-078). Just west of the centre, the Bois de Boulogne has two famous horse racing courses, Longchamp and Auteuil, both featuring regular racing programmes. Nearby is the Stade Roland Garros, the home of the French Tennis Open. For adventurous and assured roller-bladers, there's the weekly Friday night roller-blading tour of Paris, when a police convoy clears the streets for in-line aficionados. You can get information on this extraordinary event from specialist rollerblading stores, such as Nomades (37 Blvd Bourdon, 4e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4454-0744). Those with rather less prowess on rollerblades can take part in the more amateur Sunday afternoon version.

Special Events

January Why not welcome the New Year in with a flurry of colour at the "New Year Lights at the Concorde"? Each year this spectacular light show is held in Paris's largest square, the Place de la Concorde, against a background of classical music. Join the crowds from 23h30-01h00, it's a memorable way to see in the New Year. February The International Festival of the Circus of Tomorrow provides a taster of the world's most famous up and coming circus acts under one big top. Acts from Beijing, Moscow, Switzerland and France, among others, battle it out for the titles of best performer, clown, animal tamer etc. April Why not take in a few of Paris's sights on your way round the route of the Paris Marathon, which takes place in the city every April. If you're not here to run, join the scores of spectators that gather to cheer the athletes on along the 26 mile course. Email: infos@parismarathon.com for details of how to register. April/May The Foire de Paris (Paris International Food Fair) expects over 800,000 visitors to its exhibition halls in the Porte de Versailles. Exhibitions include House and Garden, Interior Decoration, Travel and Discovery, Wine and Gastronomy and Leisure - so there is sure to be something for everyone. Take your pick from wandering through the show rooms and homes, taking part in workshops, checking out the latest technology, watching performances of dance and music and indulging in some wine tasting. May/June The French Open begins during the last week in May and continues over two weeks filled with world class tennis. Whether you are a tennis fan or not, come along to soak up the atmosphere and watch some of the biggest names in tennis today. You will need to book tickets in advance - call the Fédération Français de Tennis, Tel: +33 (0)1-4743-4800. June If you are in Paris on June 21, you won't be able to miss the sounds of the Fête de la Musique, when musicians, both professional and amateur, come together to perform music of all kinds in the streets and venues across the city. There will be plenty of free events held in the streets, cafés and bars as well as classical, rock and pop concerts in Paris's main music venues. July On July 14, throughout the country as well as in Paris, the French celebrate Bastille Day. In the capital crowds throng along the Champs-Elysées to watch the traditional military parade. Celebrations culminate in a spectacular fireworks display at the Champs de Mars while parties all over the city carry on well into the night. July/August In mid-July, the right bank of the Seine turns into a beach for a month in the shape of Paris Plage. The 3km stretch between Quai des Tuileries and Quai Henri IV is closed to traffic and deckchairs layed out for holidaymakers and locals to enjoy the summer sun in the city. September/October You'll be spoilt for choice for things to do if you visit Paris during the Festival d'Automne (Autumn Festival). The celebration is Paris's largest cultural event of the year and provides an extensive programme of music, drama, dance and theatre to suit all tastes.

Music

Classical Major classical concerts often take place in the 19th-century Théâtre du Châtelet (Place du Châtelet, 1er, Tel: +33 (0)1-4028- 2800) and the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées (15 Ave Montaigne, 16e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4952-5050). Important classical recitals are also held at the Salle Pleyel (252 Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, 8e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4561-5300. Métro: Ternes) and at the Chatelet's close neighbour, the Théâtre de la Ville (2 Place du Châtelet. Tel: +33 (0)1-4274-2277). A large number of churches and museums around Paris play host to classical concerts, providing a wonderful atmosphere in which to listen to live performances. Check weekly listings for details. One of the best is Eglise de la Madeleine (8e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4264-8316). Alternatively try Eglise St Germain des Prés (16e). Experiments in high-tech, contemporary classical music, as championed by Pierre Boulez, take place in the Cité de la Musique (221 Ave Jean Jaurès, 19e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4484-4500). Jazz Legendary old jazz haunts throughout the city include Le Bilboquet (13 Rue St-Benoît, 6e, Tel: +33 (0)1-4548-8184), and the Caveau de la Huchette (5 Rue de la Huchette, 5e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4326-6505). Other famous venues which regularly pull in international stars are New Morning (7 Rue des Petites Ecuries, 10e, Tel: +33 (0)1-4523-5141), Au Duc des Lombards (42 Rue des Lombards, 1er. Tel: +33 (0)1-4233-2288) Slow Club (130 Rue de Rivoli, 1er. Tel: +33 (0)1-4233-8430) and Le Petit Journal Montparnasse (13 Rue du Commandant René Mouchotte, 14e, Tel: +33 (0)1-4321-5670). Traditional Several venues around the city offer performances of traditional French chanson music. Check these locations for performances when you visit: The Canotier du Pied de la Butte (62 Blvd de Rochechouart, 18e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4606-0286. Métro: Barbès-Rochechouart); Au Lapin Agile (22 Rue des Saules, 18e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4606-8587. Métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt). Modern/Pop The Palais Omnisport Bercy (8 Blvd de Bercy, 12e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4002-6060) and Zénith (211 Ave Jean Jaurès, 19e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4208-6000) both stage major pop concerts, but the best venue for all manner of modern music is the Olympia Bruno Coquatrix (28 Blvd des Capucines, 9e. Tel: +33 (0)1-5527-1000) where pop artists share the place with French music hall favourites. La Cigale (120 Blvd de Rochechouart, 18e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4925-8175) is another good rock venue in a transformed theatre.

Theatre

Paris loves its theatre and permanently offers a range of staged entertainments ranging from the classics to burlesque and from can-can to ballet. To experience the French classics such as Racine, Corneille, Molière or Beaumarchais, reserve tickets at the famed Comédie Française - Salle Richelieu (1 Place Colette, 1er. Tel: +33 (0)8-2680-1680. Métro: Palais-Royal). founded by Richelieu, that most art-loving of cardinals. The other main state theatre, the Odéon Théâtre de l'Europe (8 Blvd Berthier, 6e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4485-4040. Métro: Odéon) puts on not only French classics but also foreign productions in their original languages. So too does the challenging Cartoucherie (Théâtre du Soleil, Route du Champ de Manoeuvre, 12e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4374-2408. Métro: Château de Vincennes). A couple of particularly lovely theatres often offering interesting productions are the Palais-Royal (38 Rue Montpensier, 1er. Tel: +33 (0)1-4297-5981. Métro: Palais-Royal/Bourse) and L'Atelier (Place Charles Dullin, 18e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4606-4924. Métro: Anvers). The outrageously extravagant, mid-19th-century Opéra du Palais Garnier (Place de l'Opéra, 9e. Tel: +33 (0)1-7229-3535. Métro: Opéra) is the staggering home of the Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris and the main theatre in which major dance companies from around the world perform. For more cutting-edge ballets in less ornate surroundings, see what's on in the Studio Regard du Cygne (210 Rue Belleville, 20e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4358-5593). Parisian cabarets are another speciality from the city of love. Built by Gustave Eiffel, Le Paradis Latin (28 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 5e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4325-2828) represents traditional French cabaret at its best. It is a national landmark and home to the hit show 'Paradis d'Amour'. With its original music, stunning costumes and dance routines that will take your breath away, it is a tribute to love through the ages. The cabaret is currently offering readers a free Apéritif for all Dinner & Show reservations. Click the tag to the left to get your voucher. Other kitsch, sexy shows include: Le Moulin Rouge (82 Blvd de Clichy, 18e, Tel: +33 (0)1-5309-8282) for wild cancanning; Crazy Horse (12 Ave George V, 8e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4723-3232) for very scantily dressed dancers; or try Lido (116 bis Ave des Champs-Elysées, 8e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4076-5610) where the Bluebell Girls' routines are brought up to date. You should really reserve tickets well in advance for any of Paris's theatrical productions. But, if you're willing to take a chance on the day, you can get half-price tickets by queuing at the Kiosque Théâtre, by 15 Place de la Madeleine, 8e, or on the Parvis de la Gare Montparnasse.

Opera

The main opera venue in the city is the Opéra Bastille, another of President Mitterrand's controversial Grands Projets, opened in 1990. Tel: +33 (0)1-7229-3535. Alternatively The Opéra Comique (Place Boïeldieu, 2e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4244-4540) is a rather older venue and more what people would expect from a Parisian opera house.

Cinema

You'll find an extremely wide range of films showing across Paris at all times of year, from new French releases and French classics to the latest Hollywood blockbusters in the 350 or so cinemas dotted around the city. A whole string of cinemas line up along the central section of the Boulevard St-Germain on the Rive Gauche, especially around Métro Odéon. On the Rive Droite, there are quite a number of cinemas to choose from around the Pompidou Centre; at the bottom of the Forum des Halles there's an enormous subterranean cinema complex. But these are generally dull international style, modern cinemas whereas many of Paris's older cinemas are spectacles in their own right, dating back to the infancy of film. Cinemas of interest include: The historical Le Grand Rex, (1 Blvd Poissonnière, 2e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4236-8393. Métro: Bonne Nouvelle) and its sister/rival the Max Linder Panorama, (24 Blvd Poissonnière, 9e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4824-0047. Métro: Grands Boulevards). La Pagode (57 Rue de Babylone, 7e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4555-4848. Métro: St François Xavier) a cinema in an Oriental folly with authentic silk panelling. Up in Montmartre there are several characterful cinemas. Studio 28 (10 Rue Tholozé, 18e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4606-3607. Métro: Blanche) is a well-known family-run cinema; while the Ciné-Théâtre 13, (1 Ave Junot, 18e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4254-1512. Métro: Abbesses) only opens on Sundays, and is surely the most exclusive little cinema in Paris. As if that wasn't enough, there are the excellent outdoor summer cinema shows at the Cité des Sciences in the Parc de la Villette (30 Ave Corentin Cariou, 19e. Tel: +33 (0)1-4005-8000).