The love story between jazz and Paris is undeniable, and even for those who aren’t connoisseurs, a night in a jazz club in the French capital is unforgettable. ‘Paris stands out as Europe’s top jazz scene due to its deep historical connection with jazz legends like Django Reinhardt and Sidney Bechet, who made the city their creative hub,’ says Marie-Anne Pain, chief concierge of Hôtel Lutetia, which hosts weekly jazz nights in its charming Bar Joséphine.
‘Iconic venues like Duc des Lombards and Sunset/Sunside offer an intimate atmosphere, while festivals like Jazz à la Villette attract global talent. The city’s cultural diversity, vibrant audience and enduring love for improvisation make it a haven for jazz enthusiasts,’ she continues – and we couldn’t agree more. Below are the six clubs in the city that we think everyone should visit at least once.
Duc des Lombards
The Duc des Lombards is one of the most iconic jazz clubs in Paris, located in the very heart of the city, the 1st arrondissement. This jazz club is perfect if you’re new to the genre and unsure what to expect. Entry is free on Mondays and Tuesdays and during the jam sessions held on Fridays and Saturdays (although a drink purchase is mandatory).
Caveau de la Huchette
The Caveau de la Huchette, in Paris’s Latin Quarter, is the most popular jazz bar in the French capital. The club is open every day of the year (except the 24th of December) and organises jazz concerts and swing nights under its incredible mid-century vaults. If you can’t make it to Paris, the club is said to have inspired Liverpool’s iconic club ‘The Cavern’, or you can catch a glimpse of it in the film La La Land.
Sunset/Sunside
The first historic jazz club on Rue des Lombards, the Sunset/Sunside opened its doors in 1983. Split into two separate clubs – both open every day of the week – the Sunset side is dedicated to electric jazz and world music, while the Sunside showcases acoustic jazz. If you are looking for a family activity, the club also organises jazz events for kids every Sunday, which include a one-hour concert and an afternoon snack.
Aux 3 Mailletz
Aux 3 Mailletz is a cabaret, a late-night restaurant and a piano bar nestled in a 13th-century medieval vault in the heart of Paris’s Latin Quarter. Here, you can enjoy a show while eating a succulent rib-eye steak, a salmon tartare or a charcuterie plate until 4am. The entrance fee is €20 during the week, €25 at weekends and doesn’t include food or drinks. It’s a bit pricier compared to some other clubs, but it guarantees an entertaining night.
Le 38 Riv
Le 38 Riv is a newer jazz club that opened in the Marais in 2007. This small and intimate spot, located in a 12th-century vaulted cellar, offers incredible acoustics and an even better atmosphere. The entrance fee changes depending on the artist playing, but in general, entry to a jam session is €9, plus the cost of a compulsory drink. If you are looking for a cosy night listening to good music, this is the place to go.
Le Bal Blomet
This is my personal addition to Marie-Anne Pain’s fabulous selection. Le Bal Blomet is a jazz club niched in the heart of the 15th arrondissement; it opened in 1924 and was incredibly popular during the Roaring Twenties. Being located in such a residential neighbourhood means that this jazz club feels more like a local hidden gem, where you are less likely to find tourists stumbling across it by chance or thanks to a quick Google search. I, for one, only discovered it because I have been a long-time resident of the 15th – undoubtedly one of the best secret spots to visit in this district.
Interview by Alessia Armenise, a freelance writer, editorial strategist and content marketing specialist. She writes for various publications including Condé Nast Traveler, The Independent Travel and British Vogue
