These are in my opinion the 5 best concert venues in Paris

Attending a concert in Paris is a great way to spend an evening amongst local music fans, and these are 5 of the very best.

 

The rain was slowly clearing, and we could hear bass thumping from the inside of the grand old theater as we exited the taxi. The word “MYD” was lit up in brilliant red neon on the front facade, only made more dramatic by the misty evening. Scanning our old-fashioned paper tickets (I was too nervous about a phone mishap to risk it), the doorman let us pass. Walking down the red carpeted entry, the bass grew louder and louder. We were in L’Olympia, one of the most storied concert venues in Paris. We were here to see Myd, one of the best artists from the legendary Parisian label Ed Banger Records. We were in for one hell of a night.

Why see a concert in Paris?

Paris is an incredible music city, among the best in the world. Naturally, it’s home to some of the best concert venues as well. Seeing a concert while you’re in Paris is not just a perfect way to add something fun and a bit unexpected to your itinerary. It’s also an accessible way to interact with locals and see Parisians enjoying one of the city’s best pastimes: live music.

I get it, you came to Paris to see Paris. Sit in a sunny café with un café et un croissant. Take pictures of all the people looking at Mona Lisa in the Louvre. Wait in line at Ladurée on Champs Elysées (although you can avoid the line and visit the one in Saint-Germain instead). You want to do all of the things that make you think of Paris.

And that’s great! I hope you have an incredible time and maybe use a few tips from this very website to help you along the way.

But, why not add some live music into the mix? I’m not just talking about the seemingly random jazz bands that pop up all too conveniently near the cafés on sunny days right about the time everyone has had their 3rd glass of wine and the coin purses get a bit looser.

I’m talking about seeing a concert in one of the best concert venues in Paris. And to me, these 5 are the ones you should check out.

1: L’Olympia
28 Bd des Capucines, 75009 Paris, France

Walking down the long, red carpeted entry hall and into the ornate lobby, the bass rumbles louder and louder. This felt like a homecoming. Myd, one of the biggest artists on legendary Parisian label Ed Banger Records’ roster, was just returning from a world tour. And he was pulling out all the stops to fill this historic concert venue with his trademark mix of French Touch and indie rock music. The crowd was hanging on every moment and dancing with every song.

This is L’Olympia, one of the most storied and best concert venues in Paris. It began life in 1893 and has served as a music, then a movie theater, and survived World War II. In 1953 L’Olympia opened as a concert hall and existed in much the same state until 1997 when it underwent a complete demolition and identical rebuild.

Over the years, the bright red L’Olympia neon has listed many of the biggest (or soon-to-be biggest) artists of their age. Edith Piaf, Billie Holiday, The Beatles, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers have all graced the stage at L’Olympia for adoring crowds. Today you can expect a lot of rock, jazz, electronic, and hip-hop artists along with comedy acts to boot. The schedule tends towards established artists, but don’t be surprised to see someone just about to get their big break.

The ornate lobby feels more like a scene out of “Inglourious Basterds” rather than the host for some of the best music acts in the world. The concession stands serve plenty of beer and champagne by the glass. If you’re looking to grab some merchandise, do it before the show or at intermission as it will sell out quick.

Tickets are normally divided between the standing room only general admission floor, and reserved seats on the balcony overlooking the stage. If you’re up for it, opt for the floor and enjoy the experience of watching the show amongst excited, dancing locals.

 

2: La Cigale
120 Blvd Marguerite de Rochechouart, 75018 Paris, France

Justice, Billie Eilish, Coldplay, and the robots themselves Daft Punk. Surrounded by nightlife at the foot of the artist’s quarters of Montmartre. An exceptional sound system and a performance calendar that spans all musical tastes…and even non-musical tastes.

La Cigale’s reputation precedes it as one of the very best concert venues in Paris

Like many of the long-term concert venues in Paris, La Cigale has lived many lives since being built in 1847. Music hall, movie theater, and then back to a concert venue with a few modernizations thrown in, La Cigale has remained one of the best places to see live music in Paris through it all.

The concert calendar is varied. The most popular genres tend to be rock, hip-hop, electronic, and vocal performances. Beyond that, you can catch some theatrical shows like “Stomp” and even the occasional fashion show.

The aforementioned sound system is fantastic, bringing the music to life for your ears. The stage and concert hall itself are gorgeous and harkens back to the great opera houses elsewhere in the city while being perfectly suited to head banging or dancing the night away.

While there’s a café and restaurant on-site, one of the things that set La Cigale apart is the neighborhood it calls home. Pigalle is famous, of course, for being the red-light district of Paris, but towards La Cigale, it starts to feel a bit more like just a fun, accessible night out. Before or after the show, places like Bouillon Pigale are excellent to stop in for a bite to eat, and the many bars in the area are great to keep the party going. Stick to the northern side of Blvd. Marguerite de Rochechouart; the options tend to be nicer, and you avoid the tourists and touts that frequent the red-light area.

When it’s all said and done, La Cigale easily makes this list of the best concert venues in Paris if you’re looking for a memorable show that leads to an epic night out near Montmartre.

3: Caveau de la Huchette
5 Rue de la Huchette, 75005 Paris, France

Whether you’re a connoisseur or just looking for a fun night out with live music, Le Caveau de la Huchette is THE place to go if you’re looking for jazz, blues, or swing performances that get people up and dancing.

You feel it as soon as you walk down the Rue de la Huchette. During the day this area is swarmed by tourists, but after nightfall, the winding, medieval feeling street takes on a more intriguing vibe. The neon signs beckon to you. None more than the bright red “Caveau de la Huchette” sign blazing in the window. It’s the first indication that you’re in the right place.

Check out who’s playing tonight. A Blues band from Italy? A local Jazz quartet? It doesn’t matter; La Huchtette will draw you in. Pay the cover at the bar, and grab a drink (both very affordable).

As you descend the stairs, you’ll feel as though you’re going back in time. First to the 16th century when this cellar was built, and then fast-forwarding to the 1940s and the golden age of jazz as you start to hear the music.

Though it looks a bit like a monastery or church with the ancient arched cellar, they’re worshiping jazz and blues at La Huchette. The band plays on a small stage in the corner while dancers enjoy themselves in front. Surrounding the dance floor is plentiful but cozy seating to take in the show.

Le Caveau de la Huchette is legendary for a reason. The combo of a mysterious location, an excellent crowd, and amazing bands playing each night of the week makes La Huchette easy to love. Add in the affordable beverages and suddenly you’ll find yourself losing track of time as the next song plays.

But don’t worry, they’re open late.

4: Chez Papa Jazz Club
3 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris, France

Wandering the streets and alleys of Saint-Germain in the 6th Arrondissement, you’ll see many places that just feel Parisian in every sense of the word. But sometimes there are hidden gems that you’ll walk right by, never knowing they’re under your nose until after you’ve returned home.

Chez Papa is one such place, and if you’re looking for an intimate night of jazz, then this is the among the best concert venues in Paris for you.

Musically, jazz may be America’s greatest contribution to the world. When jazz was imported to France during World War I, it began to take on another life in a new land. Nowhere is the reverence for this great musical form more palpable than Chez Papa. Although the venue is relatively new to the Paris jazz scene, the building certainly is not. The walls are covered in scratches and graffiti from times gone by, and the whole place has the shabby-chic bohemian feel that Saint-Germain once was famous for. The low lighting reveals a small, central stage surrounded by tables along with an upper balcony that gives a unique perspective on the proceedings.

The jazz here is more cool and subdued. The crowd is passionate and engaged. The performers are top-notch, and concerts are held nearly every night. More often than not, you’ll be treated to trios of musicians and vocalists, with Chez Papa’s beautiful grand piano leading the way.

Lunch is available, but dinner time is what you’ll want. Make an evening out of it leading into the performance which usually begins around 9 PM (20:00). Be advised that reservations are recommended, and you’ll have to call ahead to get these. However, if you show up on a whim after dinner, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get a spot. Simply greet the host with a polite “Bonsoir”, and ask if there is any room available for your party.

Chez Papa is the ideal place to order a bottle of champagne and spend a lowkey night enraptured with some of the most enjoyable jazz you can find anywhere. The atmosphere, location, and music are all perfection.

5: Rex Club
5 Bd Poissonnière, 75002 Paris, France

Booming bass, incredible lights, the hottest DJs, and a crowd that dances along with every beat. If you’re looking for a touch of, well, French Touch; Rex Club is for you. Not only a venue for some of the world’s greatest DJs during their careers, Rex Club can also be the scene for an epic night of music if you’re so inclined.

This is certainly a venue completely different from the others on this list. Whereas I’ve primarily focused on mid-sized and intimate venues for rock bands and jazz groups, Rex Club is all about hosting the finest DJs from around the world to electrify adoring crowds into the wee hours of the morning.

The list of Rex alumni is a who’s-who of electronic music. Justice, David Guetta, and Daft Punk have all stepped behind the decks to play their soon-to-be mega hits. Under the stewardship of Laurent Garnier, the temple of electro continues to attract amazingly talented DJs throughout the year and maintain it’s spot among the best concert venues in Paris.

Rex Club underwent an entire renovation earlier in 2023 and just recently reopened. What was already an awesome venue became a bit better with the addition of updated lighting effects and an upgrade to an already world-class sound system.

If you’re looking for a loud, energetic night in an excited crowd, Rex Club is for you. It’s definitely a nightclub but feels a far cry away from the overpriced and overhyped clubs on Champs Elysées. Advance tickets are recommended, and you can preview the upcoming shows on their website.

Honorable Mention: Accor Arena
8 Bd de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France

The Accor Arena in nearby Bercy is a large venue that hosts concerts along with sporting events and other shows throughout the year. Americans will be familiar with this sort of location; it’s much like our own ice hockey and basketball arenas stateside.

Accordingly, the acts will fit that type of space. If you’re wanting to see groups like Depeche Mode, John Mayer, or J Balvin while traveling in Paris, Accor Arena is likely going to be the place. And this can be a great chance to look up your favorite artist and plan your trip around their stop in Bercy.

On top of that, you can see basketball, ice hockey, and tennis matches during their respective seasons. I will always recommend sporting events as a great way to experience local culture away from the historic sights, and Accor Arena is a perfect location to go root for the home team and meet other fans.

Wrapping up the best concert venues in Paris

Paris is, again, an incredible city for live music and these are my choices for the best concert venues in Paris. Historic venues dot the landscape, and a wide variety of performances can be found almost every night of the week. Take a chance on something new, even if you don’t know anyone performing during your trip; you just might discover a new favorite.

Above all other reasons, experiencing live music in Paris is a perfect way to expand your trip beyond sightseeing and really feel the pulse of the city while dancing along to the beat with locals and fellow tourists alike.

What do you think? What spots would you add to this list of the best concert venues in Paris? Let me know in the comments!