Top 7 places to hear good jazz in Paris
The jazz scene in Paris is dynamic, open, lively and convivial… The Left Bank, the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, in particular, are brimming with addresses and clubs with atmospheres ranging from intimate to fiery. Other cult clubs, such as the Duc des Lombards in Châtelet or the Caveau de la Huchette, have made the capital famous on the international music scene. Paris Select has compiled a list of the finest jazz venues in Paris. Here are 7 timeless addresses for the most music-loving of you!
Pont Royal Hotel
Whether you’re a couple or a group of friends, enjoy delicious Signature Cocktails created by the hotel’s head barman, Frédéric Maitre. Lionel Boccara, an accomplished drummer and a key figure on the Paris jazz scene, will be at the helm of this evening oflove and romance.
The appointment is made in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. From 7:30pm, enter the magical world of the Pont Royal Hotel and its famous Signature Bar, steeped in history.
Let yourself be carried away by this place full of surprises and its hushed atmosphere, while enjoying their delicious cocktails.
Jazz lovers can enjoy this year-round event every other Monday from February 27.
Hôtel Pont Royal, Bar Signature – 5 Rue de Montalembert, 75007 Paris
Les Deux Magots
The most famous brasserie in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district is hosting a major series of concerts, the Jeudis du Jazz, until next May. The success of this event continues unabated, with a sixth season already in the works!
Join us every Thursday from 7:30pm to 10:30pm, to enjoy vocal jazz performances. The careful programming is signed by jazzman Lionel Boccara. A different trio plays each week, with piano, double bass or guitar, often accompanied by a singer. Renowned artists from the French and international scenes are regularly invited. Here, the greatest jazz standards will be performed, from Billie Holiday to Louis Armstrong, from Nancy Wilson to Sarah Vaughan… as well as new creations.
These evenings are truly timeless. Enjoy a cocktail and traditional dishes in a hushed atmosphere… Then take a seat in the legendary Salle des Deux Magots, once home to Boris Vian and Jean-Paul Sartre,
Free admission, drinks required. Reservations recommended on 01 45 48 55 25.
Les Deux Magots, 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
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Jazz Club de l’Étoile
We’re already familiar with the Hôtel Méridien, a very chic address in Porte Maillot. But did you know that it’s also home to a cult jazz club ? Jazz Club Étoile has been in existence since 1975… Many stars, such as B.B. King, have graced the stage of this chic and demanding club, both in terms of programming and guests.
For an exceptional musical and gastronomic experience, we highly recommend the Dinner & Concert package. Comfortably seated at an elegant table, enjoy a refined three-course dinner. All to the sound of an impeccable jazz selection. Jazz Club Étoile welcomes both established big bands and up-and-coming soul, blues and funk talents. In February, you’ll hear an eclectic selection: Creole jazz, blues and funk with Boney Fields, disco with the group Five Funk…
Open daily until 12:30 a.m.
Dinner on reservation.
Hôtel Le Merdien Étoile – 81 Boulevard Gouvion Saint Cyr, 75017 Paris
Le Melville
Welcome to the Melville, a brand-new address on the Paris jazz scene. This restaurant-bar and club opened in 2022. It offers a gourmet and spicy menu: padron pimientos, wagyu carpaccio with miso truffle, chimichurri octopus… As for cocktails, bartender Mila Caignaert concocts original cocktails from a vast selection of classics and creations. Our signature Melville cocktail (Vodka, Noilly Prat, Liqueur Saint-Germain and apple juice) is sure to delight. Finally, the décor, with its wood panelling and bookcases, invites you to relax… You’ll feel at home, among friends, as if in a warm, intimate salon.
The Melville motto? Eclecticism, as much in the glasses or plates as in the ears, with a musical program of incredible finesse. Jazz, yes, with the wild rhythms of the Square Noon trio every Wednesday. But also sounds from all over the world, with Cuban rhythms, swing, flamenco, bossa nova… or caliente salsa with the Paris Latino quartet. A not-to-be-missed address for all Parisian music lovers.
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. / + 33 1 40 75 00 57
Le Melville – 28 Rue Jean Mermoz, 75008 Paris
Le Duke Bar
Near the Opéra, the Duke is a sublime bar… You’ll be seduced by its authentic setting, which lends it a hushed, very British atmosphere. Magically decorated in mahogany, with black-and-white portraits of English writers on the walls, an incredible grand piano, a marble fireplace… Settle into a comfortable English armchair and sip delicious cocktails (we recommend our favorite, the Champagne Spritz!) accompanied by a selection of tasty finger food. For bigger appetites, there’s a generous choice of burgers and croque-monsieurs.
And what about the music? On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Duke comes alive. Solo and duo musicians come to play their refined and elegant selection of jazz music. A real pleasure!
01 42 61 57 46
Open from 07:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday inclusive, and from 07:00 to 00:00 Friday and Saturday.
Le Duke Bar, Hôtel Westminster – 13 rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris
Le Caveau de la Huchette
Located in the Latin Quarter, the Caveau de la Huchette attracts the biggest names in jazz. Among them Jean-Paul Amouroux, Georges Arvanitas, Sidney Bechet, Art Blakey, Lionel Hampton and many others. Open every day of the year, it’s the perfect place to discover Paris as never before, while enjoying an immersive jazz and swing experience.
A true ambassador of the Parisian party scene, it’s the place where regulars like to share their passion with visitors from all over the world. This legendary club, recently highlighted in the film La La Land, has been run since 1970 by vibraphonist Dany Doriz, a friend of Lionel Hampton.
Immerse yourself in the nocturnal magic of Paris at the Caveau de la Huchette and discover why this venue is so envied, even by Hollywood. Why not try it yourself?
Le Caveau de la Huchette – 5 Rue de la Huchette 75005 Paris
The Duke of the Lombards
Bobby Few, renowned American pianist, was the first to play at the Duc des Lombards in the early ’80s, when the venue was just a small bar called the ‘Bar de l’Etoile’, with an upright piano placed under the staircase. According to Bobby, five elements are essential to make a real jazz club: a good piano, an open-minded owner for creative music, an attentive and passionate audience, a place where musicians can relax and improvise after the concert, and finally, closeness to the audience.
For almost 40 years, the Duc des Lombards has respected these principles and established itself as Paris’s essential jazz club. Thanks to its exceptional piano, the club welcomes the biggest names in jazz to its stage, and gives the young guard of French musicians a chance to express themselves during jam sessions.
Decorated by American designer Elliot Barnes, the Duc des Lombards has become a Parisian landmark, offering over 300 concerts every year at 7.30pm and 9.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Its free jam sessions, held every Friday and Saturday from 11.30pm, are a must for jazz fans.
With its solid foundations and unique ambience, the Duc des Lombards is a place where musical excellence meets conviviality, offering Paris a vibrant space where jazz comes to life.
Le Duc des Lombards, 42 Rue des Lombards, 75001 Paris
