Top 10 Best Jazz Clubs in Paris

Sidney Bechet, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Django Reinhardt. All these talented and celebrated musicians lived in Paris for many years and helped establish the city as a great destination for jazz lovers.

Paris is home to many renowned jazz clubs, some of which have been around for decades. They offer a variety of styles, from traditional to avant-garde. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out in Paris, these ten jazz clubs offer some of the best performances the city has to offer. 

The 10 best jazz clubs in Paris:

1. Sunset/Sunside Jazz Club
2. Le Duc des Lombards
3. New Morning
4. Le Caveau de la Huchette
5. 38 Riv
6. Le Baiser Salé
7. Piano Vache
8. Chez Papa Jazz Club
9. Bal Blomet
10. Jazz Club Étoile
11. Bonus: La Gare Jazz Club

1. Sunset/Sunside Jazz Club

The Sunset/Sunside Jazz Club is an intimate two-in-one club that offers a variety of jazz styles, from traditional to contemporary. The first to settle on Rue des Lombards several decades ago, it is one of the most popular clubs in the city, featuring new talents or well-known musicians every night. Sunset guest musicians perform electric jazz, magnet jazz, and world music. Sunside is known for acoustic jazz.

Address:  60 Rue des Lombards, 75001 Paris

2. Le Duc des Lombards

Le Duc des Lombards has been hosting world-renowned performers for over 50 years. A good piano, a visionary owner, and close proximity between the public and the musicians are its ingredients for success.

Address: 42 Rue des Lombards, 75001 Paris

3. New Morning

New Morning is an iconic jazz club that has been operating since 1981. Non-pretentious, self-described as “lacking comfort, lacking decor”, it is nonetheless sought after for what matters most: the quality of the performance. It is known for its eclectic program of jazz and world music. It has hosted many renowned musicians, including Chet Baker and Miles Davis.

Address:  7/9 Rue des Petites Écuries, 75010 Paris

4. Le Caveau de la Huchette

Le Caveau de la Huchette is a small, intimate club, situated around the corner from the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore.  A former franc masonic secret lodge, it is said to be the inspiration for the famous Cavern Bar in Liverpool, made legendary by The Beatles. Open every day of the year, it offers jazz and swing.

Address: 5 Rue de la Huchette, 75005 Paris

5. 38 Riv

38 River, the only jazz club in Le Marais, is nestled in a historic building dating back to the 12th century. The music is eclectic: metisse, manouche, swing, bebop, bossa nova, funk, groove, and soul are just a few of the genres on offer. 

Address: 38 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris

6. Le Baiser Salé

Le Baiser Salé was opened in 1983 by the Martinique-born Gibson Brothers (you might remember their massive 1978 hit, “Cuba”). Combining good music with great cocktails is their secret power.

Address: 58 Rue des Lombards, 75001 Paris

7. Piano Vache

Situated in the student-friendly 5th arrondissement, Le Piano Vache been around since 1969. It offers gypsy jazz (jazz manouche) Monday nights after 9pm; no cover to get in. It has a cozy atmosphere, great beer and wine selection. Frequented mainly by locals and students.

Address: 8 Rue Laplace, 75005 Paris

8. Chez Papa Jazz Club

Located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Chez Papa Jazz Club is small, intimate, and romantic. The walls are covered in graffiti, the atmosphere has New York vibes, and the menu is thoroughly French. It offers live music every night.

Address: 3 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris

9. Bal Blomet

Bal Blomet is the oldest jazz club in Paris still running today. Its history goes back to the Roaring Twenties, when the establishment was the place to be. Joséphine Baker, Maurice Chevalier, Mistinguett, Man Ray, Alexander Calder, Henry Miller, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Jean Cocteau were among its famous guests. Go for a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere.

Address: 33 Rue Blomet, 75015 Paris

10. Jazz Club Étoile

Jazz Club Étoile is nestled inside Le Méridien-Étoile hotel. At the same time club and bar-restaurant, it offers dinner and a live show on Thursdays and Saturdays (dinner mandatory). The music ranges from jazz to blues to pop.

Address: 81 Boulevardd Gouvion-Saint-Cyr, 75017 Paris

Bonus: La Gare Jazz Club

This Paris jazz club is a bit out of the ordinary. We’ll admit right away that it isn’t for everyone. In what’s essentially a sort of artist squat, La Gare is great for late nights of free jazz in the 19th Arrondissement.

If you’re after a romantic or classy night out, this isn’t the place for you. But if you’re up for a dive bar with good live music and lots of graffiti, you should definitely check out La Gare.

Address: 1 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris