Paris is known for many things: its rich history, stunning architecture, culinary delights, and of course, its unyielding love for jazz as one of the world’s jazz capitals. In the embrace of Paris, jazz finds not just a stage, but a sanctuary where its history and evolution are celebrated with fervor. The city’s jazz clubs, draped in the legacy of maestros like Django Reinhardt, continue to echo the vibrant chords of his pioneering “jazz manouche.” It’s within these Parisian venues that the soul of jazz throbs most passionately, creating an ambiance where tradition and innovation intersect with sophistication. Paris jazz clubs stand as proud testimonies to a centennial love affair with jazz, offering a compelling blend of historical allure and contemporary genius. From hushed, intimate corners where the spirit of Django’s gypsy jazz still lingers, to grand stages that host the future icons of jazz, Paris asserts its role as an epicenter of this transcendent musical genre, captivating enthusiasts from around the globe. Here are the top Paris jazz clubs where you can catch the best talent:
1. LE DUC DES LOMBARDS
Just a few blocks away, nestled in a corner of Châtelet, you’ll find Le Duc des Lombards. Despite being smaller than its counterparts, this intimate club has become a heavyweight in the realm of Jazz in Paris. With an emphasis on contemporary jazz and fusion, the club’s stage has seen the likes of Roy Hargrove and Brad Mehldau. Le Duc des Lombards has also etched a name for itself with its signature “Late Night Jam Sessions”. These sessions offer a platform for budding jazz artists to share the stage with seasoned performers, thus nurturing the future of Jazz in Paris. This vibrant club doesn’t just present performances but it also curates experiences. With its top-notch acoustics and intimate atmosphere, Le Duc des Lombards not only gives you a front-row seat to a musical spectacle, but it also makes you a part of its pulsating story.
Duc Des Lombards website
2. NEW MORNING CLUB
We’ll begin our immersive journey into the heart of Jazz in Paris with the legendary New Morning club, located in the vibrant 10th arrondissement. Known for its daring mix of jazz, funk, and blues, New Morning has been making waves in the Jazz in Paris scene since 1981. With a capacity of over 500, the club has hosted a plethora of international stars, from Herbie Hancock to Prince, bringing a soulful blend of sounds from across the globe to the heart of Paris. These days, New Morning continues to foster an eclectic mix of music, standing out for its unique programme of events that range from Afrobeat nights to Fusion Fridays. If you’re looking for a multicultural experience and a wide variety of jazz styles, New Morning should be your first port of call.
3. CAVEAU DE LA HUCHETTE
Next, we’ll traverse to the Latin Quarter, the cultural and bohemian heart of the city, where Caveau de la Huchette awaits. Housed in a 16th-century building with a past intertwined with the French Revolution, the club is a charming paradox of historical weight and the lightness of jazz. Here, the nights come alive with traditional New Orleans-style jazz and swing, making it the place to go for old-school jazz lovers. Expect dance nights where the Charleston and Lindy Hop take centre stage, as well as performances by some of the finest Dixieland jazz bands. It’s a living, breathing homage to the foundational era of jazz, and an essential stop in understanding the roots of Jazz in Paris.
Caveau de La Huchette club website
4. JAZZ CLUB ETOILE
Tucked inside the chic Le Méridien Etoile, the Jazz Club Étoile exudes a different kind of Parisian elegance. This large and comfortable club has become a beacon of the city’s contemporary jazz scene, blending sleek, modern design with the intimate atmosphere of classic jazz venues. What sets Jazz Club Étoile apart is its dedication to not only jazz but also soul and blues, presenting a diverse program that caters to the tastes of both the jazz purist and the eclectic listener. Over its illustrious history, the stage at Jazz Club Étoile has been graced by the likes of B.B. King and Cab Calloway, and continues to attract world-renowned talents who perform to a backdrop of sophisticated Parisian luxury. The venue is also famous for its “Autour du Blues” (Around the Blues) and tribute nights, where musicians come together to honor the giants of jazz and blues. Its reputation as a hub for musical excellence is anchored in its history of hosting performances by jazz greats, as well as its commitment to high-quality sound and a sophisticated ambiance that appeals to an international crowd.
5. SUNSET SUNSIDE
Located in the pulsing heart of Paris near the Louvre, the Sunset-Sunside Jazz Club stands as a beloved cultural institution, celebrated for its dual-level venue that captures the full spectrum of jazz. Upstairs, the Sunside room offers an intimate acoustic setting where the reverent sounds of classic jazz, bebop, and swing reign supreme, enchanting patrons seeking the soulful purity of unplugged performances. Downstairs, the Sunset opens its doors to the electric currents of fusion and contemporary styles, pulsing with the innovative beats of modern jazz. This juxtaposition within a single venue has made Sunset-Sunside a hallowed ground for jazz enthusiasts, known for its stellar line-up of international luminaries and homegrown French talent, alongside its nurturing spirit for up-and-coming artists. As a site frequently chosen for live album recordings due to its exceptional acoustics and intimate feel, Sunset-Sunside has also garnered acclaim for special events like the “Sunset Sunside Festival,” cementing its status as a premier destination for jazz aficionados and a vibrant contributor to the global jazz tapestry.
6. 38 RIV
Immersed in the historic charm of Paris’ Le Marais, 38 Riv Jazz Club stands as an emblem of musical refinement and intimate ambiance. With its stone-clad arches and warm, inviting interior, this intimate club is a treasure trove for jazz enthusiasts who crave both authenticity and innovation. Unique to 38 Riv is its exquisite acoustic setup, designed to elevate each performance, creating a haven for pure sound that resonates through the ancient walls. The club has a storied reputation for its “Jazz & Blues Tuesdays,” and has seen the likes of celebrated musicians grace its stage – artists who weave the intricate tapestries of bebop, fusion, and contemporary jazz.
In conclusion, Paris’ jazz narrative weaves through the city’s historic venues, each with its unique contribution to the genre. Le Duc des Lombards, a compact club in Châtelet, is known for its contemporary jazz and lively jam sessions. The New Morning club stands as a beacon for a diverse blend of jazz and international stars in the 10th arrondissement. Le Caveau de la Huchette offers a dive into the past with swing and New Orleans jazz in the Latin Quarter. The sophisticated Jazz Club Étoile hosts a mix of jazz, soul, and blues, alongside tribute nights to musical legends. Sunset-Sunside near the Louvre offers both acoustic and electric jazz in a dual-level venue, celebrated for its stellar line-ups and recording sessions. Lastly, 38 Riv in Le Marais charms with its exceptional acoustics and historical ambiance, providing a stage for both classic and innovative jazz performances.