Some of the capital's venerated jazz spots, like Le Bilboquet, have lost the fight for survival in recent years. But this one has endured, and attracts a high class of performer.
42 rue des LombardsThis distinctively red and enduringly hip party boat lays on DJs, rappers and assorted underground noise-merchants for the benefit of an up-for-it crowd. It comes into its own...
Opposite 11 quai François-MauriacThe energetic programming at the Cité de la Musique features a vast non-classical repertoire that includes ethnic music and jazz. Concerts are frequently split up into series...
221 av Jean-JaurèsThis historic site was reopened in 2005 as a beautifully relaxed, spacious venue with a folky bent.
19-21 rue BoyerEasily one of Paris's finest venues, the lovely, horseshoe-shaped theatre La Cigale is linked to more cosy venue La Boule Noire, good for catching cult-ish visiting acts.
120 bd de RochechouartThis much-loved indie and electro venue is a great place for free music, with three or four bands playing every night the venue is open. It also provides monthly residencies to...
102bis rue de BagnoletCementing Bastille's status as Paris's prime hangout for rockers, this exciting recent arrival has three levels and alternates eclectic DJs with live acts in the cellar, plus...
8 passage ThièreThis small, sweaty boîte has become a focus for 'cool' Paris. It's great, albeit pricey, once you're in, but you'll have to pass the door test first.
5 av de l'OpéraA little too flash for some, but there's no doubting this brand new vaulted club by the Seine, and its Sous le Pont events - live performance followed by DJs - have been the...
Underneath Pont Alexandre IIIIf you desire an authentic Belleville rendezvous, there's no better location than this old-style café with terrace, where the traditions of accordion music and croaky-voiced...
12 rue des EnviergesThe museum runs a full and enterprising series of lunchtime and evening concerts. The concerts at 12.30pm concentrate on promising young artists. For 2009 there is a...
62 rue de LilleThe museum presents a worthy programme of medieval concerts in which troubadours reflect the museum's collection.
6 pl Paul-PainlevéNouvelle Athènes has a weight of history behind it. It was the café in Degas' L'Absinthe, a striptease joint frequented by the Nazis and Liberation troops, then rock venue New...
9 pl PigalleThe Palais Garnier, with its ornate, extravagant decor and ceiling by Marc Chagall, is the jewel in the crown of Paris music-making, as well as a glistening focal point for the...
Pl de l'OpéraThe Palais Garnier is a monument to Second Empire high society. The opera company had been founded by Louis XIV in 1669, moving home after fires and assassination attempts. In...
1 pl de l'Opéra