Sam Bradpiece

Rewind ten years, and strict sound controls and early curfews had all but killed off everything that was great about nightlife in the French capital. The future wasn’t looking very rose. But in a brilliant feat of after-hours entrepreneurship, Paris’s clubbing scene has a swing in its step once again. And the city’s grand going-out renaissance pretty much has one venue to thank. Concrete may have closed its doors in 2019, but that Quai de la Rapée mega-club fast became a true destination, almost rivalling Berlin’s Berghain in rep, mystique and programming scope. Today its spirit lives in the whole host of brilliant venues that followed in its wake. From repurposed floating péniches to giant disused warehouses extra-muros to the Concrete team’s highly promising latest venture, you needn’t look far to find excellent nights out stretching well into the wee hours. These, we reckon, are the best clubs in Paris right now. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Paris

Steeped in history, style and culture, the City of Light has more than enough to draw visitors all year around – and that’s before we even get started on the food and wine. But there are certain times of year when a trip to Paris can be extra-special. For music fans, the calendar teems with festivals for all tastes, from leftfield jazz to alternative rock to mainstream pop. There’s also a huge number of restaurant conventions that aim to showcase France’s rich culinary heritage. The French capital’s Pride celebrations, too, are matchless. Not even to mention a whole host of other hot-ticket film, fashion and sporting events that take place throughout the year. Looking to coincide your visit with a blowout expo or festival? This is our pick of the best annual events in Paris.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Paris