Where to Hear Live Jazz in Paris: The Best Clubs and Venues
Sullivan Fortner Trio at The Duc des Lombards in Paris
Explore the best jazz venues in Paris, offering unique atmospheres, historic settings, and unforgettable live performances for all music lovers.
1. 38Riv Jazz Club
Chloé Lecerf and pianist Jeremy Hinnekens
38Riv Jazz Club
Le 38Riv is a historic jazz club in a vaulted 12ᵗʰ century cellar in Le Marais, offering an intimate, cozy setting for jazz lovers and music enthusiasts alike. Located in Rue Rivoli a few minutes walk from the Hôtel de Ville, the venue exudes a warm, stylish atmosphere with golden lighting that creates the perfect ambiance for a night out. The cocktails are expertly crafted, and the friendly staff ensures you feel right at home throughout your visit.
This underground jazz haven hosts jam sessions on multiple nights of the week, including jazz on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while Tuesdays & Fridays are dedicated to funky & groovy, high-energy jam sessions from 11:20 pm to 1:30 am. During the week, two sets of live concerts are offered, at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm, with tickets priced at €25. Jam sessions are only €9, and musicians can join for free, receiving a complimentary beer card as a token of appreciation for their loyalty.
One of the unique highlights at Le 38Riv is the Sunday evening performance titled Cool Jazz For Quiet Dreams. This serene and intimate duo performance features artists like a singer with a pianist or a trumpet paired with a guitarist, providing a soothing and elegant way to close out your weekend. Whether you're enjoying an intimate concert, jamming with fellow musicians, or savoring a delicious drink, Le 38Riv offers a welcoming, authentic experience for those seeking top-tier live music in the heart of Paris.
2. Duc des Lombards
Tivon Pennicott Quartet with Idris Frederick on piano, McKeen Myers on bass and Kenn Salters on drums.
Le Duc des Lombards
The Duc des Lombards is one of Paris’ most celebrated jazz clubs, nestled in the heart of Châtelet. This elegant venue combines a sophisticated ambiance with top-notch live performances, making it a must-visit for jazz enthusiasts. Spread across two levels, the club offers intimate seating with excellent views from its balcony-style second floor, while its signature blue lighting creates a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. The attentive and friendly staff complete the experience, serving fine wine, cocktails, and gourmet French snacks to accompany the music.
The programming at the Duc des Lombards caters to all jazz lovers. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the spotlight shines on emerging artists, with free entry (a drink purchase is required), offering an accessible way to discover new talent. Concerts are divided into three sets—7:30 pm, 9 pm, and 10:30 pm—so early arrival is key to securing a spot, as the lines often stretch outside.
Weekends bring the club’s famed late-night jam sessions, running from midnight to 4 am. These electrifying gatherings follow the evening concerts and feature top-tier jazz musicians coming together after their respective gigs across the city. It’s a unique opportunity to witness spontaneous collaborations and raw improvisation in an intimate setting.
With its stellar acoustics, exceptional lineup, and warm atmosphere, the Duc des Lombards is not just a venue—it’s a cornerstone of Paris’ vibrant jazz scene. Whether you’re catching a rising star on a Tuesday or grooving to a jam session at 2 am, this club promises an unforgettable musical experience.
3. Sunset Sunside Jazz Club
Dmitry Baevsky Quartet ft. Peter Bernstein with David Wong on bass and Jason Brown on drums.
Sunset Sunside Jazz Club Paris
Located in the vibrant heart of Paris, between the Forum des Halles and the Centre Georges Pompidou, Sunset/Sunside is a legendary jazz hub on the iconic rue des Lombards. Established in 1982 by Michèle and Jean-Marc Portet, it holds the distinction of being the first jazz club to open on this now-famous street. Originally a trendy American bar, the Portets transformed its basement into a jazz venue at the request of musicians who frequented the establishment, drawn to the space's vaulted cellars and remarkable acoustics—perfect for intimate performances.
In 1993, Stéphane Portet took over the club's programming, embracing the vision of "a club for all jazz." His approach welcomed both emerging local talent and world-renowned artists, earning the club a reputation as a place where jazz's past, present, and future meet. Over the years, it has hosted unforgettable moments, including an impromptu jam session with Wynton Marsalis that stretched into the early morning, led by the club’s resident musicians, the Belmondo brothers.
Under Stéphane's direction, the Sunset has become a creative incubator, hosting thematic evenings and innovative events, such as Pianissimo (a celebration of pianists), The Month of Drums, and tributes to jazz legends like Miles Davis. Dedicated to acoustic jazz, the Sunset retains a cozy, underground atmosphere, while Sunside, its counterpart located just above, provides a slightly brighter and more contemporary space for performances, offering audiences a unique and diverse jazz experience. Together, they form a one-of-a-kind European jazz complex, with two clubs operating side by side, offering two concerts nightly, seven days a week.
Visitors can also enjoy an enclosed terrace, perfect for relaxing between sets while soaking up the club’s dynamic ambiance. Whether you're a dedicated jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer, Sunset/Sunside promises an unforgettable experience steeped in Parisian jazz history and innovation.
4. Baiser Salé Jazz Club
Le Baiser Salé Jazz Club in Châtelet, Paris
Founded in 1983
The Baiser Salé, located next to Sunset-Sunside is also in the heart of Paris near Les Halles, is a cornerstone of the city's jazz scene. Founded in 1983 by two Guadeloupean brothers, Gilles and Philippe Louis, this iconic venue brings a unique flavor to the Parisian music landscape by blending jazz with Afro-Caribbean influences.
The club’s name, meaning "Salty Kiss," reflects its warm, vibrant, and slightly mischievous atmosphere. Known for its openness to experimentation, the Baiser Salé is a creative hub for both established artists and emerging talent. Its stage has hosted an impressive array of musicians from all over the world, spanning jazz, funk, soul, Latin rhythms, and world music.
The club’s intimate space, complete with a laid-back bar and cozy seating, invites audiences to immerse themselves in the music, whether it's a high-energy jam session or a soulful solo performance. With concerts often running late into the night, the Baiser Salé captures the spirit of a true music lover’s retreat—a space where boundaries are pushed, cultures collide, and music comes alive.
5. Son de la Terre
Amaury Faye Quartet with Olga Amelchenko on sax, Clément Daldosso on bass and Guillaume Prévost on drums.
Le Son De La Terre
Le Son de la Terre is a floating jazz venue on the Seine anchored right across from Notre-Dame de Paris. Created in 2023 by the owners of the Marcounet Houseboat, this second boat offers the perfect romantic dining spot with live music all year long.
Musicians take the stage on an elevated platform beside a large window overlooking the water. The lineup of artists is outstanding, offering a variety of jazz blends including gypsy jazz, modern jazz, tap dance jazz, electro blues and jazz, hip hop soul jazz, brazilian, and also afrobeat! There's truly a positive vibe and general ambiance to suit every taste.
Whether you're savoring a candlelit dinner or simply soaking up the music, Le Son de la Terre captures the essence of Parisian charm, blending exceptional performances with an unforgettable riverside ambiance.
6. Caveau de la Huchette
David Sauzay playing the tenor saxophone
Le Caveau de la Huchette
Le Caveaux de la Huchette is a lively and iconic jazz club where music lovers come to listen and dance to swinging tunes in an atmosphere brimming with history.
This vaulted cellar holds tales of secret societies that once gathered here, with whispers of hidden passages connecting to Châtelet and the Saint-Séverin church.
During the French Revolution, the Caveau was a hub for revolutionaries who drank, danced, and debated freedom, but it also harbored darker activities—trials, executions of monarchists, and even a well in the lowest chamber allegedly used to dispose of bodies.
After World War II, Paris embraced its newfound freedom, and music from across the Atlantic found a home in Saint Germain des Prés: Jazz took over the cellars. The G.I.s brought swing and bebop, and dancers reveled in the lively rhythms, performing acrobatic moves.
The Caveau de la Huchette became the first club in Paris to host jazz, with its vaults echoing the performances of the world's most renowned jazz musicians. Without interruption, Le Caveau de la Huchette continues this tradition, with an orchestra playing every evening to the delight of jazz enthusiasts, including skilled Be-Bop dancers.
It has also served as an inspiration for filmmakers, providing the setting for numerous films such as Marcel Carné's "Tricheurs," Vera Belmont's "Rouge Baiser," Claude Berri's "First Time," and James Huth's latest film "A Happiness Never Arrives Alone" featuring Sophie Marceau and Gad Elmaleh. Even the multi-Oscar-winning film "LA LA LAND" by Damien Chazelle incorporates the sign and decor of the Caveau de la Huchette orchestra room. With an ambiance reminiscent of the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom, the Caveau de la Huchette remains a timeless celebration of jazz and the rich cultural history of Paris.
7. Caveau des Oubliettes
Louis Guignier Quartet ft. Gustave Reichert on guitar & Jeff Boudreaux on drums
Caveau des Oubliettes
The Caveau des Oubliettes, once a medieval prison, is now an atmospheric vaulted cellar where jazz, blues, soul, and funk come alive. Beneath its lively music and vibrant ambiance lies a fascinating history intertwined with the tale of the Petit Châtelet prison.
In the 9th century, two fortresses were built to guard the bridges leading to the Île de la Cité: the Grand Châtelet at the Grand Pont (now Pont au Change) and the Petit Châtelet at the Petit-Pont. These fortifications were vital defenses against invading forces like the Normans, also known as Vikings.
As the city grew, King Philippe Auguste converted these fortresses into common law prisons. For nearly 400 years, the Petit Châtelet held prisoners of all kinds—from common criminals to enemies of the Crown and even practitioners of black magic. Its cells, dug deep underground, bore witness to countless tales of suffering. The Seine occasionally flooded the prison's basements, tragically drowning its inmates.
Today, the Caveau des Oubliettes occupies the very basements of the Petit Châtelet fortress, preserving its chilling history. Descending into the venue, you’ll spot graffiti left behind by medieval prisoners, etched into the walls. Messages like “Death to Marat” or “1421 – I will be hanged” hint at the anguish of those once held captive. Legends whisper that beyond the stage lies an ancient dungeon, still concealing the skeletons of its past.
A cabaret for over a century, the Caveau des Oubliettes now offers a stark contrast to its dark history. As you enjoy a drink and immerse yourself in the music, spare a moment to reflect on the countless lives that passed through these walls, adding a haunting depth to its vibrant present.
8. New Morning
Immanuel Wilkins Quartet with Micah Thomas on piano, Rick Rosato on bass and Kweku Sumbry on drums.
New Morning, Paris
The New Morning is a legendary jazz club located in Paris, renowned for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional acoustics. Since its opening in 1981, the venue has become a haven for jazz enthusiasts and musicians alike, hosting an eclectic lineup of world-class artists from Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie to contemporary jazz innovators. Founded by Eglal Farhi, the club aimed to create a space that celebrated the spontaneity and soul of live jazz performances. Over the years, it has expanded its repertoire to include blues, funk, and world music, solidifying its reputation as one of Europe's premier destinations for live music. The New Morning remains a cornerstone of Paris' vibrant music scene, offering unforgettable evenings filled with rich melodies and an electric ambiance.
9. Le Bal Blomet
Del Mar Orchestra
Le Bal Blomet
The Bal Blomet, located in Paris' 15th arrondissement, is one of the city's oldest and most iconic cabarets, steeped in history and artistic heritage. Originally opened in 1924 as the Bal Nègre, it was a vibrant hub during the Roaring Twenties, attracting legendary artists, musicians, and intellectuals, including Josephine Baker and Ernest Hemingway.
Known for its lively jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, it played a crucial role in popularizing jazz in France. After decades of decline, the venue was beautifully restored and reopened in 2017, reclaiming its place as a cultural landmark.
Today, the Bal Blomet blends its rich historical roots with a modern flair, hosting an array of jazz, classical, and world music performances in an elegant, intimate setting.
10. JASS Club
Zoot for Kids with bassist Kim Baiunco
Sunday afternoons at JASS Club
Located in the heart of Paris’s 13th arrondissement, the JASS Club carries a layered cultural legacy. Originally opened in the 1920s as a neighborhood cinema, the venue served as a local cultural landmark for decades before closing in the 1980s. After years of inactivity, the space was revived in 2021 as Le Barbizon, a multidisciplinary venue that honored its cinematic heritage while hosting live music, art, and community events.
In 2025, the venue entered a new chapter, reopening as the JASS Club with a renewed focus on jazz, rap, and soul. Today, it offers an energetic setting that encourages close interaction between artists and audiences, bridging its historic past with a contemporary vision for creative and cultural exchange.
On Sunday afternoons, the club hosts Zoot for Kids, a special program designed to introduce children to musical instruments, jazz, and its history through an engaging, educational format. A must-see for families, it offers young audiences a playful and meaningful first encounter with jazz.
