Best Live Music Venues In Paris

There are few places in the world better for a night of musical exploration than Paris. The city sets the bar at 'spectacular' and doesn't look back. The rich history of immigration into Paris reflects as much in the music as it does in it's food and there is no shortage of venues and bars showcasing music to suit just about any taste. Here for you musical connoisseurs is a brief guide of some of the finest live music venues you'll find this side of the channel:

L'Opa - 9 rue Biscornet 12e Paris

Nestled away just a short walk from the banks of the Seine, L'Opa is a cool little venue for those who like to start late and finish early. The line-up of acts from Tuesday - Thursday are incredibly diverse and the crowd changes character wildly from one evening to the next. There's no cover charge on the door and the drinks are pretty reasonably priced too. Dj's make up most of the bill on the weekends, so if you want to see some live music you'd better come on a school night.

China - 50 rue de Charenton, 12e, Paris

Famed for having the longest bar in Paris - China, styled like a 1930s gentleman's Shanghai retreat is a pleasantly odd little cocktail bar in the heart of the city. With it's red walls and opulent decoration and furniture, it has a double life as one of the most trendy Paris wedding venues possible. However, its downstairs in the cellar where you'll find some fantastic Jazz, Electronic and World Music acts performing. Be sure to get in relatively early, as tables fill up quickly, especially for big name performers.

L'Alimentation Générale - 64 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11e, Paris

It's hard to define what kind of bar L'Alimentation is, such is the bizarre interior decoration, it's character seems completely different from one corner to the next. Not quite a cocktail bar, not quite a beer house, but simultaneously catering for both tastes, the music is equally as eclectic. With an egalitarian approach to it's bill, ranging from open mic nights to big name acts. Your experience will depend on which night you attend and which direction you happen to be facing when you do.