Get your on dancing shoes, Paris is waiting!
If you enjoy getting your jive on, Paris has plenty to offer: from tango on the banks of the Seine to jiving in jazz bars. Here are our top tips for tourists who want to toe-tap à Paris!
Dancing Outside
If it’s a warm Fall evening, you should head down to the Quai Saint Bernard (metro Austerlitz or Bastille) which has become famous for the impromptu dancing that takes place along the river. From 7.30-8.30 there are free beginners’ tango classes, and then those that already know the steps take to the stage. Dancing continues until midnight, and even if you don’t want to join in, the atmosphere is fun and the location is ideal for a picnic with a bottle of wine while you watch the sun go down.
The famous Rue Mouffetard in the 5th arrondissement is a great place to wander down on Sundays. From 11-2 p.m. you’ll come across locals, and occasional brave tourists, dancing to famous French songs in the small square opposite the Saint Médard church. The tradition dates from 1975, and attracts a crowd of curious bystanders.
Clubs
If you love Latin music, you must check out the extremely popular Favela Chic. Between the Saint Martin canal and République, this bar/club has a central location, and is very popular with the trendy crowd who dance and drink mohitos until 2 a.m. Have a look at their website for live performances: http://favelachic.com/
For an unbeatable location, the Batofar is definitely worth checking out. It’s a boat moored on the banks of the Seine in front of the National Library of France (BNF.) It’s a hotspot for young professionals who head there after work to unwind on the dance floor: http://www.batofar.org
Fans of electronic music, this one’s for you. Le Social Club in Paris’ clubbing district plays host to some of the world’s top talents, as well as up-and-coming artists. Some nights are free, but doors always open late, at around 11.30 p.m.: http://parissocialclub.com/
If alternative, acoustic and indie music is more up your street, then La Bellevilleoise and the Point Ephemère are two venues that will be sure to have something to your taste. They host a variety of acts, and also happen to be great venues that hold exhibitions and all sorts of events. The crowd: cool kids, the bohemians and international scene-seekers.
http://www.labellevilloise.com/
http://www.pointephemere.org/
Tap your Toes
If you prefer to click your fingers than shake your stuff on the floor, why not explore Paris’ jazz scene? The busy Rue des Lombards in central Paris (metro Châtelet) has three jazz clubs, which should satisfy your saxophone cravings!
Duc des Lombards: http://www.ducdeslombards.com/
Sunset/Sunside: www.sunset-sunside.com/
Le Baiser Salé: www.lebaisersale.com/intro.html
