Looking for the best live jazz clubs and bars in Paris? Curious about which jazz festivals are on the programme in 2026? Because after a long day of visiting famous sights and best museums, what could be better than an evening of enjoying live jazz? Paris, the jazz capital of Europe, is home to many renowned clubs. Duc des Lombards, Sunset Sunside and Le Caveau de la Huchette are clubs that every jazz lover should definitely visit. Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Django Reinhardt… all these talented and famous musicians lived in Paris for many years.
When the First World War came to an end, Parisians were eager to relax after this dark period. American soldiers and ex-pats brought jazz music to Paris and it was incredibly successful. Today, Paris is still a haven for many jazz musicians. And many of them are luckier in Europe than in America. Here are the 9 best cafes and clubs for live jazz music. And we also share the best jazz festivals that are organized annually, such as Paris Jazz Festival and Jazz à la Villette. Time for some jazz!
• Fun to do: Tickets Cruise on the Seine by Bateaux Mouches (1h) →
• Nice combo: Tickets Louvre Museum + Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit →
1. Le Duc des Lombards: one of the best jazz clubs and bars in Paris (1st)
Duc de Lombards is one of the best and most famous jazz bars and clubs in Paris and comes alive in the evenings with legends like Miles Davis but also with newcomers who are fully experimenting. A visionary owner, good piano and close bond between audience and musicians are the ingredients for a success that has existed for more than 50 years. The cocktails and food are also excellent.
42 Rue des Lombards, 75001 Paris | Ducdeslombards.com →
2. Chez Papa Jazz Club: New York atmosphere in Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th)
Chez Papa Jazz Club is located in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. A small, intimate place where the walls are covered in graffiti. This jazz bar has a New York atmosphere and the menu is thoroughly French. It offers excellent live music every evening and at the end of the evening local musicians come out to jam. When the weather is nice, take a seat on the cozy terrace and enjoy a delicious meal.
3 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris | Papajazzclub-paris.fr →
3. Le Bal Blomet: the oldest live jazz club in Paris (15th)
Le Bal Blomet is the oldest jazz club in Paris and one of our favorites. Joséphine Baker, Maurice Chevalier, Mistinguett, Man Ray, Henry Miller, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jean Cocteau were among the celebrity guests. There are concerts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The rest of the week it functions as a bar and restaurant. Recommended.
33 Rue Blomet, 75015 Paris | Balblomet.fr →
4. Le Piano Vache: manouche jazz in the Latin Quarter (5th)
Le Piano Vache is located in the 5th arrondissement, a bit hidden behind the Pantheon in the Latin Quarter student district. It has been around since 1969 and has been offering ‘manouche’ (gypsy jazz) concerts on Monday evenings for 20 years. It has a cozy atmosphere and is mainly visited by locals and students. Fan of Django Reinhardt? Then this jazz bar is definitely worth a visit.
8 Rue Laplace, 75005 Paris | Facebook.com/pianovacheparis5 →
5. Sunset/Sunside: acoustic and electro jazz (2nd)
This iconic jazz club is known for its jazz fusion, with acoustic jazz in the basement (Sunside) and electro-jazz upstairs (Sunset). Inside, Sunset/Sunside has a beautiful vaulted ceiling and dimly lit salon that gives it an intimate atmosphere. The club’s motto is ‘the club of all jazz’, because all types of jazz are played here. On the first floor there is also an American bar.
60 Rue des Lombards, 75001 Paris | Sunset-sunside.com →
6. New Morning: jazz, blues, groove, urban and world music (10th)
The New Morning opened in 1981 with a concert by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers. It is located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, housed in the old printing house of the French newspaper ‘Le Petit Journal’. Although it is mainly known as a jazz club, you can also enjoy blues, groove, urban and world music. Some performances are sometimes broadcast live on French radio.
7/9 R. des Petites Écuries, 75010 Paris | Newmorning.com →
7. Le Caveau de la Huchette: torture chamber during the French Revolution (5th)
Opened in 1949, Le Caveau de la Huchette is an iconic jazz club in Paris with a fascinating history. During the French Revolution this place was a torture chamber. Now there are old weapons hanging on the walls in the basement. Many big names such as Memphis Slim, Bill Coleman, Sidney Bechet and Sacha Distel have performed here. The club was also used as a setting for many films such as La La Land.
5 Rue de la Huchette, 75005 Paris | Caveaudelahuchette.fr →
8. Le Baiser Salé: jazz fusion and world music with atmosphere (1st)
Le Baiser Salé is one of the three main Parisian jazz clubs on the famous rue des Lombards in the historic Les Halles district. For jazz fusion and world music you have to go to Le Baiser Salé. The club is incredibly popular with locals and tourists. The cozy candlelit atmosphere and the eclectic musical offering create a unique and refined atmosphere that appeals to many fans of the genre.
58 Rue des Lombards, 75001 Paris | Lebaisersale.com →
9. 38 Riv’: warm and authentic acoustics in Le Marais (5th)
The 38 Riv’ Jazz Club, an intimate club and bar, is located in the trendy Le Marais district of Paris. The vaulted cellar from the 12th century offers warm and authentic acoustics. It is a nice place for musical encounters: from jazz to Latin jazz, including funk and baroque. On Friday and Saturday evenings the club hosts a late jam starting at midnight.
38 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris | 38riv.com →
Extra: best jazz festivals in Paris 2026
• Le Châtelet fait son jazz: February 6 to 9, 2026 | Chatelet.com
• Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés: May 18 to 24, 2026 | Festivaljazzsaintgermainparis.com
• La Défense Jazz Festival: data not yet known | Ladefensejazzfestival.hauts-de-seine.fr
• Festival Django Reinhardt: June 25 to 28, 2026 | Festivaldjangoreinhardt.com
• Paris Jazz Festival: June data not yet known | Festivalsduparcfloral.paris
• Jazz à la Villette: data not yet known | Jazzalavillette.com
• Jazz sur Seine: data not yet known | Parisjazzclub.net
These were the best live jazz clubs, bars and festivals in Paris. From the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district to Montmartre or the area around Les Halles: Paris and jazz have a special relationship. The City of Light remains a fantastic place for jazz lovers. Maybe also something for you: 7x Best cocktail bars in Paris to discover asap.
FAQ about the best jazz bars, clubs & festivals in Paris
1. Is Paris a good city for jazz lovers?
Absolutely! Paris has been a jazz capital since the 1920s, when legends like Django Reinhardt and Sidney Bechet made it their playground. Today, the city still swings with intimate bars, iconic clubs, and lively festivals year-round.
2. What are the most famous jazz clubs in Paris?
You can’t go wrong with classics like Le Duc des Lombards and Sunset/Sunside, both in the heart of the city and known for top-notch talent. Want something cozy and timeless? Caveau de la Huchette is a legendary cellar club in the Latin Quarter that’s been swinging since the 1940s.
3. Are there any jazz bars with free or affordable entry?
Yes! Many smaller venues like 38 Riv, Autour de Midi… et Minuit, or Café Laurent offer fantastic live sets without breaking the bank. Some even have no cover charge, just buy a drink and enjoy the show.
4. Where should I go for a romantic jazz night in Paris?
Try Le Piano Vache near the Panthéon or Café Universel for a candlelit, low-key vibe. For something classier, Le Duc des Lombards offers dinner + jazz in a chic, intimate setting.
5. What time do jazz clubs usually start playing live music?
Most venues kick things off around 8:30 or 9 PM, and some spots host late-night jam sessions that go well past midnight. Check the schedule in advance, Paris jazz nights tend to start (and end) late.
6. Do I need to book in advance?
For popular clubs and weekend shows, yes, especially for places with limited seating like Le Duc des Lombards. Reservations are often easy to make online, and some clubs offer dinner packages too.
7. Are there any jazz clubs in Montmartre?
Yes! Autour de Midi… et Minuit is a local gem right near Sacré-Cœur. It’s in a vaulted cellar and offers a great mix of traditional and modern jazz. A perfect stop after wandering through Montmartre’s charming streets.
8. What’s the best jazz festival in Paris?
The Paris Jazz Festival (held in Parc Floral every summer) is a must, open-air concerts surrounded by flowers and trees. Also worth checking out: Jazz à la Villette in early September, which blends jazz with funk, soul, and global sounds.
9. Is the jazz scene touristy or local?
A bit of both! Some clubs cater to visitors, but many jazz bars are packed with locals, students, and real music aficionados. Even the most famous venues often feature young Parisian talent keeping the tradition alive.
10. Can I catch a jazz brunch or daytime performance?
Yes! A few spots offer Sunday jazz brunches, especially in hotels or cafés with live music programs. Keep an eye on venues like Café de la Paix or some hotel lounges for a smooth start to your Sunday.
Bonus tip: if you’re wandering the Latin Quarter or Le Marais at night, listen for the saxophone echoing from a cellar, that’s usually the sign of a hidden gem with a glass of wine and a night full of swing just waiting for you.
