From small candle-lit caves in the fourth arrondissement to airy cafes in the Saint Germain des Prés, our curated list of French jazz artists will help transport you from home. Check out our recommendations for the best jazz clubs in Paris and our playlist of French musicians, curated by Flavors of Paris’ Lisa Rankin.
La Caveau de la Huchette
Located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, La Caveau de la Huchette is a Parisian classic and featured in many films including La La Land (2016) and Les Tricheurs (1958). With a historic past as one of the finest jazz clubs in Paris, La Caveau de la Huchette is famous for its 16th-century architecture and talented acts. Count Bassie, Claude Bolling, Lionel Hampton and Art Blakey, arguably some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, performed at the venue with its impressive high ceilings, thick brick arches and underground tunnels. The club is renowned as one of the most important venues of Parisian nightlife and inspired many other music joints across Europe due to its immense popularity.
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For live jazz every Thursday, from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Les Deux Magots is a favourite of many music-loving Parisians. There is no cover at the door, but guests have to order a drink or dinner to stay and enjoy the show. The food is on the pricier side but features a traditional French menu in a charming brasserie. The music varies from week to week with classics like the songs of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Sarah Vaughan to new creations from up and comers in the Parisian music scene. Located just off of Boulevard Saint-Germain, Les Deux Magots offers visitors an invitation to escape the crowded streets of Paris and relax to the sounds of French jazz music, whisking them away to another time with rhythm and soul.
38 Riv
With different styles of live jazz music every night of the week, 38 Riv offers an intimate jazz club experience in the middle of the Marais district of Paris. Visitors can escape the city by stepping underground and enjoying the club’s impressive talent with a top notch bar under vaulted stone ceilings. There is no cover at the door but visitors must purchase a drink at the bar to enjoy the show. Be sure to try their cocktails and enjoy one of their many different styles of music, which vary depending on the night of the week. From improvisational jam sessions and jazz concerts to jam funk and baroque, the hidden music cave is sure to surprise visitors and locals alike.
While the live music of Paris may seem out of reach right now, French jazz is available around the world with the touch of a button. Follow Flavors of Paris on Spotify to stay up to date with our latest playlists and see what we are listening to! Below is Lisa’s list for the best French jazz musicians and songs to check out while at home. Check out our playlist here.
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