There’s something magical about jazz and Paris, a love affair that has been going strong since the early 20th century. As a city that has inspired countless artists and musicians, it’s no surprise that Paris is still home to some of the best jazz bars in the world. After exploring the vibrant jazz scene ourselves, we’ve put together a personal list of the top five jazz bars in Paris, each offering its own unique atmosphere, history, and of course, unforgettable music.
Le Duc des Lombards
Le Duc des Lombards was the first jazz bar we visited when we arrived in Paris, and it set the tone for my entire experience. Tucked away in the lively Rue des Lombards, this venue is sleek, modern, and intimate. What hits you first is the warmth of the place, with its soft lighting and close-knit seating arrangement. We caught a performance by an up-and-coming trio, and from the first note, knew we were in for something special.
The late night jam sessions were the real highlight though. The crowd thinned a bit after the main set and then the musicians started to loosen up. What followed was an incredible jam session where a host of brilliant musicians jumped in creating a wonderful scene. It felt spontaneous and electric, like you were witnessing something only this group of people would experience together.
Caveau de la Huchette
If there’s one jazz bar in Paris that feels like stepping into a time machine, it’s Caveau de la Huchette. Located in the Latin Quarter, this underground club has been around since 1946 and its history is palpable the moment you walk down the stone stairs into the cavernous venue. It’s dark, moody, and charmingly retro—a throwback to the post-war jazz boom.
What really struck us here wasn’t just the music but the swing dance scene. On the night we visited, couples jumped up and twirled on the dance floor to the sound of a full swing band. It was infectious— even if you don’t dance (we didn’t), it’s impossible not to tap your foot along. A magical impromptu performance.
Sunset-Sunside
Sunset-Sunside is a unique two-floor venue where traditional and acoustic takes centre stage upstairs and more contemporary fusion jazz flows in the room beneath. The laid back trad jazz room seemed like the sensible place to to start our evening. We soaked in the smooth sets in the cosy setting - small tables, low lighting, and the kind of setting that invites you to linger over a glass of wine or several.
Later, we moved downstairs to Sunset, where things took a more edgy, modern turn. We watched an experimental trio that blended jazz with electronic elements and loved it. The contrast between the two spaces made the night feel like two separate adventures, all in one spot.
New Morning
Walking into New Morning felt like we was entering a legendary space, and in many ways, we were. This club has hosted some of the biggest names in music, from Miles Davis to Chet Baker. It’s bigger than some of the other venues on this list, and it has more of a concert hall vibe. The room was filled with anticipation when we arrived, and as the band started playing, it became clear why this place has such a stellar reputation.
What sets New Morning apart is the diversity of its lineup. Having looked at their website they seem to host a huge range of artists from classic jazz quartets to funk fusion bands, and each performance brings its own energy. On our last visit, the night started with a smooth jazz set and evolved into something much more upbeat as the evening wore on, drawing in a crowd that was as eclectic as the music itself. It’s a spot where you can really feel the history of Paris’ jazz scene, but with a fresh, modern twist.
Another gem located on the famous Rue des Lombards, Le Baiser Salé is known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere and we were certainly not disappointed. This jazz bar blends jazz with Latin, funk, and soul influences, creating a lively, eclectic musical experience.
On our visit we were surrounded by young Parisians and it felt like a more casual, upbeat vibe compared to some of the other jazz clubs in the city. We were lucky enough to catch on of Le Baiser Salé jam sessions, where we let the armagnac flow and immersed ourselves in the music.
To sum up, Paris is a city where jazz feels alive in every corner, and each of these bars offers a different way to experience it. Whether you want to dance the night away, sit quietly and take in every note, or be part of an impromptu jam session, there’s a jazz bar in Paris that will feel just right for you.