Cabaret
The bohemian side of Paris is still alive and well thanks to its colourful cabaret scene – from the older venues with velvet booths and Champagne cocktails, to smaller, modern venues that combine magic, dancing, and alternative acts. Moulin Rouge
Easily spotted thanks to the huge illuminated windmill that turns outside, the Moulin Rouge is the ultimate Paris cabaret venue. The shows are ever changing, but you can be sure that they'll involve dozens of glamorous showgirls in feather outfits, and with the booze flowing and the music playing a night of old fashioned decadence will unfold.
82 Boulevard De Clichy, 75018 Paris. Au Lapin Agile
Au Lapin Agile is a Montemarte landmark that dates back to the heyday of 19th century bohemian Paris. Small and shabby, in the most chic possible way, you'll find wonky wooden tables, old oil paintings, and red lampshades which give this venue a cosy atmosphere. The cabaret is an eclectic selection of artists, from singers to accordion players, with audience members often becoming over enthusiastic and singing along.
22 Rue des Saules, 75018 Paris.
Cocktail bars
Paris has caught up with the other major cities of the world when it comes to sleek, modern cocktail bars. The grand hotels boast refined meccas of mixology, and you'll also find lounges and clubs dedicated to perfectly potent drinks. Sherry Butt
Sherry Butt provides plump leather sofas, wooden floors, and low lighting to create a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. The cocktail list is relatively short, but each blend has been crafted to perfection, and at weekends there are DJs and dancing.
20 Rue Beautreillis, 75004 Paris.
Nightclubs
Paris is full of ultra-chic clubs with some of Europe's top DJs visiting on a regular basis, although you'll find them a little more understated and relaxed than in many capital cities. Rex Club
A popular spot for techno, dance, and other Euro favourites. The Rex Club has been around since the early 1990s and always has a packed dancefloor at the weekends. Here you'll find an excellent army of DJs working their magic, making for one of the city’s liveliest, sweatiest nights out.
5 Boulevard Poissonnière, 75002 Paris.
Cinemas
Paris has inspired its share of filmmakers, and rather appropriately it has no shortage of charming, independent movie theatres retaining their original old Art Deco features and retro charm. Cinéma Étoile Pagode
Built in the late 19th century, the Cinéma Étoile Pagode stands out from its surroundings because of its Japanese pagoda style – it was actually shipped over piece by piece, and its bamboo-garlanded garden is the perfect place to relax and chat about the films shown in the regally lavish screening rooms.
57 Bis Rue de Babylone, 75007 Paris.
