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10Best Techno Clubs in Paris
Originally published by Alex in February 2023 and updated by Vanessa in April 2023 and updated by Beatrice J in February 2024
Paris, the city of lights, the city of love… but also the city that never sleeps! Paris has one of the greatest music atmospheres of the world, as there are tons of DJs, venues, and people who come to participate in the underground scene. You may know that techno is a big deal here, but do you know where to find it?
This article covers the five best techno venues in Paris, though the music is present in many places around the city. The nightlife in Paris is growing, and there are options to fit everyone’s interests. If you are into techno and the underground world, this article is going to tell you exactly where you need to go to find this kind of music and enjoy a night out in Paris.
Read also; 5 Most Luxurious Paris Nightclubs
1. Raspoutine
If you like to listen to techno in elegant settings, Raspoutine is the place to go. Located in the 8th arrondissement near the Champs Elysées, this sophisticated club is marked by the color red and hosts many high-class Parisians.
Photo credits to RASPOUTINE Paris on Facebook
During Fashion Week, you’ll either need to look like a model or have a personal connection to be let in the door without reserving a table. The bouncers here are exclusive even during normal hours. Some people have trouble getting in and feel like the discriminatory bouncers are a disappointment.
Photo credits to RASPOUTINE Paris on Facebook
Upon entering the club, you will be captivated by the striking red that covers the room and the pulsing music that plays loud enough to vibrate the walls around you. The interior is covered in red decor with gold accents from floor to ceiling.
Photo credits to RASPOUTINE Paris on Facebook
You may even go home to find out that a cute photo was taken of you and posted to the Raspoutine Facebook page by the professional photographers inside. Many people praise the deep house music that is played here, so if that’s your style, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Photo credits to RASPOUTINE Paris on Facebook
Raspoutine could be the best techno club in Paris. It is known for excellent music and ambiance. At this club, there is no minimum spending price for a table, and the bottle prices are not outrageous. This is the place to go if you are looking to relax and dance with cool Parisians.
Following the success of this iconic club, the brand has grown into a global sensation, with additional sites opening in the most exclusive cities and global hotspots. Raspoutine is now a Nightclub in Paris and Los Angeles, as well as a Festive Restaurant with a Nightclub in Miami and Dubai.
Practical information
address: 58 Rue de Bassano, 75008
Open: Thursday – Saturday: 11:30 am – 5 am
website: RASPOUTINE
Entry fee: $80
2. Rex Club
Rex Club has an interesting setup, because it’s actually part of an amazing movie theater, but the club is underground. The venue gives an intimate vibe with its low ceiling and long, thin room.
Photo credits to @vercruyssenfrank on Instagram
Most people say that their experience here was a positive one, but they recommend that you go when there is a nice event scheduled for that night. Those who don’t like this spot complain about the 15 euro entrance fee and say that the staff can be rude and that the music quality is subpar.
Photo credits to @markandostin on Instagram
When you walk down the stairs after getting in the door, you’ll find yourself looking down the room at the stage on the other end and then at the bar to your right. The space is a dark environment and has tables lining the sides of the room, where some people are hanging out. The club provides lots of alternatives for clubbers, with a fully lit stage, walls lined with booths and chairs, and a dance floor that goes all the way to the bar.
Photo credits to @ju_fge on Instagram
If you want to get closer to the performance scene, you can walk to the front and step up onto the dance floor, where you can get an intimate look at the stage and the DJ. Rex is a cool place to go if you want to experience a dark but intriguing atmosphere that draws you to the front to enjoy the music.
The club is open from Wednesdays through Saturdays, and unlike other clubs, the Rex Club has a refreshingly open-door policy. This is one of the few clubs in Paris that stays open until the early hours of the morning (7 am, in fact), so if you like to end your night by waving hello to the sunrise, Rex Club is the place to be.
Read also; The Must-See DJs in Paris
practical information
address: 5 BOULEVARD POISSONNIÈRE, 75002
OPEN: THURSDAY – SATURDAY: 11:30 PM TO 7 AM
website: REXCLUB
entry fee: $33
3. Nuits Fauves
Techno clubs have a wide range of intensity, from soft house to deep underground vibes. Nuits Fauves is a 700 m2 raw set on the Quai de la Cité conceived as a midnight playground with a neo-punk aesthetic influenced by the 1990s. It is subversive, underground, dark, and wild. Nuits Fauves leans on the underground side, so this place is for people who are really into dance music and less interested in the venue.
Photo credits to @ili_moira on Instagram
This venue is basically a long concrete box with a bar at one end and a stage at the other. The people who are attracted to this spot are usually experienced techno clubbers. It’s a good place to go if you really want to focus on the music, since the decor is pretty minimalistic.
La Rafinerie curates the musical program, which includes electro vibrations and minimal alchemy, as well as reference collectives yard on Tuesdays, Hai-ku on Wednesdays, and Techno le Thursday on Thursdays.
Photo credits to @f.balit on Instagram
This club features loud music and an industrial atmosphere. When in the midst of this crowd, you will feel fully submerged in the underground music world. Unfortunately, there have been several reports of pickpocketing incidents here, so it is important to be aware of your belongings here as in any other nightclub.
Read also; How to Have a Romantic Parisian Picnic
Photo credits to @astridsmeers on Instagram
There are usually a lot of people packed in a large space during an event, and if you get through the bulk of the people, you can climb into a metal cage and dance to the music from above the crowd.
Photo credits to @siminagrigoriumusic on Instagram
Overall, Nuits Fauves is the perfect place to go if you enjoy the underground world or if you want to see what it’s like. The venue is situated on the Seine, adjacent to the next club on our list, Wanderlust.
Read also; Best Nightclubs in Paris
practical information
address: 34 QUAI D’AUSTERLITZ, 75013
OPEN: WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY FROM 11:30 PM TO 7 AM
4. Wanderlust
This outdoor spot also sits by the Seine in the 13th arrondissement. With lights above your head in the large, open-air space in front of the stage, you might feel like you’re at a beach club. But Wanderlust is actually in Paris, playing hip-hop and house DJ music.
Photo credits to @wanderlustparis on Instagram
If you like the idea of having a touch of rap music mixed in with your techno outing, this is an ideal spot. The club plays electronic music but also includes some more international influences, with tunes from places like Brazil, the Caribbean, Africa and South America.
Photo credits to @wanderlustparis on Instagram
Wanderlust is an immense terrace bar and club perched atop the Cit de la Mode et du Design. It’s worth visiting the Quai d’Austerlitz complex, which includes a fashion museum, chic cafes, and stores downstairs, and this restaurant-bar-terrace club on the top floor. It has both an outdoor terrace and a stage inside a big green tube. If you show up before midnight, you can skip the entrance fee to watch the sunset and start ordering drinks and snacks from the booths.
Photo credits to @wanderlustparis on Instagram
Wanderlust is run by the same people who run Silencio, the David Lynch-inspired club, and Social Club, both of which are popular venues in their own right. The dance club portion of the programming is only available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. The terrace overlooking the Seine is a spectacular 1600M2, the size of a small factory, as the building was built exactly along the Seine. Music genres include electro, new disco, and house.
Another cool thing about this spot is that aside from being a nightclub, it’s also a space for daytime events like yoga classes. If you’re interested in more than just nightlife, make sure to check the Wanderlust Paris Facebook page for upcoming events.
Read also; Ultimate List: Here are the 100 Best Things to Do in Paris
practical information
address: 32 QUAI D’AUSTERLITZ 75013
OPEN: THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY FROM 6 PM TO 6 AM, OPENING AT 4 PM ON SUNDAY AND CLOSING A BIT EARLIER FROM SUNDAY TO WEDNESDAY
website: WANDERLUST
entry fee: free
5. La Machine du Moulin Rouge
I’m sure you’ve heard of the Moulin Rouge, Paris’ most famous cabaret since 1889. But did you know that today it doubles as a nightclub? Just next door to where the cancan dance was invented, there is now a popular spot for techno music.
Photo credits to @lamachineparis on Instagram
Unlike the traditional Moulin Rouge cabaret, this nightclub is a four-story building that hosts contemporary DJs and a lively audience. Each floor has a different interior, ranging from club spaces to a terrace bar and a rooftop space. The main room is the largest, called Le Central, and features popular DJs in concert.
Photo credits to @lamachineparis on Instagram
The Chaufferie is located in the former boiler room and is another space for partying with friends. There is also a champagne bar where you can enjoy drinks throughout the night.
Photo credits to @lamachineparis on Instagram
The venue plays mostly house music (dance and techno), as well as some popular hits. Entry usually costs 15 to 20 euros. Be sure to dress nicely enough to impress the bouncers and expect to pay 10 to 15 euros for a cocktail.
Read also; The Best Nightclubs in le Marais, Paris
Photo credits to @lamachineparis on Instagram
practical information
address: 90 BOULEVARD DE CLICHY, 75018
OPEN: FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS FROM 12 AM TO 6 AM
Website: La Machine du Moulin Rouge
entry fee: $22
La Machine du Moulin Rouge was created in January 2010 when the famous cabaret bought the space next door to them. It is a great space for dancing and after-work drinks. Another unique characteristic of this concert hall is that it also hosts formal balls, for those who enjoy dressing up and celebrating in style.
Read also; 20 Best Trendy Districts for Nightlife in Paris
6. Batofar
Photo credits to Zoë Alexandra on Wikimedia Commons
Batofar is emblematic not just for its unusual architecture, but also for its location in the Parisian musical and cultural landscape. This lighthouse boat (in French, bateau-phare) provides an unusual setting on the Seine’s bank in the 13th arrondissement.
Batofar is recognized for its edgy, experimental music policies and live performances, which are mostly electro-oriented but also include hip-hop, new wave, rock, punk, and jazz. They include both local and foreign DJs, and they play hip-hop, rock, techno, and world music all night long from Wednesday through Saturday.
Batofar also features an open terrace that is covered and heated during the winter, and it has an amazing view of the Seine River. During the day, Batofar serves as a communal gathering, a restaurant, a café, and a summertime “beach” hangout.
practical information
address: 11 Quai François Mauriac, 75013 Paris, France
OPEN: sun-tue; 6 pm-12 am/wed-thur and sat; 6 pm-12 am
entry fee: free
7. Nouveau Casino
Alexandre Lung, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Nouveau Casino is a nightclub and concert venue specializing in underground music. Located at 109 rue Oberkampf, this is a famous spot for Parisian night outs. Nouveau Casino plays a variety of music types, including hip-hop, techno, and house, to mention a few. You can come here to see your favorite bands or to uncover tomorrow’s musical talents.
On weekends, the music hall transforms into a club featuring a lineup of electronic artists. This bar frequently has gay-friendly parties, and the mood is always pleasant. There are no rigid rules for dress codes just look casual.
practical information
address: 109 Rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris, France
OPEN: tue-thur; 6 pm-2 am/fri-sat; 11:59 pm-6 am
website: NOUVEAU CASINO
entry fee: €3
8. Carbone Club
Photo by Wendy Wei from Pexels
Carbone is located in Paris’ 10th Arrondissement, between Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est. This club intends to combine brutalist architecture with vividly colored light effects. It’s a space that has a monolithic horizontal neon orange DJ booth accompanied by a high-quality L-Acoustics sound system.
Carbone Club’s music DNA is EDM-infused, with techno, trance, and house sounds coursing through its veins. It retains things traditional while adding a strange touch to the recipe, with a somewhat intimate and underground setting that allows electronic fanatics to engage with the music giants behind the decks.
practical information
address: 14 Rue Philippe de Girard, 75010 Paris, France
OPEN: fri-sat;12-6 am
Phone: +33 7 56 81 51 56
entry fee: €3
9. Djoon
Coup d’Oreille, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Djoon is named after a Persian word that translates to “soul,” and has been tirelessly defending soulful music in its broadest sense for over a decade, bringing in emerging talents as well as timeless legends for the delight of its eclectic and forward-thinking crowd.
This place has been a first step in Paris for numerous artists, bringing them to Europe for the first time, including Lil’ Louis, Kerri Chandler, Black Coffee, Levon Vincent, The Martinez Brothers, and many more.
Read also; 15 Best Free Walking Tours to Take in Paris
practical information
address: 22 Bd Vincent Auriol, 75013 Paris, France
OPEN: fri-sat; 11:30 pm-5:30 am
Website: DJOON
entry fee: 15€
10. L’Arc
Photo by Edoardo Tommasini from Pexels
L’Arc provides really VIP treatment in a highly elite club. This isn’t a location that will let just anyone in, so when you’re invited inside, you’ll know you’re one of the exclusive few worthy of this unique venue at the Arch.
By day, L’Arc is also a restaurant, so you can expect some extremely high-quality Parisian cuisine as well as some top-name wines. Always ask your server what they recommend for the greatest option on the day.
The decor is a cross between a regular nightclub and a fantastical fairy kingdom. Although an unmissable night out, L’Arc does not have a dance floor instead there is room near each table for you to dance in the privacy and comfort of your own group.
practical information
address: 12 Rue de Presbourg, 75116 Paris, France
OPEN: Thur-sat; 11:55 pm-6 am
Website: L’ARC
entry fee: € 25
15 Things to Know about the History of Techno Music in Paris
1.Originated in Detroit
Techno music’s emergence in the early 1980s in Detroit was deeply rooted in the city’s economic struggles. Detroit, grappling with industrial decline, became a fertile ground for innovation. Pioneering artists like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson crafted a genre that went beyond the traditional confines of music.
Techno, with its futuristic and experimental sound, served as both a sonic escape and a response to the challenges faced by the city. The innovative use of synthesizers and electronic beats marked techno as a cultural phenomenon, one that not only echoed the resilience of Detroit but also resonated globally.
2.Techno music arrived in Paris in the Late 1980s
In the late 1980s, techno’s arrival in Paris marked a transformative moment in the city’s musical landscape. The Detroit sound quickly found a receptive audience, triggering a cultural shift. More than just a musical genre, techno became a cultural movement that transcended traditional boundaries.
Paris embraced techno not only for its beats but also for its ethos, setting the stage for the city to become a prominent player in the international techno scene. This introduction was a catalyst for the evolution of Parisian electronic music culture.
3.Le Palace Club shaped the history of Techno Music
Le Palace Club, a legendary Parisian nightclub, played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of techno in Paris. Beyond being a venue, it became a crucible for experimentation and expression. The club’s groundbreaking techno events provided a platform for artists and enthusiasts alike, fostering a sense of community.
Le Palace Club’s influence extended beyond the realm of music, permeating into fashion, art, and the broader cultural landscape of Paris. It became a symbol of the city’s embrace of avant-garde and innovative cultural movements.
4.French Techno Pioneers in the 1980s
The late 1980s and early 1990s witnessed the rise of French techno pioneers, notably Laurent Garnier and Emmanuel Top. These artists played a pivotal role in shaping and popularizing techno in Paris. Garnier, in particular, became a central figure synonymous with the French techno scene, contributing to its diversity and innovation.
Their groundbreaking work not only defined the sound of Parisian techno but also established the city as a global hub for techno creativity and experimentation.
5.The rise of Techno Festivals
The rise of techno festivals in Paris was a direct response to the genre’s burgeoning popularity. Events like Weather Festival and Nuits Sonores emerged as immersive platforms for techno artists, attracting a diverse audience.
These festivals not only contributed to the mainstream acceptance of techno in Paris but also showcased the city’s ability to host world-class electronic music events. They became integral to the city’s identity as a thriving center for techno culture.
6.The Underground Scene helped grow Techno Music
Paris’s underground techno scene became a vital incubator for creativity and experimentation. Intimate venues and clandestine parties provided a fertile ground for the organic growth of the techno community.
This underground ethos not only contributed to the genre’s authenticity but also fostered a spirit of rebellion, distinguishing Parisian techno from other electronic music scenes worldwide. The underground became a crucial element in the evolution of the city’s techno culture.
7.It later Influenced French House Music
Techno’s profound influence on French house music is evident in the work of iconic artists like Daft Punk and Justice. Parisian techno’s rhythmic innovations and electronic influences seamlessly integrated into the distinct sound of French house.
This cross-pollination between techno and house not only solidified Paris’s reputation as an influential force in the broader electronic music landscape but also contributed to the global success of French electronic music.
8.It influenced the French Cultural Landscape
Techno in Paris transcended its role as a mere musical genre; it became an integral part of the city’s cultural landscape. Emerging as a symbol of modernity, techno reflected the dynamic and diverse cultural identity of Paris.
Its influence extended beyond music into fashion, art, and youth culture, shaping the city’s cultural narrative. Techno became more than just a genre; it evolved into a cultural phenomenon that resonated across various facets of Parisian life, leaving an indelible mark on French society.
9.There were several Legal Challenges and Crackdowns
The growth of techno culture in Paris faced significant hurdles in the form of legal challenges and crackdowns. Authorities, grappling with the rapid rise of rave culture and outdoor events, implemented measures to regulate and control these gatherings.
The clash between techno enthusiasts and law enforcement created a complex relationship, shaping the way techno events were organized and perceived in the city. Legal challenges became a defining factor in the evolution of the techno scene, forcing organizers and participants to navigate a landscape that continuously oscillated between acceptance and resistance.
10.Evolution of Techno Subgenres
Over the years, Paris became a fertile ground for the evolution of various techno subgenres. The city’s diverse and dynamic music scene contributed to the emergence of subgenres such as industrial techno, acid techno, and minimal techno.
Each subgenre brought its unique sonic elements and cultural influences, adding layers of complexity to the techno landscape. The evolution of these subgenres showcased the adaptability and innovation within the Parisian techno community, reflecting the city’s role as a breeding ground for diverse electronic music expressions.
11.Techno Record Labels were established in Paris
The establishment of techno record labels in Paris played a pivotal role in promoting local talent and solidifying the city’s status as a global techno hub. Labels like F Communications became instrumental in showcasing the work of Parisian techno artists, providing a platform for their productions to reach a wider audience.
These labels not only contributed to the commercial success of techno in Paris but also fostered a sense of community among artists and enthusiasts, creating a network that fueled the city’s electronic music scene.
12.International Collaboration withother artists
Parisian techno artists engaged in significant international collaboration, fostering a cross-cultural exchange of ideas and influences. Collaborations between local and international artists became common, contributing to the globalization of the techno movement.
This international connectivity not only enriched the sonic tapestry of Parisian techno but also positioned the city as a node in the global network of electronic music collaboration, solidifying its influence on the international stage.
13.Techno music reached in Contemporary Paris
Techno’s presence in contemporary Paris remains vibrant and diverse. A new generation of artists and promoters continues to contribute to the evolution of the city’s electronic music scene. Contemporary techno events in Paris integrate a wide range of influences, from avant-garde artistic expressions to cutting-edge technologies.
The scene has evolved to reflect the ever-changing cultural landscape of the city, demonstrating a dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation within the techno community.
14.Techno and Technological Innovation
The relationship between techno and technological innovation in Paris is evident in the integration of cutting-edge audiovisual technologies into events. Techno parties and festivals incorporate immersive light shows, interactive installations, and advanced sound systems, creating multisensory experiences for attendees.
This fusion of music and technology not only enhances the overall impact of techno events but also positions Paris at the forefront of technological innovation within the global electronic music scene.
15.Global Impact of Parisian Techno
Parisian techno has left an enduring imprint on the global electronic music landscape. The city’s artists, events, and cultural contributions have influenced the trajectory of techno worldwide. Paris’s techno sound, marked by its unique blend of creativity and innovation, has resonated across continents.
The city’s impact is not only reflected in the success of its artists on the international stage but also in the way Paris continues to shape the narrative of global techno culture. As a trendsetter and a constant source of inspiration, Parisian techno remains a force that transcends geographical boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the history and future of electronic music.
No matter which of these venues you visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time. And if you’re really into techno, you should try to visit all five. Why not? When in Paris, it’s a good idea to see as much as you can.
Read also: Find out more about Paris walking tours – a good way to discover Paris.
Each of these nightclubs plays techno, but some of them also include their own twist with other genres like rap and hip hop. Hopefully, this article has exposed you to the opportunity for some of the most fun nights in Paris.
Again, Paris is a really exquisite place for techno. There are many nightclubs that play it and many people come to hear it. If you’re in Paris and you’re into techno, you’re in luck.
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