Best Piano Bars in Paris

Best Piano Bars in Paris

Paris tends to bring out the sophisticated, hopeless romantic in all of us. If you’re usually one to frequenting dive bars, don’t be surprised if you find yourself with the urge to explore more classic spaces while visiting the city of lights.

The jazz clubs, speakeasies and piano bars bring a whole new angle to this city’s nightlife. They are escapism at its finest. Here are a few of the latter that I absolutely love.

Le Sherwood in Paris

The 1st arrondissement has a reputation to uphold for the simple reason that this is usually the first neighborhood people engage with when arriving in Paris. It’s the heart of the city; the very center from which all other arrondissements can be easily accessed.

There is a lot to see and do in this neighborhood, both by day and by night. After spending some time in the Louvre or exploring les Halles, most people will seek out a nightcap at one of the jazz or piano bars in the area.

Le Sherwood in Paris – by Le Sherwood – Uploaded by them

Le Sherwood is close to the Louvre. It’s a beautiful piano bar built into a cave-style tunnel that is lined with tables and booths. At the far end of this dimly lit cove there is a piano and a performer on decks at all times.

Not the cheapest drinks you’ll have in Paris, but worth it in exchange for the experience of this space.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday — 7pm to 5am

ADDRESS: 3 Rue Daunou, 75002 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Opéra

Le Relais de la Huchette in Paris

If you’re in the market for something a little more low key, le Relais de la Huchette is a famous alternative.

Situated right on the edge of the Left Bank, just across from the Notre Dame, this piano bar takes things back to prohibition days where people were just grateful for somewhere to let their hair down from time to time.

Le Relais de la Huchette in Paris – by Le Relais de la Huchette – Uploaded by them

The focus is very much on the music; there is always a live band, musician or singer keeping the entire crowd on their toes from early evening through until the early hours of the morning.

Le relais de la Huchette opens at 3pm every afternoon, and while performances only start around sundown, this is still a really nice place to enjoy afternoon drinks along the Seine. Unfortunately this bar has no food options at this time, not even finger foods. Eat before you come!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 3pm to 2am

ADDRESS: 14 Rue de la Huchette, 75005 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

Le Speakeasy in Paris

Piano bar lovers will inevitably find their way into le Speakeasy at one point or another. This is one of the most renowned establishments in the 8th arrondissement, and it markets itself as a piano bar, restaurant and club.

You either love it or you hate it. It’s a high energy, high action space where every night feels like a New Year’s Eve celebration.

Le Speakeasy in Paris – by Le Speakeasy – Uploaded by them

Because there is an elaborate dinner service, guests are encouraged to book in advance and take advantage of the dining experience. The band and piano performers will entertain you throughout the evening, and after dinner the space becomes a festive bar with a speakeasy vibe.

This piano bar is within walking distance of the Champs-Élysées. If you’re around over the festive season be sure to check out the light displays on this famous strip.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday — 10:30am to 4am

ADDRESS: 25 Rue Jean Giraudoux, 75016 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Kléber

Duke’s Bar in Paris

The only thing better than a piano bar is a 1920s themed piano bar. Duke’s Bar is situated inside of the Hotel Westmister in the 1st arrondissement, close to the first piano bar we explored in this roundup.

This is an incredibly well curated space, where attention to detail has been given to everything from the bar finishes to the toilet roll holders in the bathroom. Marie Antoinette would have been thrilled.

Duke’s Bar in Paris – by Duke’s Bar – Uploaded by them

In spite of its opulence, Duke’s Bar prides itself on being a space of cozy/casual demeanor. They open at 6pm nightly for their dinner service, and you come here to dine with the sweet sounds of the piano in the background.

One can enjoy a few drinks before moving on to the next spot, Duke’s Bar closes at 10:30pm and makes for an early evening. There is also no live music during their lunch service, take note!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 2:30pm // 6pm to 10:30pm

ADDRESS: 13 Rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Opéra

O Vieilles Kanailles in Paris

Piano bar aside, O Vieilles Kanailles is one of the best venues in Paris, in my opinion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, or are in need of a wedding venue, this spot on the edge of the Seine is not to be overlooked.

O Vieilles Kanailles is just next to Bercy Village, on the Southeastern corner of Paris. Bercy Village is a renovated strip off bars, retail stores and restaurants; you’ll use the same metro stop for both the village and this piano bar.

O Vieilles Kanailles in Paris – by O Vieilles Kanailles – Uploaded by them

Built like a floating barge, O Vieilles Kanailles boasts an impressive grand piano right in the center of the floor, with many tables and booths arranged around it. Entertainment starts just before sundown. A beautiful spot for drinks and dinner before you move into the rest of what Bercy’s nightlife has to offer.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday — 10am to 7pm

ADDRESS: 12 Port de la Rapée, 75012 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Bercy

When in Paris, explore piano bars by night and free guided walking tours by day. These torus go through all of the major arrondissements in the city, giving you a historic perspective of the streets and architecture. Book soon!