Guide to Paris

A historic fixture of Paris nightlife, Madame Arthur is a drag cabaret in Pigalle that opened in 1946. Serge Gainsbourg began his career here as a pianist in the 1950s! Today, the venue stages shows combining live singing, comedy, drag performances and playful reinterpretations of French and international songs.

In central Paris, 59 Rivoli is a former artists’ squat turned public creative space. Occupied by artists in 1999 and later purchased by the City of Paris, this Haussmann-style building now hosts around thirty resident artists. Across six floors, visitors can explore studios, paintings, sculptures and street art. Admission is free!

In central Paris, the Bourse de Commerce is a historic building transformed into a contemporary art museum for the Pinault Collection. Its impressive dome and architect Tadao Ando’s intervention bring old and new together. Works from the collection are shown through changing exhibitions rather than a fixed permanent display.

Located in Montmartre, a short walk from Sacré-Cœur, Patoche is a craft microbrewery that brews its own beers on site. There's a varied selection of draft beers in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Board games are also available, making it a fun place to spend an evening with friends.

Located in the Marais, Raidd Bar has been a fixture of Parisian gay nightlife since 2003 and now welcomes everyone. Its signature attraction is a glass shower where dancers known as the Shower Boys perform to music, revealing as much or as little as they choose. Expect a lively atmosphere somewhere between a bar and a club.

Located beside Canal Saint-Martin in Paris’s 10th arrondissement, La Cidrerie du Canal is a cosy little bar specialising in craft cider. It offers a wide selection, from dry to fruity varieties, including some surprising options. The bar also serves small sharing plates and has a terrace.

In the heart of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in Paris's 19th arrondissement, Rosa Bonheur is a landmark of the city's LGBTQ+ scene. Open since 2008, this inclusive guinguette is named after Rosa Bonheur, a 19th-century painter known for her independence and unconventional spirit. With colorful decor, mismatched furniture and a lively, informal feel, it's a distinctive place for drinks, pizzas, tapas and dancing.

Located in Paris's 11th arrondissement, near Canal Saint-Martin, Paname Art Café is a well-known stand-up comedy club. In its intimate venue, established comedians and emerging talents take turns trying out jokes in front of an audience. Several shows take place each evening, generally lasting around an hour. The venue also has a bar and restaurant.

Just outside Paris, the Saint-Ouen Flea Market is one of the world's largest antiques markets. Its history dates back to the late 19th century, when Parisian ragpickers came here to resell their finds. Today, it's a maze of markets and little shops filled with antique furniture, vintage clothing, vinyl records, collectibles and all sorts of curiosities.