Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
18 years by Stephane Portet, is just a block away. The club offers two little stages (ground
flooranddownstairs):“leSunset”stagetendstowardcontemporaryworldjazz;“leSunside”
stagefeaturesmoretraditionalandacousticjazz(concertsrangefromfreeto€25,checktheir
website; generally at 20:00, 21:00, and 22:00; 60 Rue des Lombards, tel. 01 40 26 46 60,
Foralesspricey—andlesscentral—concertclub,try
Utopia.
Fromtheoutsideit'sahole
in the wall, but inside it's filled with devoted fans of rock and folk blues. Though Utopia is
officially a private club (and one that permits smoking), you can pay €3 to join for an even-
ing, then pay a reasonable charge for the concert (usually €10 or under, concerts start about
22:00). It's located in the Montparnasse area (79 Rue de l'Ouest, Mo: Pernety, tel. 01 43 22
79 66,
www.utopia-cafeconcert.fr
).
Old-Time Parisian Cabaret on Montmartre: Au Lapin Agile
This historic little cabaret tries its best to maintain the atmosphere of the heady days when
bohemians would gather here to enjoy wine, song, and sexy jokes. Today, you'll mix in with
a few locals and many tourists (the Japanese love the place) for a drink and as many as 10
different performers—mostly singers with a piano. Performers range from sweet and inno-
cent Amélie types to naughty Maurice Chevalier types. And though tourists are welcome,
there's no accommodation for English speakers (except on their website), so non-French-
speakerswillbelost.Yousitatcarvedwoodentablesinadimlylitroom,tastethetraditional
drink (a small brandy with cherries), and are immersed in an old-time Parisian ambience.
ThesoiréecoverstraditionalFrenchstandards,loveballads,seachanteys,andmore(€24,€7
drinks, Tue-Sun 21:00-2:00 in the morning, closed Mon, best to reserve ahead, 22 Rue des
Saules, tel. 01 46 06 85 87,
www.au-lapin-agile.com
)
.
Classical Concerts
For classical music on any night, consult
Pariscope
magazine (check “Concerts Classiques”
under “Musique” for listings), and look for posters at tourist-oriented churches.
From March through November, these churches regularly host concerts: St. Sulpice, St.
Germain-des-Prés, La Madeleine, St. Eustache, St. Julien-le-Pauvre, and Sainte-Chapelle.
Sainte-Chapelle:
EnjoythepleasureofhearingMozart,Bach,orVivaldi,surroundedby
800yearsofstainedglass(unheated—bringasweater).Theacousticalqualityissurprisingly
good. There are usually two concerts per evening, at 19:00 and 20:30; specify which one
you want when you buy or reserve your ticket. VIP tickets get you a seat in the first eight
rows (€40), Prestige tickets cover the next 15 rows (€30) and Normal tickets are the last five
rows (€16). Seats are unassigned within each section, so arrive at least 30 minutes early to
get through the security line and snare a good view.
