It may be a while since iconic French singer Edith Piaf filled this venue with her shivering voice, but the La Java club experience offers a throwback to this period in French music history, along with a contemporary mix of sounds. international A nightclub and concert venue, La Java’s full program of events includes emerging international artists and comedians. In addition to “La Piaf,” other world-famous artists who have graced the room with their presence include jazz musician Django Reinhardt.
Located on the bustling rue du Faubourg du Temple in Belleville, La Java is as simple as it is diverse. It’s not glamorous though, so lose your Parisian pout and dress up to dance to unfamiliar but surprisingly catchy sounds from around the world. It’s not for those who like to hit the hay early either – open after dinner and gaining momentum as the night deepens, this is a place adored by night owls looking for something on the vintage side.
The Lowdown: our pros and cons
Pros:
- Uninhibited and fun crowd
- Original music mix
- Cheap cover and friendly staff
Cons:
- Plastic cups
- Strange cocktails
- Gloomy decor
Practical information and how to get there:
- Address: 105 rue du Faubourg du Temple, 11th arrondissement
- Tel.: +33 (0) 1 42022052
- Visit the website
- Metro: Belleville or Goncourt
- Hours: 9:00 pm – 6:00 am
- Coverage charge: varies, but generally ranges between 6 and 10 euros
- Drinks: there is a full bar
- Dress code: anything goes
- Crowd: bohemian / quirky / punk
- Music: eclectic; International
First impressions
The decor here is far from luxurious (the bunker quality filled me with a wave of nostalgia for my student days) and the crowd was sparse when we arrived at midnight. A full drink menu is offered, including cocktails served in plastic cups. Unfortunately, in this case, the plastic was an indication of quality. I followed a mediocre mojito with a caipirihnia, which tasted suspiciously like detergent. Fortunately, bottled beers are available as well, and I highly recommend sticking with them if you want to retain some feeling in your stomach.
The dance floor
La Java is one of those rare dance clubs in Paris where a DJ can mix ska, punk and classical ballads, without having to empty the dance floor. The crowd in La Java seems content to dance to whatever the DJ is saying, and the characteristic conscious confusion of “hip” nightclubs is absent here.
The club nights here are themed, there were North African and Greek nights the weeks before, and we stumbled upon a totally French night, much to the approval of my English and Australian colleagues, flying through the weekend and eager for a semi-authentic experience. All the tracks from start to finish were in French , as if the Académie Francaise (a group of academics who protect the supposed integrity of the French language) had offered an incentive, and the DJ mixed ska, reggae and rock with ease and success. .
It was a surprise to learn that ska music is alive and well in Paris, and received the most enthusiastic reaction on the dance floor. A Piaf track or two were even released when the dancing got a bit intense.
The crowd
Dancers arrive early, but those in search of a late night drink won’t surface until 2 a.m., the likes of trendy Café Chéri / e de Belleville or L’Ile enchantée. Punks, goths, and rockers blend effortlessly and are an interesting mix for viewers. Our companions for the evening included Norwegian philosophers, paving the way for a true Parisian-style existentialist debate. As always in Paris, women should be on guard, and they should be warned that the unisex bathroom offers no escape for unwanted admirers, but La Java has more to do with harmless flirting than annoying persistence.
Some last thoughts
La Java is also a salsa place, although less famous than, for example, La Balajo in Bastille (which, by the way, was another great refuge for Piaf). If you are thinking of spending a night in La Java, it is advisable to call by phone or check the website to confirm the theme of the music, and in case of possible live acts (we missed two rock bands before midnight).
While La Java undoubtedly has a rough edge or two, if you overlook them you will enjoy an original disco experience, one that made me nostalgic for a Piaf-era Paris, and relieved that there is a music scene beyond English. -speaking world.
