Whether you’re a true fan or just looking for a good night out at a concert or performance in the city of light, you’re in luck: Paris is a fantastic city for music lovers. As a global metropolis, it is not only home to some of the best venues in the world for opera, jazz, musicals, rock, or world music – it is also a city that heavily subsidizes the arts. Throughout the year, Paris offers a variety of inexpensive and free events dedicated to the musical arts, especially during the summer months. Read on to learn how to make the most of “la musique” in the French capital.
For classical music, world music and much more: the Paris Philharmonic
Direction
221 Avenue Jean Jaurès , 75019 Paris , FranciaGet directions
Telephone
+33 1 44 84 44 84
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This recent addition to the Paris music scene has generated a lot of excitement, and for good reason. While it is a bit far from the city center, located at the northeast end of the 19th arrondissement in the Parc de la Villette complex, it is worth the trip. You should consider setting aside some time for a performance here if you are a music fanatic. The eclectic program offers everything from classical to baroque music, world music and rock, and visit the music museum and its fascinating temporary exhibits. The magnificent new building of the Paris Philharmonic by French architect Jean Nouvel, complete with a panoramic rooftop terrace, is another card for adventurers.
For classical operas: the Bastille opera
Direction
Place de la Bastille , 75012 Paris , FranceGet directions
Telephone
+33892 89 90 90
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Featuring world-class performances of operas so diverse in Puccini’s Madame Butterfly and Mozart’s The Magic Flute , the ultra-contemporary Bastille Opera is the place to be if you’re a fan of the operatic arts. Located in the square where the first great revolt of the French Revolution of 1789 took place, with the storming of a prison that once stood there, the elegant glass and concrete structure is a symbol of a decidedly modern Paris.
Read related: 10 strange and disturbing facts about Paris
This isn’t the least expensive form of musical entertainment, but if you book early, you can often find cheap seats that are still very decent.
For Ballet: The Opera Garnier
Direction
4 Rue de l’Isly , 75008 Paris , FranceGet directions
Telephone
+33 1 43 87 30 55
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The classic and elegant Palais Garnier is located on Place de L’Opera, in the Grands Boulevards / Paris department store district: an icon of early Parisian modernity. Once home to the Paris Opera (now at the Bastille; see more details above), the prestigious National Ballet of France now calls the Palais Garnier home. Come to a ballet performance and visit the sumptuous building, complete with ornate details such as a grand staircase down the hall. In particular, you should see the impressive ceiling fresco by the painter Marc Chagall in the main theater.
For jazz: best annual festivals in Paris
Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald are American jazz legends who passed through Paris and left their mark on the city – it’s no wonder Parisians are crazy about jazz. That legacy can be felt today in the city’s many fantastic jazz festivals. Mainly in spring and summer in Paris, they are all very affordable from a budget point of view and attract talent from all over the world. The performances range from the more “traditional” jazz to the experimental and eclectic, incorporating different genres and techniques. Read more.
Para Rock: Rock en Seine
Direction
92210 Saint-Cloud , FranceGet directions
If rock, indie music and hip-hop are your speed, be sure to be in town in the height of summer, when the annual Rock en Seine festival takes over the western suburb of St-Cloud. You can even pitch a tent and camp if you book in advance. Three days of performances by bands from all over the world make it especially coveted among young visitors and locals.
For traditional French cabarets: best places in Paris
Direction
82 Boulevard de Clichy , 75018 Paris , FranceGet directions
Telephone
+33 1 53 09 82 82
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For many people, no visit to Paris would be complete without enjoying the cheesy and slightly obscene fun of a traditional Parisian cabaret show. Whether you’re willing to shell out the money for an exorbitant entrance to the Moulin Rouge, or prefer to find a cabaret that’s a bit further away from it all, we’ve got it all here in our comprehensive guide.
Fan of French classical songs? Visit these 5 legendary places
If you are a new or veteran fan of the great French chansons like Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens or Serge Gainsbourg, be sure to check out this self-guided tour of the places in Paris most frequented by them, and other beloved artists.
For street music: the Fête de la Musique in June
If you’ve ever seen Julie Delpy’s hilarious movie 2 Days in Paris (we can’t recommend it highly enough), you may recall a scene where Delpy’s character and her curmudgeon boyfriend (masterfully played by Adam Goldberg) have a fight, then they roam. Separately through crowds watching musicians perform in various corners of the city. The film (with precision) refers to a beloved event that storms Paris every June 21: the annual Fête de la Musique. Hundreds of street performers occupy every corner of the city, and there are tons of indoor performances in venues throughout the capital. This is without a doubt one of our most recommended free annual events in Paris.
Annual summer festivals in Paris: more ideas
Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Read our guide to the best summer festivals in the city of light for more ideas on where to find fantastic musical performances during the summer months.
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