Best Comedy Clubs and Shows for Nightlife in Paris
Paris isn’t just about wine and museums - it’s got a thriving comedy scene that’s wild, witty, and totally unpretentious.
You don’t need to speak French to laugh here. Some of the best comedy nights in Paris happen in tiny basements, converted bookstores, and even under the Eiffel Tower’s shadow. The city’s stand-up scene exploded after 2020, with new venues popping up every year. Local comics blend French sarcasm with global humor, and English-language shows are more common than ever - especially in tourist-heavy neighborhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre.
Forget the stuffy cabarets of the 1980s. Today’s Paris comedy is raw, fast, and full of surprises. You might get roasted by a 22-year-old from Lyon, then laugh until you cry at a British expat doing impressions of French bureaucracy. The crowd? Mixed. Tourists, locals, students, and expats all packed shoulder-to-shoulder, clapping, yelling, and sometimes even joining the act.
Le Comptoir Général - Where Comedy Meets Weird Paris
Le Comptoir Général isn’t a traditional club. It’s a jungle-themed lounge built inside a 19th-century warehouse, with hanging vines, vintage suitcases, and a bar that serves cocktails named after French poets. Every Thursday night, they host Comedy Night - an open mic mixed with invited acts from across Europe.
Don’t expect polished routines. This is where new comics test material. Last month, a Moroccan-French performer did a 12-minute bit about trying to explain “baguette etiquette” to her American in-laws. The crowd went silent, then erupted. The vibe? Relaxed. You can sip a gin fizz while laughing at someone’s failed attempt at French pronunciation.
Do this: Arrive before 9 PM. Seats fill fast. No tickets needed - just walk in. Drinks start at €8. The real magic? You never know who’s going to take the mic next.
Le Dernier Bar Avant La Fin Du Monde - The Underground Gem
Tucked behind a fake bookstore facade in the 10th arrondissement, this place looks like it’s been abandoned. But step inside, and you’re in a 40-seat basement lit by fairy lights and projector screens showing old French cartoons. The owner, a retired theater teacher from Marseille, books only comics who’ve been on French TV or toured with international acts.
On Fridays, they do Stand-Up en Français - all native speakers, all sharp. One regular, Mathieu L., has a bit about how Parisians pretend to hate tourists but secretly love when they tip in euros instead of dollars. He’s been selling out for two years.
Pro tip: Book ahead. They take reservations via Instagram DM only. No website. No phone. And yes, you’ll need to know how to find it - the entrance is marked by a single red light above a door that says “Entrée des Artistes.”
The Comedy Store Paris - English-Language Nights
If you’re not fluent in French, this is your home base. Located in the 11th, The Comedy Store Paris runs weekly English shows with comics from the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. They’ve hosted performers who’ve been on Conan, Live at Gotham, and even The Tonight Show.
Every Saturday, they do Comedy Club Night - three acts, 25 minutes each, hosted by a British expat who’s been doing this since 2018. Last December, a Canadian comic did a bit about French grocery stores: “You walk in, and there’s a whole aisle for cheese that costs more than your rent. And they don’t even have toilet paper in the stalls. But they have a 12-page menu for a single croissant.” The crowd screamed.
Tickets are €15 online, €20 at the door. They also run a monthly Open Mic Night for expats - perfect if you want to try your hand at stand-up. Bring your material. No stage fright here.
La Cigale - Big Names, Big Laughs
When you want to see a real star, head to La Cigale. This historic music hall on the Boulevard de Rochechouart has hosted Johnny Hallyday and Edith Piaf. Now, it’s also where French comedy legends like Gad Elmaleh and Jamel Debbouze sell out 1,500-seat shows.
They book international acts too. In October 2025, John Mulaney played two nights here. Tickets sold out in 47 minutes. The venue doesn’t do open mics - it’s strictly professional. But if you can get in, it’s worth every euro.
Check their schedule monthly. Shows start at 9 PM. Arrive early - the line snakes around the block. Dress well. It’s not a club. It’s theater.
La Machine du Moulin Rouge - Comedy with a Twist
Yes, the Moulin Rouge is famous for can-can dancers. But behind the glitter and feathers, they run a secret comedy show called La Machine. It’s a 70-minute mix of stand-up, sketch, and absurd theater - all set inside a recreated 1920s Parisian cabaret.
Comics here don’t just tell jokes. They act them out. One routine involved a man pretending to be a French postman delivering a letter to the Pope - in full uniform, with a fake mustache and a parrot that squawks “Non!” every time he says “merci.”
It’s not pure stand-up. But if you want comedy with spectacle, this is your pick. Shows run Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets start at €45. Book at least two weeks ahead. It’s the only place in Paris where you can laugh, then immediately be dazzled by a feather boa.
How to Pick the Right Night
Not all comedy nights are the same. Here’s how to choose:
- Want to laugh hard in English? Go to The Comedy Store Paris on Saturdays.
- Love weird, experimental stuff? Le Comptoir Général on Thursdays.
- Want to hear French comics kill it? Le Dernier Bar Avant La Fin Du Monde on Fridays.
- Seeing a celebrity? Check La Cigale’s schedule - big names pop up unexpectedly.
- Want the full Parisian experience? La Machine du Moulin Rouge - it’s theater, comedy, and nightlife rolled into one.
Most clubs start at 9 PM. Arrive 30 minutes early. Parisians don’t rush. Neither should you.
What to Know Before You Go
- No tipping - it’s not expected. But if you love a set, buy a drink or two. That’s the real thank-you.
- Phones off - no recording. Many comics test new material. If you film, you’ll get asked to leave.
- Speak up if you’re lost - Parisians are polite but not always helpful. Ask the bartender. They know the scene.
- Don’t be shy - if you laugh, laugh loud. Silence kills a set. Parisians respect energy.
- Weather? No problem. Most clubs are indoors. But if you’re heading to an outdoor pop-up (they happen in summer), bring a light jacket. Nights in Paris get chilly.
Where to Find the Latest Lineups
There’s no official calendar. But here’s where to look:
- Facebook Events - search “Comédie Paris” - most clubs post here first.
- Instagram - follow @comedyparis, @lecomptoirculture, @thecomedystoreparis
- Le Petit Futé - the local guidebook. Their nightlife section updates weekly.
- Ask your hotel concierge - they often have flyers for the week’s shows.
Don’t rely on Google. Most small clubs don’t have websites. You’ve got to dig a little.
Final Tip: Try a Comedy Tour
For first-timers, there’s a new option: Paris Comedy Walk. It’s a 3-hour guided tour that takes you to three different clubs in one night. You get a local guide, discounted tickets, and a free drink at each stop. It costs €55 and runs every Friday. You’ll leave with five new jokes, a map of the best spots, and maybe a new friend.
It’s not the cheapest way to see comedy. But it’s the easiest way to find the real Paris - the one that laughs louder than it complains.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy comedy in Paris?
No. While many shows are in French, there are plenty of English-language nights - especially at The Comedy Store Paris, Le Comptoir Général, and pop-up events in Le Marais. Some comics even mix both languages. If you don’t understand every word, you’ll still catch the tone, timing, and physical humor. Laughter is universal - even in Paris.
Are comedy clubs in Paris expensive?
It depends. Small clubs like Le Dernier Bar Avant La Fin Du Monde charge €10-15. Big venues like La Cigale or Moulin Rouge can be €40-80. But many open mics and Thursday nights are free or pay-what-you-can. Drinks are usually €8-12. You can have a full night out for under €30 if you pick wisely.
Can I bring my kids to a comedy show in Paris?
Most clubs are 18+. Some venues, like Le Comptoir Général, allow 16+ with adult supervision, but the material is often adult-themed - think sex, politics, and alcohol. If you want family-friendly comedy, check out La Cité des Enfants in the 19th arrondissement - they host occasional kid-safe improv nights on Sundays.
What’s the best night to go for first-timers?
Saturday at The Comedy Store Paris. The crowd is friendly, the comics are English-speaking, and the vibe is welcoming. You’ll get a full 90 minutes of polished material without needing to understand French. Plus, the staff will help you find your seat and recommend drinks.
Is it safe to go to comedy clubs alone in Paris?
Yes. Comedy clubs are among the safest nightlife spots in Paris. They’re well-lit, staffed, and full of people who are there to laugh, not to hassle. Many solo travelers go alone - it’s actually a great way to meet people. Just stick to well-known venues and avoid sketchy side streets after midnight.
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