Best Karaoke Bars in Paris for Nightlife
Paris isn’t just about wine and baguettes-its nightlife has a loud, joyful side too
If you’ve ever walked past a dimly lit bar in Montmartre or the Marais and heard someone belting out La Vie en Rose off-key while the whole room claps along, you’ve stumbled into Paris’s real karaoke scene. Forget the quiet jazz clubs and upscale wine bars for a night. This is where strangers become friends, tourists turn into performers, and the Eiffel Tower fades into the background because someone just nailed a Whitney Houston ballad.
Le Petit Bain: Where the Seine Meets Singing
Located on the left bank near the Bir-Hakeim bridge, Le Petit Bain is a converted barge that doubles as a music venue and karaoke hotspot. It’s not your typical bar-think exposed steel beams, wooden decks, and a sound system that actually works. The karaoke nights here happen every Thursday and Saturday, starting at 9 PM. You don’t need to sign up in advance. Just grab a beer, wait for your turn, and when your song pops up on the screen, you’re on. The crowd here is young, international, and totally unpretentious. Last month, a group of Japanese tourists sang Bohemian Rhapsody from start to finish without missing a beat. The whole place went silent, then erupted.
La Guinguette du Pont de Suresnes: Karaoke With a View
Just a 15-minute metro ride west of central Paris, this open-air spot feels like a secret. It’s a traditional French guinguette-think string lights, picnic tables, and a riverbank setting along the Seine. On Friday and Saturday nights, they turn up the volume and open the karaoke machine. The playlist is wild: French chansons, 80s pop, K-pop, and even Bollywood hits. Locals bring their own snacks. Tourists bring their courage. The view of the sunset over the water makes even the worst singers feel like stars. It’s not fancy, but it’s unforgettable. You’ll leave with sore lungs and a full heart.
Le Chagrin et la Joie: The Hidden Gem in the 11th
Tucked into a quiet alley in the 11th arrondissement, this place looks like a regular wine bar from the outside. But step inside after 8 PM, and you’ll find a velvet-curtained stage, a retro microphone, and a crowd that’s been waiting for you. The owner, a former opera singer from Lyon, curates the song list by hand. No digital screens here-just a binder with handwritten lyrics and a real DJ spinning vinyl between sets. The vibe is intimate. You don’t just sing-you connect. People cheer for each other like family. One regular, a 72-year-old retired librarian, sings Frank Sinatra every week. He’s never won a prize, but he’s the soul of the place.
Bar Le Comptoir Général: Karaoke With a Global Twist
This is the kind of place that feels like it was dropped into Paris from another planet. A mix of African art, Moroccan lanterns, and vintage furniture, it’s part museum, part bar, part music hall. Karaoke nights happen every Wednesday, and the playlist is curated to reflect global sounds: Congolese rumba, Japanese enka, Brazilian samba, and French pop. You can request a song in any language. The staff doesn’t judge. They just hand you the mic and turn up the lights. The crowd? A blend of expats, students, and curious locals. It’s loud, colorful, and surprisingly emotional. One night, a Syrian refugee sang a traditional folk song in Arabic. No one knew the words-but everyone stood still, listening.
La Belle Équipe: The Local Favorite
Don’t expect neon lights or giant screens here. La Belle Équipe, in the 10th arrondissement, is a cozy, no-frills bar that’s been around since the 90s. But every Sunday, it turns into the most authentic karaoke night in Paris. The machine is old, the playlist is mostly French classics-Brel, Brassens, Piaf-and the regulars know every lyric by heart. You’ll see grandmas, construction workers, and students all singing together. The owner, a gruff but kind man named Jean, keeps a notebook with everyone’s favorite songs. If you come back next week, he’ll already have your song ready. No apps. No queues. Just real people, real voices, and zero pretense.
What to Expect When You Go
- Cost: Most places charge €5-€10 cover, sometimes including a drink. Some, like La Belle Équipe, are free after 9 PM.
- Timing: Karaoke starts around 9 PM and runs until midnight or later. Weekends are packed.
- Language: You can sing in any language. French songs dominate, but English, Spanish, Korean, and Arabic are common.
- What to wear: Jeans and a nice shirt are fine. No need to dress up. This isn’t a club-it’s a party.
- Pro tip: Arrive early if you want to pick your song. Popular tracks like Don’t Stop Believin’ or My Way get booked fast.
Why Karaoke in Paris Works So Well
Parisians are known for their cool detachment. But karaoke breaks that mold. There’s something about singing in a language you’re not fluent in that makes you vulnerable-and that’s when real connection happens. You don’t need to be good. You just need to show up. And in a city where everyone seems to be rushing to the next Michelin star or art opening, karaoke bars are the rare places where you’re not judged for being imperfect. You’re celebrated for trying.
Best Karaoke Night for Different Types of Visitors
- First-timers: Start at Le Petit Bain. Friendly crowd, great sound, easy to join in.
- Music lovers: Go to Le Chagrin et la Joie. The vinyl-only setup and curated songs are a treat.
- Groups of friends: La Guinguette du Pont de Suresnes. Bring snacks, sit outside, and sing as a team.
- Solo travelers: Bar Le Comptoir Général. The vibe is open, inclusive, and full of stories.
- Real Parisians: La Belle Équipe. This is where the locals go when they want to feel like home.
What to Avoid
Stay away from tourist traps like Karaoke Paris on the Champs-Élysées. It’s overpriced, loud without soul, and the staff rushes you off stage after two minutes. Same goes for hotel bars that advertise "karaoke nights"-they’re usually just background music with a mic. The real karaoke scene in Paris thrives in places where the owners care more about the music than the profit.
Final Tip: Bring a Friend, But Go Alone Too
Karaoke in Paris is better with friends. But it’s also one of the few places where going solo feels safe and exciting. You might end up singing with someone you met five minutes ago. You might learn a new song in Swahili. You might leave with a new favorite bar-and a new way to see the city.
Are karaoke bars in Paris expensive?
Most karaoke bars in Paris charge between €5 and €10 for entry, and that often includes one drink. Places like La Belle Équipe are free after 9 PM. You won’t find the high prices of clubbing here-this is about music, not luxury.
Can I sing in English at karaoke bars in Paris?
Absolutely. While French songs are popular, English tracks like Adele, Queen, or Ed Sheeran are common. Bars like Le Petit Bain and Le Comptoir Général have extensive English playlists. You’ll even find songs in Korean, Spanish, and Arabic.
Do I need to book in advance for karaoke nights?
No, you don’t need to book. Just show up. Popular songs go fast, so arrive early if you have a specific track in mind. Some places let you write your name on a list when you walk in.
Is karaoke in Paris only for young people?
Not at all. At La Belle Équipe, you’ll see people in their 70s singing Piaf. At La Guinguette, families come with kids. Karaoke in Paris crosses generations. Age doesn’t matter-only your willingness to sing.
What’s the best day to go for karaoke in Paris?
Thursday and Saturday nights are the busiest and most fun. Friday is great for outdoor spots like La Guinguette. Wednesday nights at Le Comptoir Général are quieter but more diverse. Sunday at La Belle Équipe is the most local experience.
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