Paris isn’t just about wine and baguettes - it’s got karaoke bars that turn midnight into a stage.
If you’ve ever stood in a Parisian alley at 1 a.m. wondering where the real energy is, you’ll find it not in a quiet bistro, but in a room full of strangers belting out Edith Piaf with a mic in hand and a beer in the other. Karaoke in Paris isn’t a novelty - it’s a ritual. And the best spots don’t just play tracks; they create moments.
La Guitare Bleue: Where the French Actually Sing
Open since 2008 in the 11th arrondissement, La Guitare Bleue isn’t just a bar with a karaoke machine - it’s a community. The crowd here isn’t tourists trying to impress. It’s locals who’ve been coming for years, some even bringing their own lyric sheets printed in French and English. The sound system? Professional-grade. The staff? They know your name by your third song. Don’t expect glitter or neon. Expect a cozy, dimly lit room with worn velvet booths and a playlist that includes Noir Désir, Mylène Farmer, and Queen. Last year, a 72-year-old retiree sang ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ from start to finish without a single mistake. The room stood silent. Then they erupted.
Le Petit Bain: Karaoke on the Seine
Perched on the banks of the Seine near the Gare d’Austerlitz, Le Petit Bain is a converted barge turned cultural hotspot. By day, it’s a chill café. By night, it’s a karaoke boat. The setup is simple: a small stage, a projector, and a sound system that doesn’t drown out your voice. The real draw? The view. You sing ‘La Vie en Rose’ while boats glide past the Eiffel Tower. It’s surreal. And yes, people do cry. Not because they’re off-key - because the moment hits too hard. They serve cheap wine by the glass and have a no-judgment policy. If you’re nervous, just order a glass of Beaujolais. Someone will inevitably start clapping after your first line.
Le Bistrot du Chanteur: The Hidden Gem in Montmartre
Tucked behind a bakery on Rue des Abbesses, Le Bistrot du Chanteur looks like any other neighborhood bistro. But step inside after 9 p.m., and you’ll hear a woman in a trench coat singing ‘I Will Survive’ like she’s on Broadway. The owner, Jean-Pierre, keeps a binder of requests. If you ask for ‘Celine Dion’ or ‘Zaz’, he’ll pull the track from his personal archive. No app. No touchscreen. Just a guy who remembers your favorite song from last month. The crowd? Mix of artists, students, and expats who’ve lived here long enough to stop caring what they sound like. The food? Simple. The vibe? Unmatched. It’s the kind of place where you leave with a new friend and a voice that’s hoarse from singing ‘L’Étranger’ by Serge Gainsbourg.
Bar des Chanteurs: The Party That Never Sleeps
In the 10th arrondissement, near Canal Saint-Martin, Bar des Chanteurs is where the party starts late and ends even later. This place has two rooms: one for quiet crooning, the other for full-blown dance-party karaoke. On weekends, the second room turns into a rave with a mic. Expect ‘Uptown Funk’ at 2 a.m., a group of 12 people dancing in a circle, and someone in a cowboy hat belting out ‘Sweet Caroline’ with a French accent. The drinks are cheap, the crowd is loud, and the playlist is endless. They don’t have a theme night - every night is ‘Bring Your Worst Off-Key Song.’ And that’s the point. You’ll leave with your ears ringing and your soul lighter.
Le Comptoir de la Voix: For the Serious Singers
If you’ve trained in opera, studied jazz, or just want to be heard without being laughed at, Le Comptoir de la Voix is your spot. Located in the 18th, it’s the only karaoke bar in Paris with a live sound engineer on duty. You don’t just pick a song - you book a 15-minute slot. They record your performance and send you a link afterward. No one here sings for laughs. This is where a 24-year-old conservatory student sang ‘Nessun Dorma’ and got a standing ovation from a room full of French grandmas. The vibe is respectful. The drinks are artisanal. And the acoustics? So good, you’ll hear your own vibrato for the first time.
What to Expect - and What to Avoid
Karaoke in Paris doesn’t work like in Tokyo or New York. There’s no big screen with animated lyrics. No apps to queue songs. No VIP booths. You walk in, ask for the binder, pick your song, and wait your turn. The host calls your name - no fanfare. If you’re shy, go on a Tuesday. Weekends are packed, and the queue can be 30 minutes long. Avoid places that charge per song - the good ones include drinks in the price. And never, ever ask for ‘Despacito.’ No one here knows it. And if they do, they’ll laugh - not because you picked it, but because it’s not French.
How to Make the Most of Your Night
- Go with a group - karaoke is better when someone else starts first.
- Learn the lyrics to at least one French song. Even if you butcher it, they’ll cheer.
- Bring cash. Many places don’t take cards after midnight.
- Arrive before 10 p.m. to get a good seat. After that, it’s standing room only.
- Don’t be afraid to sing badly. The best moments happen when you’re not perfect.
Why Karaoke in Paris Feels Different
It’s not about being good. It’s about being brave. In a city where people are often reserved, karaoke becomes a rebellion. It’s the one place where a quiet librarian can become a rockstar for five minutes. Where a German tourist and a Moroccan waiter bond over a duet of ‘My Heart Will Go On.’ Where language doesn’t matter - emotion does. The French don’t do karaoke to show off. They do it to feel alive.
Final Tip: The Unwritten Rule
If you finish your song and the room goes quiet - don’t panic. They’re not judging. They’re waiting for you to say ‘Merci.’ Then they’ll clap. That’s it. No cheers. No confetti. Just respect. And that’s the real Parisian magic.
Are karaoke bars in Paris expensive?
Most decent karaoke bars in Paris charge between €10 and €15 for entry, which usually includes two drinks. Some, like La Guitare Bleue and Le Bistrot du Chanteur, don’t charge extra for song requests. Avoid places that bill per song - those are tourist traps. The best spots include drinks in the cover fee.
Do I need to book ahead for karaoke in Paris?
For regular nights, no. But if you’re going on a Friday or Saturday, especially to Le Petit Bain or Bar des Chanteurs, showing up before 9 p.m. is smart. Le Comptoir de la Voix requires reservations for song slots - you can call ahead or book online through their website. Walk-ins are welcome, but you might wait hours.
Can I sing in English at Paris karaoke bars?
Absolutely. Most bars have English songs in their libraries - Queen, Beatles, Adele, Coldplay. But the crowd will cheer louder if you sing something French, even if you mess up. Try ‘La Vie en Rose,’ ‘Je suis malade,’ or ‘L’Azur.’ It shows effort, and Parisians notice.
Are karaoke bars in Paris safe at night?
Yes. The karaoke spots mentioned here are in safe, well-lit neighborhoods - 10th, 11th, 18th arrondissements. They’re popular with locals and open late. Avoid isolated bars outside these areas. Stick to places with crowds, good reviews, and a visible entrance. The vibe is friendly, not rowdy.
What time do karaoke bars in Paris close?
Most karaoke bars start winding down around 1 a.m., but the music keeps playing until 2 a.m. or later if the crowd’s still there. Bar des Chanteurs often runs until 3 a.m. on weekends. If you’re still singing at 2:30 a.m., you’re doing it right.
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