Paris isn’t just about wine, baguettes, and quiet cafés. When the sun goes down, the city turns into a lively playground for people who want to sing their hearts out, dance like no one’s watching, and laugh until their sides hurt. And if you’re looking for the real Parisian nightlife-where locals let loose and tourists feel welcome-karaoke bars are where it happens.
Why Karaoke in Paris? It’s Not What You Think
You might picture stiff, quiet bars where everyone whispers. But Parisian karaoke? It’s loud, messy, and full of joy. No one cares if you hit the wrong note. What matters is that you’re up there, belting out Edith Piaf or Bruno Mars with a glass of champagne in hand. French people don’t perform for perfection-they perform for connection. That’s why the best karaoke spots in Paris aren’t the fanciest. They’re the ones where strangers become friends by the third chorus.
Unlike the corporate karaoke chains you find in Tokyo or New York, Parisian spots feel like someone’s living room-just with better sound systems and a bartender who remembers your name after one visit.
Le Comptoir Général: Karaoke With a Side of Story
Hidden down a quiet alley in the 10th arrondissement, Le Comptoir Général doesn’t look like a karaoke bar. It’s a mix of vintage furniture, African art, and hanging lanterns. But every Thursday night, the lights dim, the mic warms up, and the crowd turns into a chorus of strangers singing along to classic French pop.
What makes it special? The playlist. They don’t just play hits-they play deep cuts. You’ll hear Jacques Brel next to Stromae, then a 1980s French rock anthem. The crowd sings with such passion you’ll forget you’re not French. The bar doesn’t charge extra for karaoke-it’s included in your drink. And the staff? They’ll hand you a mic even if you’re shy. Just raise your hand. Someone will cheer you on.
La Chope des Halles: The Original Paris Karaoke Spot
If you want history with your high notes, head to La Chope des Halles. Open since 1978, it’s one of the oldest karaoke venues in the city. It’s not fancy, but it’s real. The walls are covered in signed photos of regulars who’ve sung here for decades. The stage is small. The sound system? A little crackly. But that’s the charm.
Every Friday and Saturday, locals line up before 9 p.m. to grab a spot. You don’t book-you wait. And when your name is called, you get exactly two songs. No exceptions. The crowd claps, stomps, and sometimes even joins in. One night last year, a group of tourists sang My Way in perfect French. The whole room stood up. No one left until 2 a.m.
This isn’t a tourist trap. It’s a ritual. And if you want to feel like a local, this is where you do it.
Barbès: The Wild Card
Barbès, in the 18th arrondissement, is where Paris gets its groove on. The bar is small, loud, and always packed. Karaoke nights here happen on Wednesdays and Sundays, and the vibe is pure energy. You’ll hear everything: French rap, K-pop, ABBA, and even Bollywood hits.
What sets Barbès apart? The crowd. It’s young, diverse, and fearless. A 70-year-old grandmother might sing Lady Gaga right after a 20-year-old student does a trap remix of a Serge Gainsbourg song. The staff doesn’t judge. They just hand you the mic and say, “Allez, c’est parti!” (Go on, let’s go!).
Drinks are cheap. The bass is loud. And the dance floor? It’s always full. If you’re looking for a night where you’ll laugh, dance, and maybe even cry from how much fun you’re having-this is it.
Le Ritz Bar: Karaoke With a Twist
Not every karaoke bar in Paris needs to be gritty. Le Ritz Bar, tucked inside the historic Hôtel Ritz on Place Vendôme, offers a different kind of experience. It’s upscale, intimate, and only open on select Friday nights.
Here, you don’t just sing-you perform. The sound system is studio-grade. The lighting is moody. The crowd? Well-dressed locals and expats who treat karaoke like a cabaret show. You’ll find people singing Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, or even opera arias. No one’s off-key because they’ve practiced. But they’re not there to show off. They’re there to celebrate.
It’s expensive-cocktails start at €18-but it’s one of the few places in Paris where karaoke feels like an event. Book ahead. And if you’re feeling bold, ask for the piano accompanist. He’ll play along like you’re on Broadway.
La Cave à Chansons: The Hidden Gem
Tucked under a bookstore in the 5th arrondissement, La Cave à Chansons feels like a secret. The entrance is easy to miss. Inside, it’s dim, cozy, and smells like old books and red wine. Karaoke nights are every Tuesday, and the playlist is all French chanson-Piaf, Brassens, Bécaud, and more.
This isn’t for the pop crowd. It’s for people who love lyrics, poetry, and emotion. You’ll hear people sing with their eyes closed, voices trembling. Some cry. Others clap like they’ve just witnessed a concert. The owner, Marie, has been running this place for 22 years. She knows every regular’s favorite song. And if you’re new? She’ll hand you a lyric sheet in French and say, “Try this one. It’s about love. Everyone understands that.”
It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. But it’s the most moving karaoke experience in the city.
What to Expect When You Go
Parisian karaoke bars don’t work like the ones back home. Here’s what you need to know:
- No reservations-most places are first come, first served. Show up early if you want to sing.
- Drinks are the currency-you pay for your song by ordering a cocktail, beer, or wine. No extra fee.
- Two songs max-this keeps things moving. Don’t be upset if you’re asked to step down.
- English songs? Yes, but...-you’ll hear them, but the crowd cheers loudest for French tunes. Try one in French. Even if you butcher it.
- Bring a friend-singing alone is fine, but singing with someone? That’s when the magic happens.
When to Go
Karaoke nights vary by bar:
- Le Comptoir Général: Thursdays, 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.
- La Chope des Halles: Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
- Barbès: Wednesdays and Sundays, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
- Le Ritz Bar: Select Fridays, 9 p.m. - midnight (book online)
- La Cave à Chansons: Tuesdays, 8 p.m. - midnight
Weekends are packed. Weeknights are more relaxed. If you want to sing without waiting, go midweek.
Pro Tips for First-Timers
- Don’t overthink it. The point isn’t to sound like a star. It’s to feel alive.
- Try a classic French song-even if you only know the chorus. People will help you sing along.
- Bring cash. Some bars don’t take cards for drinks.
- Don’t be the person who demands to sing five songs. Be the person who claps the loudest for others.
- Stay for the whole night. The best moments happen after midnight, when the crowd is loose and the energy is electric.
Final Thought: It’s Not About the Music
Parisian karaoke isn’t about talent. It’s about courage. It’s about letting go of who you think you are and becoming part of something bigger-for one night, one song, one laugh.
At Le Comptoir Général, you’ll hear a woman in her 60s sing La Vie en Rose like she’s never sung before. At Barbès, you’ll see a group of teenagers turn a Daft Punk song into a full-blown dance party. At La Cave à Chansons, you’ll watch a man cry as he sings a song his late wife loved.
That’s the real Paris nightlife. Not the Eiffel Tower at night. Not the fancy restaurants. It’s the strangers who become family because they dared to sing together.
Are karaoke bars in Paris expensive?
No, they’re not. Most places don’t charge extra for karaoke-you just pay for your drinks. Cocktails range from €8 to €15, and beer is usually under €7. Le Ritz Bar is the exception, with higher prices for the premium setting.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy karaoke in Paris?
Not at all. Many bars have English songs, and locals are happy to help you with French lyrics. But if you try singing even one line in French, you’ll get a round of applause. It’s not about fluency-it’s about effort.
Can I book a private karaoke room in Paris?
Most traditional karaoke bars don’t offer private rooms-they’re designed for group energy. But Le Ritz Bar offers intimate sessions by reservation. For larger groups, try KTV Paris in the 11th arrondissement, which has private booths and a wide song library.
What’s the best night to go for first-timers?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are ideal. The crowds are smaller, the vibe is relaxed, and you’re more likely to get on stage quickly. Fridays and Saturdays are fun but packed-you’ll wait longer and pay more for drinks.
Is it safe to go to karaoke bars in Paris alone?
Yes. Parisian karaoke bars are welcoming, especially to solo visitors. The community is tight-knit and friendly. Locals often invite newcomers to join their table or sing duets. Just stick to well-known spots and avoid late-night areas after 2 a.m. if you’re unfamiliar with the neighborhood.