Paris isn’t just about croissants and candlelit dinners. When the sun goes down, the city wakes up with a different kind of energy-loud, lively, and full of singing. If you’ve ever wanted to belt out karaoke under neon lights with strangers who become friends by the third chorus, Paris has bars that deliver exactly that. Forget the quiet wine bars and fancy cocktail lounges for a night. This is where the real fun begins.
Why Karaoke in Paris Works Better Than You Think
People assume Parisians are too refined for karaoke. That’s a myth. The truth? Parisians love to let loose when the right spot opens up. Karaoke here isn’t about perfection-it’s about connection. You’ll find students from Lyon, tourists from Tokyo, expats from New York, and locals from Montmartre all screaming lyrics to Ed Sheeran or Mylène Farmer in perfect harmony. The vibe is never judgmental. If you can’t hit the high note? Someone else will pick it up. That’s the rule.
Unlike the robotic booths in some cities, Parisian karaoke bars are social spaces. You don’t just wait for your turn-you cheer, dance, and sometimes even join in on backup vocals. The staff don’t just hand you a mic and walk away. They know the crowd. They’ll spot someone hesitating and nudge them toward the stage. It’s personal. It’s warm. And it’s unforgettable.
La Cigale: Where the Crowd Roars
La Cigale isn’t just a bar-it’s an institution. Located in the 18th arrondissement near Place de Clichy, this historic venue has been hosting live music since 1887. But in the last five years, they’ve turned their upstairs room into one of the city’s most reliable karaoke nights. Every Friday and Saturday after 10 PM, the space fills up with people aged 20 to 60, all singing along to French pop, rock classics, and English hits.
The sound system is professional-grade, not the tinny speakers you get in basement bars. The playlist has over 12,000 songs, updated monthly. You can search by artist, year, or even mood-like "songs to cry to" or "songs that make everyone dance." The host rotates every hour, and if you’re shy, they’ll often pick someone at random to start. No one gets out of it. And honestly? You won’t want to.
Pro tip: Show up before 11 PM. Lines form fast. The drink menu is solid too-cheap cocktails, local beers, and a wine list that won’t make you feel guilty.
Le Petit Bain: Karaoke on the Seine
If you want something different, head to Le Petit Bain, a floating bar on the left bank of the Seine. It’s not just a bar-it’s a converted barge with a rooftop terrace, string lights, and a stage built right into the hull. Karaoke happens every Thursday night, starting at 9 PM.
The crowd here is younger, trendier, and more experimental. You’ll hear covers of Billie Eilish, Daft Punk, and even French indie bands you’ve never heard of. The acoustics are surprisingly good for a boat. The staff hand out glow sticks and encourage group performances. Last summer, a group of five tourists from Brazil sang "La Vie en Rose" in Portuguese, French, and English. The whole boat cheered. That’s the kind of moment you won’t find in a hotel lounge.
It’s open until 2 AM, and the view of the Eiffel Tower lit up behind you while you sing? Priceless. Bring a jacket. It gets chilly on the water after midnight.
Bar des Musiciens: The Local’s Secret
Tucked away in the 11th arrondissement, Bar des Musiciens feels like a hidden gem because it is. No signs. No online booking. Just a small wooden door with a flickering lamp. Inside, it’s dim, cozy, and packed with people who’ve been coming here for over a decade.
Karaoke nights are every Wednesday and Sunday. No theme. No rules. Just a mic, a playlist on an old laptop, and a guy named Jean who’s been running the soundboard since 1998. He doesn’t speak much English, but he’ll nod if you want to sing "Bohemian Rhapsody" or "Je suis malade." The crowd here doesn’t care if you’re French, American, or Canadian. They care if you’re having fun.
The drinks are cheap. The beer is local. The snacks? Simple-cheese, charcuterie, olives. You won’t find a menu. Just point at what’s on the counter. The whole place smells like old wood, cigarette smoke (yes, they still allow it), and laughter. It’s not polished. It’s real.
Le Baron: For the Glamorous Singers
If you’re looking for karaoke with a touch of Parisian glamour, Le Baron is your spot. It’s a members-only nightclub in the 8th arrondissement, but they open their karaoke room to walk-ins on Friday and Saturday nights from 11 PM to 2 AM.
This isn’t your average bar. The lighting is moody, the sound system is studio-quality, and the crowd dresses up. You’ll see people in sequins, leather jackets, and heels belting out Madonna, Prince, or even French rap. The playlist is curated by a DJ who knows exactly what gets people moving. There’s no waiting list, but you’ll need to pay a 15€ cover charge. It’s worth it.
They have a dedicated karaoke room with velvet curtains and a small dance floor. If you’re bold enough to sing a full song without stopping, you might get a free drink. I’ve seen it happen three times in the last six months. One woman sang "All I Want Is You" by U2 and got a bottle of champagne. No one asked why.
La Cigale vs. Le Petit Bain: What’s the Difference?
Choosing between these two depends on what kind of night you want.
| Feature | La Cigale | Le Petit Bain |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 18th arrondissement, near Place de Clichy | Left bank of the Seine, near Bir-Hakeim Bridge |
| Best Night | Fridays and Saturdays | Thursdays |
| Atmosphere | Classic, loud, energetic | Bohemian, romantic, laid-back |
| Drink Prices | €6-€10 | €8-€12 |
| Music Selection | 12,000+ songs, updated monthly | Curated indie, pop, French hits |
| Best For | Groups, big crowds, party energy | Couples, solo travelers, sunset views |
What to Expect When You Walk In
Most karaoke bars in Paris don’t have apps or online sign-ups. You just show up. Some require a small cover charge-usually between €5 and €15. Most accept cash only. Bring euros. Credit cards? Not always.
You’ll be handed a tablet or a book with song titles. You can browse by language, genre, or artist. French songs dominate, but English ones are easy to find. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for help. They’ve heard every request imaginable.
Don’t worry if you’re not a great singer. The best moments come from people who are completely off-key but singing with their whole heart. That’s the Paris rule: It’s not about talent. It’s about courage.
When to Go and How to Plan
Karaoke nights usually start around 9 or 10 PM and run until 2 AM. The busiest nights are Friday and Saturday. If you want a better chance to sing without waiting too long, go on a Thursday or Sunday. Weekdays are quieter, but the vibe is more intimate.
Arrive early. Lines form fast, especially at La Cigale and Le Baron. If you’re traveling in a group, pick one person to get the drinks while the rest wait in line. It saves time.
Wear something you don’t mind getting sweaty in. These aren’t dress-up places-except Le Baron. There, jeans and a nice top are fine. No suits. No heels unless you want to.
What You Won’t Find
You won’t find karaoke chains like SongPop or Karaoke Bistro in Paris. The scene here is independent, local, and raw. No corporate branding. No automated scoring systems. No apps that rate your pitch. Just music, people, and a whole lot of heart.
You also won’t find English-only nights. Most bars mix languages. That’s part of the charm. You’ll hear someone sing "Je Veux" by Zaz right after "Sweet Caroline." It’s messy. It’s beautiful.
Final Tip: Don’t Just Watch-Join In
The biggest mistake tourists make? They sit back, take photos, and watch. Parisian karaoke isn’t a show. It’s a participation sport. Someone will hand you a mic. Someone will cheer when you start. Someone will sing with you. Don’t say no.
One night in December, a group of five strangers from five different countries sang "Don’t Stop Believin’" together at La Cigale. We didn’t know each other before. We left as friends. That’s the magic of karaoke in Paris. It doesn’t care who you are. It just wants you to sing.
Are karaoke bars in Paris expensive?
Most karaoke bars in Paris charge between €5 and €15 for entry, especially on weekends. Drinks cost €6-€12, similar to other bars in the city. You don’t pay per song. Some places, like Le Petit Bain, include drinks in the cover fee. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it for the experience.
Do I need to book in advance?
Most places don’t take reservations for karaoke nights. You just show up. But if you’re going with a group of more than six people, call ahead. Some bars like La Cigale can hold spots for groups if you give them a heads-up.
Can I sing in English?
Absolutely. While French songs are more common, most karaoke systems have a large selection of English hits. Staff are used to helping non-French speakers find songs. Popular choices include Adele, Queen, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay.
Is it safe to go to karaoke bars alone in Paris?
Yes. Karaoke bars in Paris are generally safe, especially in central areas like the 11th, 18th, and 8th arrondissements. The crowd is friendly, and staff keep an eye out. Many solo travelers go alone and leave with new friends. Just avoid walking alone late at night after leaving-take a taxi or metro.
What’s the best time to go for the most energy?
Friday and Saturday nights after 11 PM are the liveliest. The crowd is biggest, the singing is most passionate, and the atmosphere is electric. If you want to sing without waiting, aim for 9:30 PM. If you want to party, show up after midnight.
What’s Next After Karaoke?
After the last song ends and the lights come up, you might feel like the night’s not over. That’s normal. Many of these bars stay open until 3 AM. Head to a nearby café like Le Comptoir Général or a late-night bistro like Le Petit Cler for coffee and croissants. Or just walk along the Seine and hum the songs you sang. That’s how Paris nights end-quietly, but still singing.
