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Clubbing |
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Gay Clubbing.
The nightclub, dancing scene of Paris is not really centered in the Marais with the glaring exception of one of the most notorious clubs in Europe’s dance club history, Les Bains Douches.
 Les Bains Douches
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Launched in 1978 as Paris’ version of New York’s Danceteria the club exploded on the new wave scene with bands like The Psychedelic Furs. With exceptional popularity les Bains Douches has never missed a step since. Reincarnated later as a jet-setters heaven it seemed that nothing could stop this place from filling its halls with party animals. Part of the celebrity crowd was Philippe Stark who cut his interior design teeth here and launched his own career.
Normally when a club lives out its glory days and the fads change the people tend to move on. Fortunately for us this is not the case here. Longevity seems to be in the blood in France especially when the policy is to encourage change and integrate it into the story. House music came along and a whole new era began at Les Bains which always appealed to the gay scene and anyone who just loves to dance.
Now more than ever Les Bains Douches turns to the gay circuit and the neighborhood that it calls home and continues to be the coolest place to go in Paris with an exceptional sound system and a real effort to provide an exciting nightlife experience. Void of snobbishness, owner Hubert Boukobza is now giving the club a new skin with the collaboration of Queen’s mastermind Thibaut Jardon.
The music is kick-ass with DJs coming from everywhere to fine-tune their craft. My policy is that when a club makes an effort like this one does well then so should I. It’ important to look good here but it’s even more important to shake your booty and that’s what I really like about this place reminiscent of Paradise Garage’s inclusiveness.
Open all year long including August we’re looking forward to the new restaurant being built upstairs that is due to open its doors in September.
Raidd Bar
Before going to Les Bains Douches there exists what I would call a demi-club entitled Raidd Bar. The Raidd Bar serves a unique purpose that Parisians like to call a before. With the intention of opening a nightclub the Raidd has comfortably inhabited the before role since November 2003 with a lot of gusto.
Modern, efficient and sexy the boys (and their friends) flock here after dinner (or before) to start their soirée de danse where 4 times a night they are given a show of go-go boys taking showers a la Splash in New York. An effort has been made in décor, sound system and imported and local DJs to start the evening right.
The demi-club status is because the focus is not only on dancing but also about schmoozing or watching the go-go boys before going out to dance. That being said the Raidd Bar stays open until 4am nonetheless for those who chose to stay and boogie. It is certainly the premier bar of this type in Paris and in the Marais. Tuesdays are retro from the 70s to the 90s and Thursdays go Latin with a Tapas (and topless) bar included.
Tango
Also known as la Boite à Frissons the Tango is an original and should not be missed. The late night part is loyal to disco but at 10:30 the Tango welcomes gays, lesbians and straight folks who enjoy the classic dances of days gone by. Couples can be seen ballroom dancing the Waltz, Paso Doble, Cha Cha and of course the Tango! The climax is at 12:30 when they all line up for the Madison. Decorated like a dance hall from the 50s the Tango is quite unique where fun is had by all. |
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Le Scarron
3, rue Geoffroy l’Angevin
75004 Paris
Tel 01 42 77 44 05
www.lescarron.com
Wednesday to Sunday 11 pm to 6 am
The super chic club salon in le Marais. Enjoy a cosy atmosphere, neobaroque chic with vaulted ceilings, stone walls and contemporary glass enclosed chandeliers – it s a 21st century salon. Jean Louis Garnier and his team welcome you to one of the most elegant spots to see and be seen in the heart of le Marais. The clientele is a fun mix, all drawn together by their love of life. Sink into the soft and comfortable sofas and enjoy cocktails, wine, champagne and good conversation. You`ll meet people here you would not meet in other clubs in le Marais! entry is free , you can dress casual and drinks start at only 6 €.
Raidd Bar
23 rue du Temple
75004 Paris
www.raiddbar.com
Every night from 5 pm to 6 am
Raidd Bar is unique for its style, ambiance and crowd. Each day, from 5 p.m. on, it is the most friendly open air terrace you'll find in le Marais, with all drinks at happy hour prices. How about treating yourself to a glass of champagne...and getting a second glass for free! The bartenders are probably the sexiest in Paris -- they have dream bodies and no attitudes...a winning combination! Starting at 11 p.m. there is lots of action, including shows under the shower -- everyone is welcome to watch and dream. You can even bring your girlfriends if they dare to pass through the doors. Downstairs in the lounge bar the atmosphere is more cosy with its red velvet decor and comfy sofas, the perfect place to chat with your special man. In all of Paris, there is truly nothing quite like Raidd. Our favorite party is disco night with Tonia every Tuesday!
CUD
12 rue des Haudriettes
75003 Paris
Tel.: 01 42 77 44 12
www.cud-bar.com
Every night from 10.00 p.m. to 5 a.m
CUD means Classic Up and Down, but you can imagine many other meanings such as See You Downstairs. It can be also a short name for CUDdle…Whatever you think, the atmosphere is great , non pretentious, friendly and with no attitude garanted. Great ambiance, cool dancing music from the 80’s as well as the latest dance classics… Affordable drinks and an adorable team of bar tenders will make you discover a real parisian atmosphere where friendship really means something ! Drinks start at 4€ and entrance is free. Bienvenue at «C U Darling»
Le Tango / La Boite à Frissons
Rue au Maire, 75003 Paris
Alternative people, alternative music like tango and salsa, the place to meet real Parisians with a big heart, week-ends are the best nights.
Open 11 pm to 5 am. Madame Hervé, « la patronne » has celebrated the 10th anniversary of Le Tango in september 2007 ! It’s been elected Paris’ favorite club by the readers of TETU Magazine.
Les Bains Douches
7 rue du Bourg-l'Abbé. 75003 Paris - Metro Etienne Marcel.
75003 Paris
www.lesbainsdouches.net
Open 11.00 p.m. to 5 a.m
Tel : 01 48 87 45 83
To book a table or private party: resa@lesbains.info
This former upscale jet set club is now the biggest gay club in le Marais and also offers a great restaurant open from Wednesday to Sunday. Les Bains Douches are a melting pot, where, according to the day of the week or of the month, every "tribe" can find its happiness, find his friends… For many years, Les Bains Douches have had the best DJs in the world: Bob Sinclar, Lexicon avenue, Marco V, Tom de Neef, Antoine Clamaran, Francesco Farfa, Soul Silicon, Dave Seaman, Matthew Dekay, Spirit Catcher, Slam, to quote only a few... You can find evenings so eclectic as mythical such as Play, Yes Sir, Maximal, Mecx on friday, Le Bal du jeudi on Thursdays is our favorite party … Saturday being mainly reserved for a gay clientele, Friday, the evening of the "branchitude", the madness, but also the evening reserved for the sharpest Djs of moment. "Time passes and are not alike but les Bains Douches will always be les Bains Douches!!!"
Blue Square
8, rue Brantome. 75003 Paris - Metro Rambuteau.
More than a club it ‘s a dating and cruising place that can also host great transvestites show and events. Every night has a new theme. If you like black and north African people, you ll be enchanted : this is probably the most ethnically mixed gay club.
From 2 am to 2 pm
Club 18
18 rue du Beaujolais. 75001 Paris - Metro Palais Royal.
This tiny club had its golden ages in the seventies and eighties but it’s now living again with a new team. It’s friendly and without pretention.
11 pm to 5 am.
Maxim's – Caliente Nights
3 Rue Royale 75001 Paris - Metro Concorde.
This famous institution turns gay a couple of evenings per month for chic and extravagant parties. The typically Belle Epoque deco is amazing, if you like gold and red velvet this is a place for you. Check dates to be sure to go during these special nights.
EAGLE PARIS ( formerly Le London )
33 bis Rue des Lombards. 75001 Paris - Metro Chatelet.
www.eagleparis.com
Same name as many of the world famous leather bars... But something new and different here in this brand new club. This one is rather elegant and more mixed at least on level one, more social than cruisy and is definitely nice and friendly, 2 floors and 2 different ambiances. From 6 pm to 6 am. Every night, not to be missed.
Le Bataclan
20 Boulevard Voltaire, 75011 Paris - Metro Saint Ambroise.
The Follivores and Crazyvores parties take place there every other Saturday, probably the best dance and fun parties in Paris… It’s been on for years and is still a must. If you’re not familiar with french disco classics you may be shocked, but it’s fun to discover it, isn’ it?
La Scene Bastille
2 bis Rue des Taillandiers, 75011 Paris - Metro Bastille
This straight house and techno spot host some of the best gay after parties on Sunday morning for those who never have enough or have had too much « energy » to go out till noon !
Le Queen
102, avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris - Métro: Georges V
Phone: 01.53.89.08.90
Not in Le Marais, this institution is still a must, but is more and more straight and touristy, it seems that Les Bains Douches is now taking over a lot of their clientele. As Les Bains is in le Marais close to all other gay venues it makes sense … Best nights at Le Queen are Sunday evenings called Over Kitch and playing 1980’s and classic disco and dance hits. Miss Galia Queen of parisian nights, entertain this special night.
Open Monday to Sunday 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Le Klub
14 rue St Denis, 75001 Paris - Metro Chatelet.
This old club on 2 levels is a bit deserted now since it does not host anymore the famous « Butch » parties on Friday. But may be check it out again. Club scene is changing all the time in Paris and never judge a place on only one evening !
Aux 3 Escales
12 rue Quincampoix, 75004 Paris - Metro Châtelet Les Halles
Bar club on 3 levels set up in a former morocan style bath house. They host all kinds of parties for gays lesbians and « open minded » straight couples. Check which day you choose to go! More gay opportunistic than gay friendly. Welcoming is not their first quality...
L’ Insolite
Rue des Petits Champs 75002 Paris - Metro Etienne Marcel
Outdated, hysterical and friendly, the anti-fashion victim club for real people…
11 pm to 6 am
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