Paris
An essential city guide to Paris
The best nightclubs, art exhibits, bars and record shops in Paris
Mixmag and Budweiser have partnered to bring the world BUDX, a global program that will unite and spotlight outstanding creative minds in music and culture in some of the leading cities around the world.
When it comes to music, culture, art, food and fashion, Paris is the complete package. A bustling city steeped in rich history that continues to evolve on a daily basis. The first of our destinations with BudX, we'll be shining a light on the emerging scenes and trends that make the city so special.
So what if you're heading to the city of the lights? Where should you party? What is a must-see and where should you go to take in the best of the French capital, this is where we come in, this is your essential city guide.
Clubs
Rex Club
In May 1988, the Rex Club organised the very first acid house party in France and from that day, the club started its reign as one of France's most celebrated venues and perhaps the longest-running club in all of Paris. Laurent Garnier, who was then a regular DJ at the Hacienda, played at that night and later held his famous Wake Up residency in the club. Its dedication to forward-thinking electronic music over the last three decades has meant it's a must-visit destination. D'Julz runs his Bass Culture nights there regularly with guests such as Derrick May and Nicholas Lutz having appeared and over the next few months the line-ups include Kerri Chandler, Omar S, Mathew Jonson and Sonja Moonear. A truly essential institution.
Concrete
If Rex Club is the venue that got the ball rolling for electronic music in Paris then Concrete is without doubt, the venue that's keeping it alive and fresh. The venue is actually a three-floor boat docked on the side of the seine and plays host to the best house and techno acts from the world over. The special Samedimanche events take place over 28 hours from Saturday to Monday and the late license means that the party goes on well after the sun comes up. You can expect acts like Hunee & Antal, Robert Hood and Avalon Emerson play alongside their now, renowned residents such as Leo Pol, Cabanne and Francois X. Concrete is the future of Parisian nightlife.
Badaboum
Famed for its extended sets from the world's most prolific artists, Badaboum is a house a techno hotspot that's hosted the likes of Seth Troxler, Butch, Jennifer Cardini, Cinthie and DJ Koze. Located right in the middle of the Bastille area of the capital, during the day the venue acts as a cocktail lounge and restaurant so whether you're keen to fill your boots with a hearty meal or get your dancing shoes on for a rave in the evening, Badaboum has you covered.
La Machine Du Moulin Rouge
You may be familiar with Moulin Rouge and its famous windmill from the fantastical 2001 film of the same name but the historical club located in the heart of Pigalle, isn't a fictional venue, far from it. With two rooms, a café, a terrace and a secret rooftop thrown in for good measure, the 1200+ capacity venue is a staple of French partying and its line-ups are super diverse and varied, week-in, week-out. Artists like Louisahhh, Marcellus Pittman and Call Super will all appear this year and regular LGBTQ+ night, Wet For Me, is a local favourite. Leave your inhibitions at the door as the Moulin Rouge has something for everyone.
Culture
Silencio
Ever wanted to be part of a David Lynch film? Well in Paris, you can get pretty damn close. Silencio is the cocktail bar, members lounge and concert venue designed by Lynch himself and based around his cult, noir classic Mulholland Drive. With an eerie smoking room and gorgeous spaces to drink this is a one-in-a-lifetime experience inside, if you manage to get in that is.
La Gaîté Lyrique
Whatever your preference, be it music, art or fashion, it's more than likely that La Gaîté Lyrique will have something for you. This fully dedicated art centre has been designed specifically to house events, exhibitions and workshops that cater for all of the above, as well as technology, film, digital arts and more. It's located in the heart of Paris in an old 19th century theatre and opera house and events like the F.A.M.E independent film festival, international voguing/ballroom competitions, the Japan Connexion Festival and the Paris Electronic Week all take place within the venue. La Gaîté Lyrique is perhaps the most culturally important spot in Paris and well worth a look if you want something that will leave you thinking for a long time after you've vistited.
Syncrophone Records
Aside from its work as a heralded record label that's released music from the likes of Theo Parrish, DJ Qu and Joey Anderson, Syncrophone should be the first port-of-call for any self-confessed vinyl fan. The record store located in the Bastille region has been operating for over a decade and has a fantastic mix of the most current releases and those old-school gems you've been after for years. Just watch out for your wallet, you'll probably end up with nothing in it afterwards.
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