Paris isn’t just about wine and dimly lit cafés. When the sun goes down, the city turns into a stage-and not just for musicians, but for anyone who’s ever belted out a chorus in the shower. If you’ve ever dreamed of singing karaoke under twinkling lights while locals cheer you on, Paris has bars that make it feel less like a gimmick and more like a real night out. Forget the tourist traps. These are the spots where the energy is real, the drinks are cheap, and the bad singing is celebrated.
La Machine du Moulin Rouge
Don’t confuse this with the famous cabaret. La Machine du Moulin Rouge is a hidden gem tucked into a back alley near Place de Clichy. It’s not fancy, but it’s packed every weekend. The sound system? Solid. The playlist? Updated daily with French pop, rock classics, and recent hits from Stromae to Zaz. What makes it stand out? The staff don’t just hand you a mic-they hype you up. One regular told me he came here after a bad day at work, sang "La Vie en Rose" off-key, and left with three new friends. That’s the vibe. No judgment. Just fun.
Bar des Arts
In Montmartre, where artists still sketch on the sidewalks, Bar des Arts has turned karaoke into an art form. This place opens at 7 p.m. and stays loud until 2 a.m. The walls are covered in old concert posters, and the stage is small but intimate. What’s unique here? You can request songs by writing them on sticky notes and sticking them to the wall. The bar owner, Marie, keeps a handwritten log of every performance. She remembers who sang "Je t’aime... moi non plus" three weeks ago and will ask if you’re ready to top it. It’s personal. It’s quirky. And honestly? It’s the closest thing Paris has to a karaoke cult.
Karaoke L’Étoile
If you want to feel like a pop star, this is your spot. Located in the 11th arrondissement, Karaoke L’Étoile has private rooms with LED backdrops, fog machines, and real stage lighting. You can book a room for two hours and bring your own playlist. The bar even has a professional vocal coach on staff who’ll give you a 10-minute warm-up if you ask. It’s not cheap-€25 per person-but it’s the only place in Paris where you can sing "Bohemian Rhapsody" with a live backing track that actually matches your key. Tourists love it. Locals? They come here to surprise their partners on anniversaries. One couple recorded their duet of "I Will Always Love You" and posted it online. It got 400,000 views.
Le Bistrot du Chant
For a more relaxed night, head to Le Bistrot du Chant in the 14th. It’s not a full-on karaoke bar-it’s a cozy wine bar with a small corner mic and a rotating playlist of French chansons. No private rooms. No lights. Just a wooden stool, a glass of Beaujolais, and maybe a stranger who’ll join you on "La Mer" if you’re brave enough. It’s the kind of place where you’ll hear an 80-year-old man sing "Les Champs-Élysées" with tears in his eyes. No one claps. Everyone just listens. It’s emotional. It’s beautiful. And yes, it counts as karaoke.
Club Chanteur
Open only on Fridays and Saturdays, Club Chanteur is the underground favorite. You won’t find it on Google Maps. You need a friend’s invite or to text a number listed on a bathroom stall. The entrance is behind a fake bookshelf in a used bookstore. Inside? A tiny room with a DJ booth, a fog machine, and a microphone that’s been through 12 years of screaming fans. The crowd? Mostly locals under 30. The music? French rap, electro-pop, and 90s Eurodance. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. And it’s the only place in Paris where you’ll hear someone sing "Tout le monde" by Zazie while dancing on a table. No one cares if you’re good. They care if you’re alive.
What to Expect
Parisian karaoke isn’t like the American version. There’s no giant screen with lyrics scrolling in English. Most songs are in French. If you don’t know the words, that’s okay. People will sing along with you. Drinks are affordable-€6 for a beer, €8 for a glass of wine. Tips aren’t expected, but leaving a few coins on the table earns you a smile and maybe a free shot. Most bars don’t have reservations, so show up before 9 p.m. if you want a good spot. Weekends get packed. Weeknights? Quiet. Perfect if you just want to sit, sip, and listen.
Pro Tips
- Learn at least one French song. Even if you butcher it, locals will cheer.
- Bring a friend who speaks French. They can help you find the right track.
- Don’t ask for English songs unless it’s a tourist-heavy night. Most bars don’t have them.
- Try singing in the chorus instead of the verse. Easier to follow, and you’ll blend in.
- Check Instagram for updates. Many bars post their weekly playlist.
Why It Works
Parisians don’t see karaoke as silly. They see it as expression. In a city that values art, music, and emotion, singing out loud isn’t embarrassing-it’s human. You don’t need talent. You just need courage. And in these bars, courage gets rewarded with laughter, applause, and sometimes, a new best friend.
Are karaoke bars in Paris open every night?
Most karaoke bars in Paris are only open on weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights. Some, like Bar des Arts and La Machine du Moulin Rouge, have occasional weekday nights, but they’re quiet. If you’re planning a visit, always check their Instagram or call ahead. Club Chanteur, for example, only opens twice a week and doesn’t list hours online.
Do I need to pay to sing?
No, singing is free at most places. You pay for drinks, not for mic time. Some bars, like Karaoke L’Étoile, charge for private rooms, but that’s because you’re renting the space and equipment, not because they’re charging per singer. In general, you can sing as many songs as you want as long as you’re buying drinks.
Can I sing in English?
It’s possible, but rare. Most playlists are French. Some bars keep a few English classics like "Sweet Caroline" or "Don’t Stop Believin’" for tourists, but don’t count on it. If you really want to sing an English song, ask the bartender. They might let you add it to the queue if no one else has requested it. Just be ready to sing it twice-once for the crowd, once for the person who didn’t understand the lyrics.
Is it safe to go alone to a karaoke bar in Paris?
Yes. Karaoke bars in Paris are among the friendliest places in the city. Locals are used to tourists and often invite strangers to join them. That said, stick to well-known spots like Bar des Arts or Karaoke L’Étoile if you’re going solo. Avoid places with no windows or unclear entrances. And never follow someone into a back room unless you know them. Most venues are safe, but common sense still applies.
What’s the best time to go?
Arrive between 8 and 9 p.m. That’s when the crowd is starting to build but hasn’t hit peak noise yet. You’ll get a good seat, and you’ll have time to order a drink before the first singer takes the mic. After 11 p.m., the room fills up, and it’s harder to get a turn. If you want to sing early, show up at 7 p.m. on a Friday-you’ll likely be the first.
