Brazilian Favela Chic is one of the funniest dancing spots in Paris right now and especially nice if you’ve started with a dinner in the restaurant and felt the spontaneous atmosphere grow.

At 10 pm the place is packed. You are benched by long tables, thrown in amidst a bunch of happy people. The last time we were there, we had an Arabian film maker and his date, a German-Bolivian girl, next to us on one side, and on our other side sat an archetypical Parisian girl and a handsome black guy wearing Armani and flip flops.

Photo by Alexdecarvalho

It’s extremely hip, but very bohemian and refreshingly uncomplicated. The interior is retro, almost old school: Orange and polka dotted wallpaper, a large open kitchen with a Virgin Mary figurine by the stove and a dancing corner painted grass-green, where people have to make room between the DJ’s table and a white leather couch from the 80s.

The music is cheerful and with a distinct inspiration from black music: soul, funk and jazz. After the last service close to midnight, it seems people just can’t sit still anymore and in a somewhat improvised manner, the thirtysomethings, the student, a couple of famous actors and a few foreigners start mixing on the dance floor.

If you are dining there, try the Feijoada, a Brazilian stew with black beans, smoked pork and bayberry that has simmered a whole day and is served with rice, kale and manioc.

Favela Chic, 18, rue de Faubourg-du-Temple, 11. arr. Metro: République

By Louise Sandager, extract from the travel guide PARIS mon amour!, published by Gyldendal.
 

Le Cab

Big club with a funky interior design by Ora Ito.

Le Cab, 2, place du Palais Royal, 1.arr.

La Flèche d'Or

Located in an old train station, this nightclub and concert venue hosts the great bands of tomorrow. Musical styles vary, but the line-up is always top quality. Open every night except Thursdays.
La Flèche d'Or, 102 rue de Bagnolet, 20. arr.
www.flechedor.fr

Le Baron

If your name isn’t Helena Christensen or Mick Jagger, it’s hard to get in - unless of course you’re friends with the boss. If spotting a celebrity, (and spending loads of cash in the process) is what makes you tick … go for it. This place is very pretentious, but that’s Paris!
Le Baron, 6, Avenue Marceau, 8. arr.
www.clublebaron.com

Rex Club

The most important club for electronic music in Paris. The world’s best DJs can be experienced here on a regular basis. It’s the favorite spot of the Parisian club kids. Lines are insane, so make sure you get here early or buy your tickets ahead online (and be nice to the doorman).  Once you’re inside, let yourself get carried away by the amazing collective energy.
Rex Club, 5, Bd Poissoniere, 2. arr.
www.rexclub.com

L'Alimentation Générale

All-night bar with a preference for world music and the patrons are a motley crew, but this place is the bomb … provided you work in an NGO.
L'alimentation Générale, 64, Rue Jean Pierre Timbaud, 11. arr.  
www.alimentation-generale.net

Le Point Éphémère

Art center, restaurant, concert venue, exhibition space, nightclub... le Point Ephémère is all that crammed into one. Located on the bank of the very “BoBo” (bourgeois-bohème) Canal Saint Martin, it’s the meeting spot for hipsters of all ages from the Right Bank. Reasonable prices and free wireless Internet access. The terrace is delightful, so if the weather allows, you can devote yourself to the favorite pastime of the Parisians: Eyeing up people!
Le Point Éphémère, 200 Quai de Valmy, 10. arr.
www.pointephemere.org

Gay

Le Duplex

What the French would qualify as a “champagne socialist” place (meaning with a politically correct crowd), but very appealing. A cosmopolitan crowd crammed together, so after a few beers everybody talks to everyone – or even get to know each other more intimately. A great place for meeting new friends. And one of the best musical line-ups in the city.
Open from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays and before holidays from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Le Duplex. 25, rue Michel Le Comte, 3. arr.

Le cud

Free night club located in medieval caverns. A cosmopolitan and “friendly” crowd of all ages. Open all week until very late (or very early). Watch out, girls are unfortunately not always very well received here. Not too hard to make new “friends” here. If you’re into Madonna and Britney, you’ll be delighted.
Le Cud, 12, rue des Haudriettes
www.cud-bar.com

Links: www.nightfloor.com to check out what’s happening and the guest lists for all the best clubs in Paris.

By Katrine Salomon