Paris isn’t just about wine and dimly lit cafés-its nightlife has a loud, singing, glitter-filled side.
If you’ve ever walked down Rue des Martyrs or near Place de la République on a Friday night and heard someone belting out Edith Piaf or Bruno Mars through an open door, you’ve stumbled into one of Paris’s best-kept secrets: karaoke bars that don’t just play music-they make you part of it.
Forget the quiet bistro nights. Parisian karaoke spots are where strangers become duet partners, coworkers turn into rockstars, and even the most reserved visitors end up screaming the chorus of "Livin’ on a Prayer" in front of a crowd of cheering locals. These aren’t tourist traps. These are real places where the energy is raw, the drinks are cheap, and the vibe is unforgettable.
Le Petit Bain: Where the Seine Meets the Mic
Perched on the banks of the Seine near the 13th arrondissement, Le Petit Bain is the kind of place you’d miss if you weren’t looking for it. No neon signs. No line out the door. Just a converted barge with string lights, wooden benches, and a tiny stage that’s always in use.
They don’t have a huge song list-just over 500 tracks-but what they lack in quantity, they make up for in personality. The staff don’t hand you a tablet. They ask you what you want to sing, then they find it. One night last December, a group of Japanese tourists sang a full set of J-pop hits while a French couple in matching sequined jackets belted out "Don’t Stop Believin’" with zero shame. The crowd clapped along. Someone bought them all shots of Chartreuse.
Open until 2 a.m. on weekends, it’s the only karaoke bar in Paris that lets you book a private barge session. It’s perfect if you’re celebrating a birthday, a promotion, or just the fact that you made it through another week.
Bar des Artistes: The OG of Parisian Karaoke
Open since 1998, Bar des Artistes in the 11th arrondissement is where Parisian karaoke began. It’s not fancy. No fancy cocktails, no Instagrammable walls. Just a small room, a decent sound system, and a DJ who’s been spinning karaoke tracks since the days of VHS tapes.
What makes it special? The regulars. You’ll see the same faces every Thursday night: a retired opera singer who only sings Puccini, a group of retired firefighters who do AC/DC covers like they’re on tour, and a 72-year-old grandmother who belts out Lady Gaga like she invented it.
The cover charge? Just €5. You get one free drink-usually a glass of house wine or a can of Kronenbourg. They don’t take reservations. You show up, grab a seat, and wait your turn. If you’re shy, don’t worry. By the third song, everyone’s singing with you.
La Belle Équipe: Karaoke with a Cocktails Twist
Don’t let the name fool you-La Belle Équipe isn’t your grandma’s karaoke bar. It’s a sleek, modern cocktail lounge in the 10th arrondissement that turns into a karaoke hotspot after 9 p.m. on weekends.
They have a digital songbook with over 2,000 tracks, including rare French pop from the 80s, K-pop, and even some Bollywood hits. The sound system is studio-grade. The lighting shifts with the mood-red for ballads, strobe for rock.
What sets it apart? The drink menu. Each song you pick comes with a themed cocktail. Sing "La Vie en Rose"? You get a rose-infused gin fizz. Do "Billie Jean"? A blackberry bourbon smash. It’s playful, it’s clever, and it makes the whole night feel like a performance.
It’s pricier than the others-€12 cover, drinks from €14-but if you want karaoke with a Michelin-starred cocktail vibe, this is your spot.
Le Comptoir Général: Karaoke in a Jungle-Themed Time Capsule
Step into Le Comptoir Général in the 10th arrondissement and you feel like you’ve wandered into a forgotten colonial explorer’s attic. Animal skulls hang from the ceiling. Vintage maps cover the walls. A piano sits in the corner, covered in dust and half-finished drinks.
They host karaoke every Saturday night at 10 p.m. No announcements. No flyers. Just a sign that appears on the chalkboard: "Chantez!"
The song list? Wild. You’ll find everything from French chanson to Metallica to traditional Senegalese folk songs. The crowd is eclectic: artists, students, expats, and a few tourists who got lost and stayed for the music. There’s no stage. You just stand up wherever you are and sing. Someone always grabs a tambourine. Someone else starts dancing. Someone else brings you a glass of red wine without asking.
It’s messy. It’s loud. It’s the most Parisian karaoke experience you’ll ever have.
La Laiterie: Hidden Gem in Montmartre
Tucked behind a bakery on Rue des Martyrs, La Laiterie looks like a cozy café during the day. At night, it transforms. The lights dim. A small karaoke screen pops up on the wall. The owner, a former jazz drummer, flips a switch, and the room turns into a 1970s-style lounge.
They only do one genre per night: French pop on Tuesdays, rock on Fridays, soul on Sundays. The song list is curated-not random. You won’t find "Despacito" here. But you will find rare tracks by Françoise Hardy, Johnny Hallyday, and Alain Souchon.
They don’t let you pick your song. You tell the bartender what mood you’re in, and they pick one for you. It takes the pressure off. You don’t have to be the best singer-you just have to be willing to try.
And yes, they serve real milkshakes. With bourbon.
What to Expect When You Go
Karaoke in Paris isn’t like karaoke in Tokyo or New York. There’s no corporate branding. No host with a headset. No scoreboards. No judging. It’s raw. It’s personal. And it’s deeply French.
You won’t find karaoke on weekdays unless it’s a special event. Most places only open for karaoke Friday through Sunday. Start late-most bars don’t even turn on the mic until 9:30 p.m. And don’t expect English-only songs. Even the expat-friendly spots have at least 40% French tracks.
Pro tip: Bring cash. Many of these places don’t take cards after midnight. And if you’re going with a group, arrive early. Seats fill up fast, especially in winter.
Why Karaoke in Paris Works
Parisians don’t sing to be perfect. They sing to connect. To laugh. To remember who they are outside of work, bills, and the rain.
There’s a reason these bars have survived for decades. It’s not the sound system. It’s not the drinks. It’s the fact that in a city known for its elegance, these places let you be ridiculous-and still feel loved.
Next time you’re in Paris, skip the rooftop bar. Skip the crowded wine bar. Find a place where someone’s off-key, sweating, and grinning like they’ve just won the lottery. Join them. Sing your heart out. You’ll leave with a sore throat and a story you’ll tell for years.
Are karaoke bars in Paris expensive?
It depends. Bars like Bar des Artistes charge just €5 with a free drink. La Belle Équipe costs €12 and includes themed cocktails. Most places don’t charge extra to sing-you’re paying for the atmosphere and drinks. You can easily spend €20-€30 for the night, including two drinks and a snack.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy karaoke in Paris?
No. Most venues have English songs, and locals are used to tourists singing. Some bars, like Le Comptoir Général, even encourage non-French songs. You’ll find tracks from Taylor Swift, Queen, and BTS alongside Edith Piaf and Serge Gainsbourg. The vibe is welcoming regardless of language.
What’s the best night to go for karaoke in Paris?
Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest and most fun. If you want a quieter experience, try Thursday at Bar des Artistes or Sunday at La Laiterie. Weekdays rarely have karaoke unless it’s a holiday or special event.
Can I book a private karaoke room in Paris?
Yes-but only at a few places. Le Petit Bain offers private barge bookings for groups of 4-12 people. La Belle Équipe lets you reserve a corner booth for karaoke sessions after 10 p.m. Most other bars are first-come, first-served. Book ahead if you’re with a group.
Is karaoke in Paris safe for solo travelers?
Absolutely. These bars are friendly, well-lit, and located in safe neighborhoods. Locals are curious, not judgmental. If you show up alone, someone will ask you what you want to sing. You’ll leave with at least three new friends.
