Book your place and you will be able to observe at first hand the ballet of the skilful hands of a pianist or the face of a saxophonist taking a breath. And – why not? – at the end of a set, go up and ask them politely to sign their album for you. Jazz clubs encourage listening and attention, the golden rule for the audience is discretion. People come above all to listen, although you are very free to enjoy a drink. Every club has its identity, linked to the selections of the house organizer who draws up a bill each month in which regular favourites alternate with new talent.

Rue des Lombards : Paris has its jazz highway, a stone’s throw from the Place du Châtelet, on the Rue des Lombards. In the space of 50 square meters, three of the capital’s main clubs – which each have their own atmosphere and live in harmony – have existed together for quarter of a century. Once a month, the "Paris Jazz Club" initiative makes it possible to move between them with a single ticket. Sunset-Sunside is split in two: at the top, at street level, Sunside, with a cosy ambience and filtered lighting, offers the best in current acoustic jazz, up-and-coming New York stars and big French names; at the bottom, in the basement, Sunset, vaulted and tiled in an urban style, welcomes more electric, fusion and groovy styles. Just next door, the  Baiser Salé is the meeting place for night owls: its bar and terrace remain open very late. The first floor is decorated in Latin, African and Caribbean colours… jazz invites world music to share the stage. And the Duc des Lombards, recently entirely renovated, with a carefully put together menu, welcomes authentic legends and the best representatives of modern jazz in elegant, black and blue surroundings.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés/Latin Quarter: The Left Bank was the centre of post-war jazz, and although the legendary Club Saint-Germain closed its doors long ago, the Latin Quarter numbers clubs which retain the memory of the period when jazz was primarily a dance music. This is true at the legendary Caveau de La Huchette where, since 1946, in an authentic medieval stone cellar, a dance floor is the place to be for those itching to dance to syncopated rhythms.
At the Petit-Journal Saint-Michel the ambiance is also nostalgic, with a programme aimed at fans of Dixieland and old style jazz. In this student district, two reasonably priced venues should be noted: the Caveau des Oubliettes, a pub which hosts numerous jam sessions (blues, funk, fusion or jazz depending on the day of the week), and the Café Universel, a friendly bar which shows off young talents and vocal jazz. There is a more chic ambiance at Chez Papa, Rue Saint-Benoît, where it is possible to dine traditionally listening to excellent pianists with their trio or accompanying a singer through a repertoire of set pieces.