Paris isn’t just about croissants and candlelit dinners. When the sun goes down, the city wakes up with a different kind of energy - loud, fun, and full of singing strangers who suddenly become best friends. If you’re looking for a night out that’s more fun than a museum tour and way less stuffy than a Michelin-starred tasting menu, karaoke is your answer. And Paris has some of the most lively, unpretentious, and downright hilarious karaoke bars in Europe.
Why Karaoke in Paris Works
Forget the idea that Parisians are all serious and silent. The truth? Once you get past the first impression, Parisians love to let loose. Karaoke bars here aren’t just for tourists. Locals show up after work, on weekends, even during lunch breaks if they’ve had a rough day. The music is a mix of French pop, English classics, and global hits. You’ll hear Edith Piaf right after Adele, then a full-throated rendition of ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ from a guy in a beret.
What makes these places special isn’t the sound system (though most are surprisingly good) or the fancy lighting. It’s the vibe. No one judges if you can’t hit the high note. In fact, the worse you sing, the more people cheer. That’s the Parisian rule: authenticity over perfection.
La Cigale
Located in the 18th arrondissement near Place de Clichy, La Cigale is one of those rare spots that feels like a secret until everyone finds out about it. The building used to be a 19th-century concert hall, and you can still see the old frescoes on the ceiling. The karaoke nights happen every Thursday and Saturday starting at 9 p.m.
They don’t have a big screen with lyrics - you get a printed booklet with the songs and chords. It’s old-school, and it works. The crowd is a mix of expats, students, and locals who’ve been coming for years. The staff brings free shots around 11 p.m. if the energy dips. The crowd sings along so loudly you forget you’re not on stage at Bercy.
Pro tip: Go early if you want a good seat. By midnight, the place is packed, and the line to sing stretches out the door. Don’t be shy - the host will pull you up if you’re smiling too hard.
Le Petit Bain
Le Petit Bain isn’t your typical bar. It’s a floating venue on the Seine, just past the Bir-Hakeim Bridge. The interior is industrial-chic: exposed pipes, wooden decks, and big windows that let in the city lights. Karaoke nights are on Fridays and Sundays, starting at 8:30 p.m.
The playlist is curated by a local DJ who knows exactly what gets people moving. You’ll find everything from Daft Punk to Coldplay, with a heavy dose of 90s R&B. The sound system is top-tier, and the acoustics on the water make even off-key singers sound surprisingly good.
What sets this place apart? The view. Singing ‘I Will Always Love You’ while the Eiffel Tower sparkles behind you? That’s the kind of memory that sticks. They don’t charge a cover, but drinks are pricey - so bring cash and plan to stay late. The last boat back to shore leaves at 2 a.m., and people often miss it.
Bar de la Marine
Hidden in the 13th arrondissement, Bar de la Marine feels like a neighborhood dive bar - if your neighborhood had a stage, a mic, and a crowd that sings like they’re in a Broadway musical. This place doesn’t advertise karaoke. You just show up on Wednesday nights and see the mic stand set up near the back.
The playlist is all digital, but the vibe is raw. No fancy lighting. No glitter. Just a small crowd of regulars who know every lyric to Mylène Farmer and Queen. The owner, Marie, doesn’t take reservations. She just says, ‘Come when you’re ready to sing.’
Most people start with one song. Then they stay for three. The bar runs on a ‘pay what you want’ system for drinks after 10 p.m. - and the karaoke is always free. It’s the kind of place you stumble into and never want to leave.
Karaoke La Gare
Right next to Gare du Nord, Karaoke La Gare is the go-to spot for travelers and locals who want to blow off steam after a long day. It’s open until 4 a.m. every night, and the karaoke room is always full.
The room is soundproofed, private, and stocked with snacks, soda, and beer. You pick your song from a touchscreen, and the system even lets you adjust the key if you’re struggling. It’s perfect if you’re not confident singing in front of strangers.
They have over 10,000 songs in 15 languages, including Japanese, Korean, and Arabic - a nod to the international crowd that passes through the station. The staff speaks English, French, and Spanish, so you won’t get lost trying to find ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s reliable. If you’re jet-lagged, hungry, and need to scream your heart out, this is your place.
Le Comptoir Général
This one’s different. Le Comptoir Général isn’t a bar - it’s a cultural space. Think African art, vintage furniture, and a garden full of fairy lights. Karaoke nights happen on the second Saturday of every month, starting at 8 p.m.
The music here is eclectic: Congolese rumba, French chanson, reggae, and classic rock. You’ll hear a 70-year-old woman belt out ‘I’m a Survivor’ while a teenager sings ‘Blinding Lights’ in perfect pitch. The crowd is quiet at first, but once the first song ends, the room explodes.
They serve African-inspired cocktails and grilled plantains. No one cares if you’re off-key. They care if you’re there. It’s less about performance and more about connection. If you want to feel like you’re part of something real, not just a tourist attraction, this is it.
What to Expect When You Go
Parisian karaoke bars don’t operate like the ones in Tokyo or New York. There’s no host in a sequined jacket. No waiting list. No apps to book slots. You just walk in, order a drink, and wait for the mic to be free. Most places let you sign up on the spot.
Don’t expect English-only playlists. Even in tourist-heavy spots, French songs dominate. But most places have English options - just ask the bartender. If you’re nervous, start with something simple: ‘Let It Be,’ ‘Hey Jude,’ or ‘I Will Survive.’ Everyone knows those.
Bring cash. Many places don’t take cards after 10 p.m. And wear something comfortable - you’ll be standing, dancing, and probably singing with strangers by midnight.
Best Time to Go
Weekends are packed. If you want space to breathe and a real chance to sing, aim for Wednesday or Thursday. That’s when locals go - not tourists. The energy is higher, the crowd is more relaxed, and the drinks are cheaper.
Arrive before 9 p.m. to get a good spot. Most bars start karaoke around 9 or 10, and the first hour is when the best singers show up. Don’t wait until 11 - you’ll be stuck in line behind five people who only know ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and think they’re Freddie Mercury.
What Not to Do
Don’t try to be the loudest. Parisians hate show-offs. If you’re the one screaming through ‘Sweet Caroline’ while everyone else is sipping wine, you’ll get side-eye, not applause.
Don’t skip the French songs. Even if you don’t understand them, try. The locals will respect you for it. And if you mess up the pronunciation? They’ll laugh with you - not at you.
Don’t expect silence between songs. In Paris, the crowd sings along. Even if you’re terrible, you’re not alone. That’s the point.
Final Thoughts
Paris karaoke isn’t about being good. It’s about being there. It’s about laughing with strangers, singing badly in front of people who don’t care, and realizing that music - no matter how off-key - brings people together.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on a date, or a group of friends who just want to let loose, one of these bars will give you a night you won’t forget. No tickets. No reservations. Just a mic, a song, and a city that’s waiting for you to sing.
Are karaoke bars in Paris expensive?
Most karaoke bars in Paris don’t charge a cover fee for singing. Drinks are the main cost - a beer or cocktail usually runs €8-€12. Some places, like Bar de la Marine, let you pay what you want after 10 p.m. Le Petit Bain and La Cigale are pricier but worth it for the vibe. You can have a full night out for under €30 if you stick to beer and snacks.
Do I need to book a karaoke room in advance?
No. Most places don’t take reservations for karaoke. You just show up, order a drink, and sign up when the host calls for singers. The only exception is private rooms at Karaoke La Gare - those can be booked for groups. For everyone else, it’s first come, first served.
Can I sing in English at Paris karaoke bars?
Yes, but French songs dominate the playlists. Most bars have English options, especially in tourist areas. Ask the bartender or check the touchscreen system. If you’re unsure, pick classics like ‘Hotel California’ or ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ - they’re always available.
What’s the best night to go for a fun crowd?
Wednesday and Thursday nights are the best. Locals go then, not tourists. The energy is real, the crowd is relaxed, and you’re more likely to get a turn to sing. Weekends are packed and noisy - great if you want to party, but harder to actually sing.
Is karaoke in Paris safe for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Parisian karaoke bars are some of the friendliest spots in the city. People are welcoming, the atmosphere is playful, and the staff keeps things light. As long as you’re respectful and don’t act like a show-off, you’ll be fine. Just stick to well-lit areas when leaving late.
