Written by: Michael Arnold

The Eiffel Tower at Sunset

Every year thousands of tourists flock to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, trek through the decorated halls of the Louvre, and marvel at the fantastic gardens of Versailles. The “city of love,” however, contains much more than meets the eye. Paris has a wild nightlife that is often overshadowed by its famous museums and monuments.

For a rather low price, one can easily find a venue that combines the glam of New York and the ease of the Greek Islands.

Le Duplex, a 2-floor underground club just a few blocks from the Arc de Triomphe, hosts different themed parties every night of the week throughout the year. One can expect crowds to arrive around 11:30 p.m. and party until the sun rises.

The lines move quickly, the staff is always friendly, and the entrance fee – which includes 2 drinks – is usually only 10 euro! Inside of the club one can find several DJs playing all different genres of music. Awesome light shows illuminate the place throughout the night creating a mind-blowing atmosphere.

Another gem on the outskirts of the city is Café Oz at Denfert Rochereau. This Australian themed bar turns into a bass pumping club when the sun goes down.  At around 11 p.m. the staff moves the tables in the center of the room creating a dance floor, and by midnight the Aussie bar is, quite literally, packed.

Party at Café Oz

If the typical nightlife experience is not enough, Paris has plenty of clubs that are off the beaten path. Les Chandelles, a club with the facade of a dungeon, admits an unusual clientele. Ordinarily women arrive in lingerie or provocative outerwear. Men are encouraged not to come alone, as this club is known to be one of the more selective in the city.

The interior lives up to its name – translating to “the candles”- as the room is strewn about with hundreds of candles. It is adorned with chic bedroom furniture that creates an intimate ambiance.

While venues like Les Chandelles are certainly not for everyone, some prefer not to attend clubs at all. Luckily for these types, Paris itself transforms into a different place at night. During warm weather months, Parisians congregate along the River Seine with wine – which is often cheaper than bottled water – and cheese.

Friends gather to eat and drink and watch street performers or admire the magnificent architecture on all sides of them. In the summer, high class Parisians commandeer boat parties that circle the Seine all night long, as commoners look on from bridges and streets.

Regardless of the season, Paris is a wonderful and multi-faceted city. Its incredible cultural attributes need no explanation, and its nightlife scene far surpasses that of many other cities.

No wonder it’s the most visited place in Europe!

Drinks at sunset