Like most people, I spent the vast majority of my teenage years drinking trashy cocktails and dancing to even trashier music in Marbella, Val do Lobo, Zante and other such, ahem, lively destinations. But despite these resorts’ reputations for being nonstop party places (amongst other less flattering things) I’ve personally found that none of them even compare with the after dark antics on offer in Paris. It is a city that apparently sleeps only on Monday mornings (works for me!) and whether you choose to go clubbing until dawn or simply spend the night enjoying fine wine in a lovely brasserie, you wont find anywhere where the bars are open later or the clientele chicer than the French fashion capital. Plus if offered the chance to dance the night away with a fabulous Frenchmen, who in their right mind would opt for a sunburnt brit instead?
Bateau Concorde Atlantique
Port Solferino, 23 Quai Anatole France, 75007, Paris
The Bateau Concorde Atlantique is, you guessed it, a club on a boat. In other words, it’s awesome. Not only is it ridiculously easy to find moored on the Seine just by St Germain de Pres, the novelty of the main dancefloor being technically under water just never seems to wear off. If spending the evening bumping and grinding with a bunch of other tourists isn’t your cup of tea then definitely head down to Le Bateau as here the clientele is almost soleley made up of native Parisians letting loose to electro beats mixed by world famous dj’s. The club has no dress code but whether you turn up in 6 inch platforms or trainers it really doesn’t matter as despite being so-hip-it-hurts there’s something refreshingly relaxed and non-judgemental about Le Bateau that almost guarantees a good time. One word of advice though, drink a LOT before you go as the club has a strange policy of charging €15 euros for any drink regardless of its’ content.
Cha Cha Club
47 Rue Berger, 75001, Paris
Cha Cha Club is Paris’s much, much chicer answer to the likes of Whisky Mist and Maddox in London. Think similar prices (aka hideously expensive) but far cooler clientele, music and general ambiance with a luscious interior that reeks of decadance, luxury and very bad behaviour. The club also caters to smokers as only the French know how with it’s fabulous, indoor, velvet sofa filled smoking lounge. In terms of dress code there’s a very strict no trainers, no jeans policy but aside from that I’d go for evening glamour with a high fashion edge.
Queen Club
Avenue Champs-Elyseés, 75008, Paris
Located right in the middle of the hell that is Avenue Champs-Elyseés, Queen is unashamedly tacky and tourist friendly but also a whole lot of fun. Go on a monday night for “Disco Queen” where you can boogie the night away to the likes of Michael Jackson, Abba, Diana Ross and Sister Sledge. No one’s pretending it’s trendy, but if you’re in the mood to dance there is no better place in Paris than Queen.
Au Bonheur Des Dames
46 Rue de Ponthieu, 75008, Paris
 |
| My friends and I enjoying the freebies at Au Bonheur Des Dames… |
What I am about to tell you may seem too good to be true but trust me, it isn’t. Every Thurday night Au Bonheur Des Dames opens its’ doors to girls only until 11pm and during those male-free hours allows its’ female clientele to enjoy unlimited food and drink on the house. I know it seems impossible that such a magical place exists but I have experienced it first hand and not only is Au Bonheurs’ extreme version of “ladies night” very real, but it’s also a recipe for the wildest (or at least, drunkest) night out you’ll ever have in your life. At first I was a little cynical about a) what kind of club would willingly give away free champagne and more importantly b) what kind of potentially sleazy men would join as when the clock struck 11. Well, on both counts I was pleasently surprised. Not only was the club well designed with comfy booths and an enormous dance floor, but when L’hommes poured in they were for the most part gorgeous, charming and extremely generous. Free drinks, beautiful boys and endless dancing… Now if that’s not a recipe for un soireé parfait then I just don’t know what is!
Love Ella. X
