Discover the Best of Paris Folk Music
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Discover the best of Paris folk music by exploring the city’s vibrant music scene. From traditional ballads to modern pop songs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Paris Folk Music Scene
The Parisian folk music scene has something for everyone. There are many different types of folk music, from Celtic to gypsy, and there are many different places to enjoy it. Here are some of the best places to enjoy folk music in Paris.
Discover the best of Paris folk music
The Paris folk music scene is thriving, with a number of great venues and promoters showcasing the best in local and international talent. Here’s our pick of the best places to catch folk music in the city.
La Maroquinerie is one of the most popular folk music venues in Paris, and hosts a range of local and international acts. The acoustics are excellent, and there’s a cozy, intimate atmosphere that makes for a great night out.
Le Trianon is another top spot for folk music in Paris, with a large auditorium that’s perfect for live music. The soundsystem is top-notch, and there’s a good selection of bars and restaurants nearby if you need to refuel during the show.
La Cigale is one of the most iconic concert venues in Paris, and has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to Prince. It’s not exclusively a folk music venue, but it does showcase some great acts from time to time.
If you’re looking for something a little different, why not check out La Folia? This unique venue is located in an old church, and has an atmospheric feeling that’s perfect for live music. The acoustics are fantastic, and there’s a real sense of history here.
Learn about the different genres of Paris folk music
When it comes to folk music, Paris has a lot to offer. From traditional folk songs to more modern renditions, there is a genre and style of folk music for everyone to enjoy. Here is a look at some of the different types of Paris folk music you might encounter on your next visit to the city.
Traditional Folk Music
Traditional folk music is often passed down from generation to generation. In Paris, you can find traditional folk songs being performed in a variety of settings, from intimate cafes and bars to large concert halls. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of traditional Parisian culture, be sure to check out some of the city’s traditional folk music venues.
Modern Folk Music
Though it may be rooted in tradition, modern folk music has taken on a life of its own in recent years. In Paris, you’ll find a number of talented musicians who are putting their own spin on classic folk tunes. From upbeat and catchy melodies to soulful and reflective ballads, there is something for everyone within the genre of modern folk music.
Popular Folk Music Venues in Paris
No matter what type of Parisian folk music you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at one of the city’s many popular music venues. From well-known concert halls to hidden gem cafes, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy livefolk music throughout the city.
Find out where to hear Paris folk music
Paris has a vibrant and varied folk music scene, with concerts and festivals taking place throughout the year. If you’re a fan of folk music, here are some of the best places to enjoy it in the city.
The Association Fairs & Festivals is a non-profit organisation that promotes traditional music and dance from around the world. They host regular events at various venues across Paris, including concerts, ceilidhs (traditional Scottish dances), workshops, and more.
Another great place to catch some live folk music is at the Music Hall du Blanc-Mesnil. This intimate venue hosts regular concerts featuring both local and international acts, covering a wide range of genres including Celtic, Breton, Irish, world music, and more.
If you’re interested in learning more about Paris’s folk music scene, make sure to check out La Maison des Cultures et de la Cohésion Sociale de Clichy-sous-Bois et Montfermeil. This community centre offers regular workshops and classes on traditional folk instruments and dancing. They also host an annual folk music festival called Les Nuits de la Guitare de Clichy-sous-Bois et Montfermeil, which takes place every July.
The Different Genres of Paris Folk Music
When most people think of folk music, they think of American Folk music from the likes of Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie. However, there is a whole world of folk music genres to discover, including the folk music of Paris. Parisian folk music can be divided into a few different genres.
Traditional Paris folk music
also called “chanson réaliste” (literally “realist song”), is a musical genre from Paris that emerged at the end of the 19th century. It is characterized by its lyrical content, which often sheds light on the struggles of everyday life, as well as its simple and catchy melodies. Traditional Parisian folk music was highly influential in the development of other genres such as chanson réaliste, and it continues to be popular to this day.
Some of the most famous traditional Parisian folk songs include “Les Bouquinistes” (“The Booksellers”), “La Rue des Abbesses” (“The Street of the Abbesses”), and “Le Temps des Cerises” (“Cherry Time”).
Contemporary Paris folk music
Contemporary Paris folk music has its roots in the French folk revival of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The revival was spearheaded by artists like Georges Brassens, Jacques Brel, and Léo Ferré, who are credited with modernizing and popularizing traditional French folk songs.
Since the revival, Paris has become a hotbed for folk music, with a thriving scene that includes both traditional and contemporary acts. Contemporary Paris folk music is characterized by its diversity, with artists drawing from a wide range of influences including rock, jazz, pop, and world music.
Some of the most popular contemporary Paris folk artists include La Rue Kétanou, Les Ogres de Barback, and Louise Attaque. These acts have helped to keep the tradition of French folk music alive while also bringing it into the 21st century. If you’re looking to discover the best of Parisian folk music, these are some of the artists you need to know about.
Modern Paris folk music
The most recent wave of Paris folk music includes the work of artists like Yann Tiersen, Emily Loizeau, and . Although their music is very different from one another, they all helped to create a new sound for Parisian folk music.
Yann Tiersen is a classically trained musician who incorporates elements of Parisian folk music into his work. He is best known for his soundtrack to the film “Amelie”, which features many traditional French songs.
Emily Loizeau is a singer-songwriter who often writes songs about her experiences living in Paris. Her music has been compared to that of Jacques Brel and Edith Piaf.
Brigitte Bardot was a famous actress and model in the 1950s and 1960s, but she also recorded several albums of folk music. Her style was unique and her voice was often compared to that of a bird.
Where to Hear Paris Folk Music
When it comes to folk music, Paris has a lot to offer. From buskers on the street corners to world-renowned folk festivals, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy this genre of music in the city. If you’re looking to discover the best of Paris folk music, here are a few of the best places to start.
The best places to hear Paris folk music
The best places to hear Paris folk music are:
1. La Chope des Puces
2. Chez Emilienne
3. Le Zebre de Belleville
4. La Java
5. Les Bouquinistes
La Chope des Puces is a charming little bar located in the heart of the historic flea market district, Les Puces de Saint-Ouen. The bar has a cozy, intimate atmosphere and is decorated with vintage bric-a-brac, including an old upright piano that is often played by live musicians.
Chez Emilienne is a cheerful neighborhood bistro located in the bohemian district of Montmartre. The bistro has a lively atmosphere, and often features live music on weekends.
Le Zebre de Belleville is a popular jazz club located in the vibrant Belleville neighborhood. The club has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and features live music most nights of the week.
La Java is a legendary jazz club located in the former working-class district of Pigalle. The club has a long association with the jazz world and has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz over the years.
Les Bouquinistes is a cozy little bar located on the banks of the Seine River, near Notre Dame Cathedral. The bar is decorated with bookshelves filled with secondhand books, and often features live music on weekends.
The most popular Paris folk music venues
When it comes to music, Paris is most widely known for its classical and jazz scenes. But the city is also home to a thriving folk music scene, with venues scattered throughout the city. If you’re looking to discover the best of Paris folk music, here are some of the most popular venues to check out.
Le Popin
Founded in 2013, Le Popin is one of the newer folk music venues in Paris. Located in the 11th arrondissement, the small venue has a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The programming is eclectic, featuring both up-and-coming and established folk acts from France and abroad.
La Dame de Canton
Situated on the banks of the Seine in the 13th arrondissement, La Dame de Canton is one of Paris’ most popular folk music venues. The converted barge has a distinctly nautical theme, with wood paneling and brass fixtures throughout. The venue hosts both local and international folk acts, with a focus on traditional French chanson and Celtic music.
Le Triton
Located in Les Lilas, a suburb just northeast of Paris, Le Triton is another well-established folk music venue. The large space can accommodate up to 700 people, making it one of the biggest folk music venues in the city. In addition to featuring folk acts from France and elsewhere, Le Triton also hosts dance parties, film screenings, and other events.
Chez Oskar
Chez Oskar is a popular bar located in Montmartre that frequently features live music. While the focus is not solely on folk music, you can often find acoustic sets by local singer-songwriters taking place here. With its laid-back atmosphere and excellent selection of beers and wines, Chez Oskar is a great place to enjoy some live music in Paris.
The best times to hear Paris folk music
If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris during the fall or winter, head to La Dame de Canton. This charming barge-turned-bar is one of the best places in the city to hear live folk music. The music kicks off around 9 pm, but get there early to snag a spot by the stage.
Alternatively, check out Café Charbon. This hipster hangout is known for its live music, and folk bands often take to the stage on Thursday and Friday nights. Come early to snag a seat and enjoy somePeople watching as well as live music at this iconic Parisian café.
For a more low-key option, stop by Le Relais Saint Germain. This literary-themed bar often has live music, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two while listening to some talented local musicians.
