Update: This club has closed permanently
Le Showcase
Under the Pont Alexandre III, 8th (Right Bank)
M° Champs-Elysées-Clemenceau
Plenty of room to boogie under the stone arches of the Pont Alexandre III.
Rare is the Parisian night spot that’s big enough to keep the smoke out of your eyes and actually allow you to circulate without feeling like you’re being felt up by everyone along the way. Le Showcase is pretty darned cool not only because it’s built into the arches under the Pont Alexandre III (the gilded statue bridge between the Grand & Petit Palais and Invalides), but also because it’s huge and has plenty of leather Chesterfield seating.
The best soirées are monthly for the Ullmann Cabarock (live rock bands; we saw Koacha, pictured here) or the Kararocké nights (live karaoke band). There’s always a line after midnight, so get there early if you hate standing in line behind the metal barriers like cattle. And either be on the list (check out th website), or be able to act as if you are.
Les Candiennes Lily and Sophia (et moi) at Le Showcase
Lively, youngish preppie crowd, don’t be afraid to overdress. Entrance usually free before midnight (depending on soirée), coat check €2.