7 Vinyl Bars in Paris: An Analogue Revival
In an era dominated by digital streaming, the resurgence of vinyl records offers a nostalgic journey back to the tactile pleasures of analogue sound. This revival mirrors the growing appreciation for film photography, scrapbooking, and other “hands-on” experiences, as enthusiasts seek authenticity and warmth in a world increasingly defined by pixels and screens.
Since 2007, the global vinyl revival has been undeniable. In France, between 2016 and 2021, vinyl sales volumes and revenues tripled. By 2023, sales had reached 5.5 million units, matching CD sales in revenue due to vinyl’s higher retail prices.
Many of Paris’s beloved vinyl bars draw inspiration from Japan’s listening bar (or “kissa”) tradition, which began in Tokyo in the 1950s. These were intimate, dimly lit cafés where patrons gathered not to talk, but to truly listen. Powered by high-fidelity audio systems and curated vinyl libraries, listening bars created spaces for immersive, contemplative musical experiences.
This concept resonates deeply in France – a country that, like Japan, places a high value on artistic expression, language, and cultural heritage. It’s no surprise that this cross-cultural dialogue has found fertile ground in Paris, where vinyl bars now thrive as hubs of analogue charm.
Whether you’re a devoted audiophile or a curious newcomer, here are seven standout vinyl bars in Paris that blend curated sound with coveted settings.
1. Bambino
📍 25 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 75011 Paris
Excitable and elegant, Bambino offers a sublime audiophile sound system, curated vinyl DJ nights, and provides the perfect spot to wine or dine. When the restaurant tables are moved to the side later in the evening, it’s time to absorb yourself in the music and dance!
2. Notre Dame Music Bar
📍 6 Rue Émile-Lepeu, 75011 Paris
A cozy, music-focused bar featuring an extensive vinyl collection. Enjoy craft cocktails and high-fidelity audio in a relaxed atmosphere with a nostalgic refurbished sound system. Hip and cool, but with no sign of pretension, make this a welcoming and wonderful spot.
3. Doublevie
📍 2 Rue Poulet, 75018 Paris
Tucked away in the 11th arrondissement, doublevie is a festive, Mediterranean resto-bar that transforms at night into an ultra cool dancing spot with an eclectic rotation of records spun by guest DJs. Once the food service has ended, it’s the perfect place to boogie.
4. Montezuma Café
📍 15 Rue Notre-Dame des Victoires, 75002 Paris
An intimate jazz bar offering a menu with fresh ingredients, natural wines and analogue evenings. Offering listening sessions accompanied by good wine and an even better atmosphere, this spot offers an unparalleled auditory experience.
5. Stereo
📍 43 Rue Notre-Dame de Lorette, 75009 Paris
Dimly lit and illuminated by the fluttering of candles, Stereo is a gem hidden a stone’s throw from lively Pigalle making it the perfect spot to hang before hitting the dancefloors. Whether your passion is natural wines or vinyls, this place is for you.
6. Fréquences
📍 20 Rue Keller, 75011 Paris
Fréquence offers a unique experience with records stacked behind the bar and inventive cocktails. The interior features a scrubbed wooden bar and floor-to-ceiling windows that open on warmer evenings. At around midnight, Fréquences becomes a dancing bar which brings the crowds, so make sure to get there early!
7. Le Discobar
📍 92 Rue Rébeval, 75019 Paris
A joyful spot in the 19th arrondissement, Le Discobar offers a colourful atmosphere with a curated selection of vinyl records and beautiful cocktails. With a terrace at the front, and a dancefloor at the back, this is undoubtedly the coolest evening location in the 19th.
These establishments not only celebrate the vinyl revival but also offer unique atmospheres where music, culture, and community converge. Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl enthusiast or a newcomer, Paris’s vinyl bars provide a rich tapestry of sound and experience waiting to be explored.
Lead photo credit : Wine bottles. Photo: Keita Kuroki / Flickr
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By Poppy Pearce
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