The Paris Traveler

Caveau de la Huchette

by Lynn on April 30th, 2007

If you’re a jazz lover like me, then be sure to stop in at the Caveau de la Huchette. This isn’t your typical jazz dive as you will see as you go down into the caves. They date back to the middle-ages (before 1551) and were the meeting places for secret societies such as the Rosicrucians, the Templers, and the Free-Masons. During the revolutionary period of 1789 this place was known as the “Cave of Terror” where trials were conducted and executions took place.

The walls are decorated with arms from that era, swords, muskets, there’s even a chastity belt. As I said, not your typical everyday jazz club to say the least! Still, the Caveau de la Huchette has been entertaining music lovers for over sixty years. Some of the best have performed here; Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Art Blakey, and Memphis Slim, to name a few.

Live entertainment begins after 10 p.m., no reservations required. They’re open every night, Sunday to Wednesday from 9:30 til 2:30 a.m. Thursday, thru Saturday they stay open until dawn. There’s an entrance fee of 11€ during the week, 13€ on week-ends. Students under 25 pay 9€. Drinks run from 4.50 for non-alcoholic beverages, 5.50 for beer, and 6€ for everything else except champagne.

If you’re on a budget you can always drop in after 2 a.m., Thursday thru Saturday when there’s no cover charge and drinks start at 5€. Music is swing, rock, soul, R&B, and disco. Have fun, but not too much, you may see a ghost or two! (Just kidding,…. or am I?)

Caveau de la Huchette
5 rue de la Huchette
75005 Paris
tel. 01.43.26.65.05
fax. 01.40.51.71.70
Métro: Saint-Michel

Photo Credits: Flickr

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POSTED IN: Food & Beverage, Fun & Quirky Places, Night Life, Things To See & Do, Uncategorized