ENTERTAINMENT PARIS
Paris’s cabarets, cinemas, theaters, and concert halls can satisfy all tastes and desires. The bibles of Parisian entertainment, the weekly Pariscope and the Officiel des Spectacles (both ‚0.40), on sale at any kiosk or tabac, have every conceivable listing. Pariscope includes an English-language section.
FREE CONCERTS
For listings of free concerts, check Paris Selection, free at tourist offices. Free concerts are often held in churches and parks, especially during summer festivals, and are extremely popular, so plan to arrive at the host venue early. The American Church in Paris, 65 quai d’Orsay, 7eme, sponsors free concerts (Sept.-May Su 6pm; 01 40 62 05 00; M: Invalides or Alma Marceau). Eglise St-Germain-des-Pres also has free concerts; check the info booth just inside the door for times. Eglise St-Merri, 78 r. St-Martin, 4eme, is also known for its free concerts (Sept.-July Sa 9pm, Su 4pm; M: Hotel de Ville); contact Accueil Musical St-Merri, 76 r. de la Verrerie, 4eme ( 01 42 71 40 75; M: Chatelet). Concerts take place W-Su in the Jardin du Luxembourg’s band shell, 6eme (01 42 34 20 23); show up early for a seat or prepare to stand. Occasional free concerts are held in the Musee d’Orsay, 1 r. Bellechasse, 7eme ( 01 40 49 49 66; M: Solferino).
CONCERT VENUES
Le Bataclan, 50 bd. Voltaire, lleme (01 43 14 35 35). M: Oberkampf. An 800-person concert space and cafe-bar that hosts the likes of Metallica, Oasis, Blur, and Prince, as well as indie rock bands. Tickets start at ‚15 and vary with show. Call for schedules and reservations. Open Sept.-July. MCV.
La Cigale, 120 bd. Rochechouart, 18eme (01 49 25 89 99). M: Pigalle. One of the 2 large rock clubs in Pigalle, seating 2000 for international indie, punk, and hard-core bands. Also stages modern dance shows. Music starts 8:30pm, box office open M-Sa noon-show-time. Concerts ‚15-35. MCV.
L’Olympia, 28 bd. des Capucines, 9&me (01 55 27 10 00; www.www.olympiahall.com). M: Opera. The oldest music hall in Paris. The Beatles and Sinatra played here, and it’s still going strong and drawing big-name acts. Box office open M-Sa 9am-7pm. Tickets ‚25-60. MCV.
