The Banlieues Bleues, one of the biggest jazz festivals in the Paris area, is an eclectic, lively festival, featuring all kinds of jazz, from traditional to contemporary, European to American blues and soul.
From March 14-April 18.

www.banlieuesbleues.org/

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This little gem which chronicles the lives of George Sand and Chopin is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Lovely autre epoque atmosphere with a delightful period tea room. Worth discovering.

16 rue Chaptal , Metro St. Georges

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Formerly near metro Filles de Calvaire, Ground Zero records, at 23 rue Ste Marthe, in the 10th, is an excellent shop, specialising in indie, post-rock and leftfield.

It stocks lots of vinyl and carries fliers for gigs. It's a million miles away from the megastores.

en.groundzero.fr

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Studio de l`Ermitage is in Montelimontant - easy to access by metro; to me it was a mixture of where I imagine locals in the know would go, a whiff of old Paris and a private fantasy all rolled into a laid back music venue.

The night I went there was a bal musette, and these are organised on a monthly basis, among an interesting programme of old, new and live music - some partygoers dressed for the occasion to add to the ambience, but if you hadn't, you didnt feel out of place.

The atmoshere was lively, with a fantastic sense of enjoyment and fun. People of all ages danced together and it was a treat to watch and be part of something reflecting the spirit of Paris.

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For jazz lovers, the grave of Adolphe Sax (November 6, 1814 – February 4, 1894), a Belgian musical instrument designer and musician (clarinetist), best known for inventing the saxophone is in Cimetière de Montmartre.

Montmartre cemetery, 37 Avenue Samson.

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If you want an authentic French cabaret experience, not quite the Moulin Rouge more like Jacques Brel with sequens, try Au Lapin Agile in Montmatre. It will be an unforgettable evening!

You will be ushered into a room and sat on a milking stool, given cherry liquer and treated to a few hours of French chanteuse cabaret. Everyone but you will know the words, you will blush but clap along and pretend to be singing along too. On the way out you will be offered CDs by local Parisien singers of dubious origin. It's an amazing, and amazingly french, experience not to be missed!

www.au-lapin-agile.com/

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For all you music lovers out there, take advantage of the annual (and national) Fête de la Musique where the streets of France become stages for free, live music.

Whether your interests lie in classical and jazz to hip hop and electronica, there is something for everyone. The city turns into a festive street party, it's loads of fun!

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Pack the black polo neck sweater and head for the Franc Pinot which is one of the most amospheric jazz clubs in Paris. Listening to live music with the natural acoustics of the old vaulted stone cellars on the Ile St Louis in the heart of Paris is a 'must' if you're a fan of jazz, swing and beebop. Arrive after 9pm. Franc Pinot. 1, Quai de Bourbon.

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Classical music is often played by young musicians under the arches of Place des Vosges, a real treat to enjoy lovely music in one of my favourite Paris squares!

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Stunningly beautiful decor and fabulous music. Come and have just the one drink, unless you're loaded, and take in this Parisian beauty. And buy a cd on the way out. La Suite is highly recommended.

239 rue St-Honore
Paris, 75001
Telephone: (00 33 1) 4244 5000

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Arguably one of the world's most famous opera houses. On its busiest night, I decided to gamble and walk in ten minutes after the start of the Saturday 7pm performance of (...I honestly can't remember, but it featured a nun who had renounced her vow of celibacy and was sung in German...).

I asked, using my basic French vocabulary for the cheapest ticket available. Three minutes later, I was in the 'Gods', in a packed Bastille, watching opera with Paris glitteraty ... for €5, yes FIVE EUROS. It was fantastic. I recommend anyone gambles!

L'Opéra de Paris-Bastille, 120 rue de Lyon 75012 Paris France ... It's at the Bastille!

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