It is no exaggeration to say that Paris has something for every taste and every wallet. We are sure that you will find what suits you best quickly!
Que faire à Paris? This website lists concerts, special events, art exhibits, sports, etc. Plus, you get to practice your French while using this site. Scroll towards the bottom of the page to click on "Aujourd'hui" (Today), "Demain" (Tomorrow) and "Ce Week-end" (This weekend) for events happening soon.
Paris is a film lover’s paradise. Many cinemas show current and classic films, both foreign and French. The entry fees are usually between $10 and $14. Some cinemas offer a cheaper rate (tarif réduit) for students or people under 26 with an ID that has your birth date on it. Note: VO (version originale) are films in the original language with French subtitles and VF (version française) are dubbed into French.
La Cinémathèque française: A temple for film buffs. Here you will be able to watch 100 year-old films, as well as the most recently awarded at the Cannes film festival. Plus, the building is in itself an architectural wonder. 12 rue de Bercy, Paris 12e. Métro 6, 12: Bercy.
mk2: In this chain of theaters you can find commercial and independent movies, and if you don’t want to go too far you’ll be able to find one near your dorm.
UGC: The theaters are also all over Paris and you’ll find most of the films that are already out.
Gaumont Pathé: A third option for watching the most recent releases, with 14 theaters around the city.
Cinéma en Plein Air: If you like cinema and also enjoy being outside, there is a free open air film festival at la Villette Park. An ideal plan could be to have a picnic in the late afternoon and stay there until the film starts at nightfall. At the end of the movie the metro can get a bit crowded so it might be a good idea to leave a few minutes before the end, or at least have everything ready to go directly to the metro once it ends. Parc de la Villette: 211 avenue Jean Jaurès, Paris 19e. Métro 5: Porte de Pantin, 7: Porte de la Villette.
There are also quite a few small neighborhood cinemas scattered around the Latin Quarter, like the Cinéma Le Champo, Le Grand Action and many others.
Where to start? Paris has an exceptional choice of nightspots, only a few of which can be listed here:
Le Lido, one of the most famous and extravagant shows. Open every day from 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM. Dinner & Show every day at 7:00 PM. Champagne & Show at 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Matinées: Lunch & Show at 1:00 PM (according to calendar). Champagne & Show at 3:00 PM (according to calendar). You must make reservations in advance.
116 avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris 8e - Métro 1: George V
Le Moulin Rouge, legendary cabaret in Montmartre. Twice nightly at 9 PM & 11 PM. Show $92, Dinner + Show from $184.
82 boulevard de Clichy, Paris 18e - Métro 2: Blanche
Mix Club, international club. Top 40, Latin, Euro music. Student night on Thursdays: free entrance before midnight.
24 rue de l’Arrivée, Paris 15e - Métro 4, 6, 12, 13: Montparnasse-Bienvenüe
Péniche Concrete, world-famous techno artists and emerging Parisian DJs come here. Dress well, as the bouncers are a bit picky. Once every two weeks, the boat is open on Friday and Saturday nights, and on alternate weekends is open from 7 AM on a Sunday until 2 AM the next morning.
69 port de la Rapée, Paris 12e - Métro 10: Gare d’Austerlitz
A note of caution : If you plan to go out to clubs or dancing, we suggest that you go in a group of at least several students. Carry ID, a little cash (just the money you plan to spend that evening), your Navigo card and perhaps one credit card. Women should be aware that in some dance clubs or bars, men may be more aggressive than in the U.S. Going out in a mixed group is advisable. Always be in control of your situation and do NOT venture into far-away locations no matter how charming the invitation may seem. Better safe than sorry !
Le Caveau de la Huchette, very close to the dorms, “this medieval cellar has been a mainstay for over 60 years. Jazz shows are followed by early-hours performances in a swing, rock, soul or disco vein…“
5 rue de la Huchette, Paris 5e - Métro 4: Saint-Michel
• Festival Fnac Live, free music festival for Parisians, July at the Hôtel de Ville.
Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, Paris 4e - Métro 1, 11: Hôtel de Ville