Caveau de la Huchette

The Basics

Enjoy a night at Le Caveau de la Huchette as part of a walking tour that covers the city’s storied Jazz Age and its current vibrant scene. Stop at legendary haunts in Les Halles, the Latin Quarter, and St-Germain-des-Prés such as Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore, Club St-Germain-des-Prés, La Chat Qui Pêche, and Le Duc des Lombards. Round out a perfect day with dinner and live jazz concert.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Le Caveau de la Huchette is an ideal spot to see great live jazz performances.
• The crowd is typically a mix of locals and tourists.
• Dress code is, at the minimum, smart casual. No shorts or sneakers in this house of jazz.
• Entry is about US$15.xa0
• In the basement, rolicking swing dancers take over the dance floor.

How to Get There

Le Caveau de la Huchette is located on rue de la Huchette in Paris’s 5th arrondissement, also known as the Latin Quarter. Take Métro line 4 or RER B or C to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, or line 10 to Cluny - La Sorbonne. The club is less than a block south of the Seine.

When to Get There

Le Caveau de la Huchette is open nightly. Friday and Saturday nights the club stays open later, usually until 4am. Come during the week to beat the crowds, coming on weekends for maximum people-watching. Live performances typically begin at 9:30pm. Lovers of jazz might want to plan their trip around the excellent springtime jazz and blues festival, Banlieues Bleues.

Le Caveau Torturous History

What began as a medieval cellar became a meeting place of the Rosicrucians and the Templars in the 16th century, then a secret lodge with subterranean passages leading to Châtelet and Saint-Séverin in the 18th century. During the Revolution, the lower level was a torture and execution chamber, and a courtroom for trials, while upstairs people drank, sang, and argued about liberty; Robespierre and the like, among them. Original swords, muskets, and even a chastity belt of the epoch decorate the walls.

Ways to explore

You can’t get advance tickets or reservations for a night out at Le Caveau de la Huchette. Instead, simply show up in time for one of the three live music sets held each evening, pay the cover charge, and grab a seat in the first-come, first-served basement club. For a greater insight into the celebrated venue and its roster of famous artists, join a music-themed tour and hear stories of the Beat Generation poets, musicians, and artists who once partied there.

Accessibility

Not accessible for wheelchairs; the narrow stone stairs that lead to the bar may be difficult to navigate for those with limited mobility.

Age limits

Accompanied minors may attend the live show, but you must be 18 to purchase alcohol.

What to pack

Camera, photo ID

What to wear

Smart-casual clothes you can dance in

Not allowed

Large bags

Amenities

Bar, coat check, restrooms

Address

Le Caveau de la Huchette is located on rue de la Huchette in Paris’s 5th arrondissement. It’s easily reached on foot from the Ile de la Cité or the Latin Quarter, or by public transport from anywhere in Paris.

Driving

With heavy traffic and exorbitant parking fees, driving in central Paris is best avoided if possible. Most locals prefer to travel by metro, but if it’s after 2am, opt for a taxi.

Public transportation

Take metro line 4 or RER B or C to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or line 10 to Cluny - La Sorbonne, both just a few minutes walk from the venue.

Best times to visit

Seating is limited, and there are no reservations, so arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime to secure your spot. On popular evenings, arrive an hour before.

Best days to visit

Friday and Saturday nights are the liveliest times to visit and often have the best-known bands. However, the cover charge is slightly cheaper mid-week, and there’s a greater chance of getting a seat.

Best months to visit

The venue hosts live music every night of the year, so there’s never a bad time to visit. For a more local vibe, visit any month except July and August.