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Nightlife  :  Bars
Not only is Paris the city of light, but of sound, music, dance, and revelry. In fact, most any big-city diversion you could conceive of is available in France’s capital. Relaxed bar-cafes, high-tech dance clubs, and mellow jazz haunts fit your mood like a well-worn glove, promising good times in any format. Cabaret venues deliver a dose of vibrant entertainment, and pubs prove to be more than just the domain of the British Isles. Progressive Paris also promises a wealth of nighttime opportunities for gay men and women, mostly in the Marais neighborhood. Trend-setting is a regular pastime for young club-goers along rue Oberkampf, and the Bastille area courts folks intent on an evening of fun. If money’s not an issue, the Champs-Elysées features plenty of high-priced places and attracts lots of tourists. Buddha Bar, with its signature Asian icon, is great for people-watching, and La Flèche d'Or boasts terrific live music and alternative ambience. If you simply want to dance, Paris’s top choice is Queen, nominally a gay venue but one of the city’s best (and most packed) places to groove and be beautiful, no matter your inclinations.

Buddha Bar
8-12, rue Boissy d'Anglas, Paris  75008 • 01 53 05 90 00
Description: 8ème ARRONDISSEMENT. Subtly lit and lorded over by an enormous buddha, this temple-like establishment stays at the forefront of Paris cool. While folks come to indulge in the Asian-inspired cuisine, many take advantage of the ambience at the cocktail bar, checking out the beautiful patrons and their style-conscious activity. Although meals and drinks can be pricey, the atmosphere is without compare. In addition, top DJs ably deliver mood-setting tunes that underscore the scene � if you like, you can even buy a CD to take along. METRO: Concorde

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Café de l'Industrie
16 and 17 (across) rue Saint-Sabin, Paris  75011 • 01 47 00 13 53
Description: 11ème ARRONDISSEMENT. L'Industrie was the first "bricole" in Paris, and it still serves great Parisian food. Prices are reasonable, whether you're ordering a meal or just a cocktail. The interior features Harcourt Studio photography. An all-around pleasant place to visit. Live jazz on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. METRO: Bréguet-Sabin (line 5) or Bastille (lines 1, 5, 8)

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La Casbah
18-20, rue de la Forge-Royale, Paris  75011 • 01 43 71 04 39
Description: 11ème ARRONDISSEMENT. This chic bar always plays the hottest music in a trendy environment. Cushions everywhere: orange, brown and violet tones; it feels like being in 1001 Nights! It attracts mostly a young crowd and is always bursting with energy. It's definitely not the place to go if you want to relax with a drink and some quiet conversation. An unforgettable experience! Traditional Moroccan food is served in the restaurant. METRO: Ledru-Rollin, Faidherbe-Chaligny (line 8)

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La Fontaine
1, rue de Charonne, Paris  75011 • 01 47 00 58 36
Description: 11ème ARRONDISSEMENT. This little red bistro is friendly and pleasant, whether you have a small meal or nurse a cocktail while you socialize. Sit outside on the terrace for a relaxed evening, or sit inside amid classy decor and enjoy the music and a glass of wine or a well-mixed drink. METRO: Bastille (lines 1, 5, 8), Ledru-Rollin (line8)

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Le Doobie's
2, rue Robert-Estienne, Paris  75008 • 01 53 76 10 76
Description: 8ème ARRONDISSEMENT. A beautiful and spacious bar-restaurant by the Champs Elysées. During the day, Le Doobie's is a great place to dine (Thai and Italian specialities); at night, it's ideal for hanging out at the bar for a drink until late. Both locals and tourists frequent the place. Although it's a nice place to enjoy brunch on Sunday (service at Noon and 2pm), you'll never be hungry enough to try every dish among the French croissants and pâtisseries, bacon and eggs, pancakes, crêpes, quiches and fruit. METRO: Franklin-D-Roosevelt (lines 1, 9)

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Barrio Latino
46 Rue du Faubourg St Antoine, Paris  75011 • 01 55 78 84 75
Description: 11ème ARRONDISSEMENT. For the early birds: The Barrio Latino closes at 2am, but offers a lot of bang for your buck. This is one of the friendlier joints in Paris – the city that bites back. Wrought-iron ceilings and velvet sofas greet an eclectic mix from students to office workers. Those who simply came for a drink may find themselves drawn onto the dance floor by its relaxed atmosphere. METRO: Bastille

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Kong
1 Rue du Pont-Neuf, Paris  75001 • 01 40 39 09 00
Description: It's good to be the king ... Kong has a lot going for it: an interior created by the French designer-to-rule-them-all, Philippe Starck, and a glammy style like a Japanese schoolgirl's trinket-box. However, the views are its most seductive traits: of the Parisian skyline and the seemingly endless supply of model patrons. Shine up your chic, as entry is extremely competitive. METRO: Pont-Neuf

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