1ER ARRONDISSEMENT. This jazz joint draws big-name musicians and a crowd of music lovers. The interior features musical instruments and photos. A local hot spot. METRO: Châtelet-les Halles

11èME ARRONDISSEMENT. Café de la Danse seats up to 500 people for a wide variety of shows, and concerts are presented almost every evening. Representative performers who have appeared include Cornu, Tortoise, and Cornershop. METRO: Bastille (lines 1, 5, 8)

8èME ARRONDISSEMENT. This bar-restaurant is all-American. In fact, you can regularly expect to find an American rock band on stage (either up-and-coming or established). The bar offers American food and drinks, but be prepared to wait, because there's always a crowd. On Sunday afternoons, live gospel music is a special treat. METRO: Franklin D. Roosevelt

18èME ARRONDISSEMENT. Add a little spice to your life by visiting Elysée Montmartre and experiencing one of their live music shows! The place is beautiful, at human scale, located in a building from the 19th century. From salsa to reggae nights, the club offers top music events, and crowds are always vivacious. You'll even get the chance to see new bands in the making or confirm your fondness for popular French bands who frequent the stage. METRO: Anvers (line 2)

18èME ARRONDISSEMENT. This former concert hall is now a great place to attend a rock concert or even catch a jazz performance. Thanks to an expansive balcony, a trace of its former Italian theater function, it holds a massive crowd of 1900, yet in an intimate atmosphere. However, many club-goers prefer to stand in the orchestra area and dance to the music. METRO: Pigalle (lines 2, 12)