Le Pompon

Canal St. Martin - 10eme, Paris –

A former synagogue may seem like an odd place for a Parisian hotspot like Le Pompon, but there are few, if any, hints left to point to the building’s past. Nowadays, in fact, the ground floor looks more like an aristocrat’s living room, the subterranean club gets bumping fast, and the stylish clientele is equal parts hipster and dance-happy scenester.

Stepping in from the street, patrons enter a vintage-styled barroom awash in wood paneled accents, old-school chandeliers, and subtle warm lights above the unlit fireplace. Early hours find local bobos chatting and ordering rounds from bartenders right out of the Abercrombie catalogue, while 10pm usually sees a bigger crowd heading downstairs to the tiny club for a considerably amped-up vibe.

The granny style continues below with walls accented by antique mirrors and sepia-toned photographs, a copper ceiling, and a dash of modernism thrown in thanks to the large red P that glows from the back of the quickly packed dance floor.

Though drink prices are on the steep side, there’s never a cover charge, so uninhibited fashion hounds can often be found grooving alongside grungy cool creative types as indie bands and electro-pop DJs get everyone on their feet.

No matter the night, guests will likely find a multinational crowd at Le Pompon perhaps because the venue’s mix of high-class cool and funky free-for-alls is a party language everybody can understand.