La Flèche d'Or

Situated in the 19th arrondissement, one of Paris' easternmost quartiers, "La Flèche d'Or" is a must-visit indie music venue almost as infamous as it is enchanting. Appropriately named "The Golden Arrow" after one of the most frequented lines of the once train station, this bustling label hot-spot is a great place to witness burgeoning European talent and some of your favorite not-yet-forgotten American throwbacks. To the right of the stage is a mini salon-area with couches for resting your weary bones after a set of compelling new music and a view onto the old train tracks. To the left is the quintessential Parisian terrasse for smoking, socializing and a breath of fresh air between bands. The first time I set foot in the place was to play the 40th Anniversary party in February 2012. Here, the champagne flowed freely and the performance acts ran the spectrum from super hip to typical French avant-gardesque, complete with mimes and interpretive poetry - a testament to the artistic scope and heritage that it maintains. if it is musical discovery and an electric Parisian experience that you seek, look no further. You've come to the right place.

A hipster hotspot with greatest per capita of flannel shirts in all of Paris. This transformed train-station also boasts a small but raucous terrace packed with smokers during band changes. As a nostalgic touch, the bar serves (slightly overpriced) beers on tap in those infamous red plastic cups, a rarity in France, recognizable to a certain spectator. Spectators can luck out with cheap tickets to see major label mainstream bands or the next cult group. With concerts often promoted in partnership with the reputable French music blog, La Blogothèque, the programming is guaranteed to be eclectic with an international flavoring. Accordingly, clientele is not all flannel shirt wearing residents of the super branché 20e arrondissement, on any given night one can find a variety of ages and sartorial persuasions. Regardless, the ambiance is electric. A word to the wise: it is not uncommon to see some spectators with ear plugs. This is not necessarily ill-advised. The venue is usually brimming over with people and the music is LOUD.