Le Bataclan

Bastille / Oberkampf - 11eme, Paris –

Formerly a classic theater, Le Bataclan is now a small, intimate venue that books many up-and-coming bands and has been known to host the likes of Prince and other renowned performers.

A general admission ticket provides access to the ground floor area right in front of the stage, which puts patrons within easy reach of both the musicians and the relatively quieter bar in the back.

For a secured seat with an elevated, panoramic view of the stage, however, it’s best to get tickets for the wraparound balcony.

And if the live music isn’t enough, on the occasional weekend, Le Bataclan transforms into a funky techno club with a largely gay scene.