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A well-established favourite, in the heart of St-Germain (see St-Germain, Latin and Luxembourg Quarters), attracting a good mix of regular locals and curious tourists. Eat in the pleasant brasserie upstairs, then head to the basement for a music programme that relies heavily on old-fashioned Dixie-style jazz.

The Left Bank may be the traditional home of jazz clubs but this wood-panelled, velvet-seated club is firmly on the Right Bank, in the Les Halles district (see Beaubourg and Les Halles). The poster-covered walls illustrate some of the “greats” who have played here, and the club’s policy is still to bring in the best overseas jazz artists to play alongside home-grown talent.

Jazz, blues, Latin and African music are the mainstays at this tiny cellar club, which is low on space but high on volume. The Baiser was promoting World Music long before the phrase had been invented, and the eclectic approach has led to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It’s cheaper than many clubs, too.

There’s a great sense of history in this revered jazz club. It first opened its doors in 1947, since which time legends including Miles Davis and Billie Holiday have performed here. Today, however, it’s mostly local talent that you will see on stage. As well as music, there’s a relaxing bar and restaurant.

Neither Left nor Right Bank, this fairly new club has added some buzz to the Ile St-Louis. It’s jazz all the way, mostly swing but some modern jazz too, performed in a vaulted cellar. Bistro food is also available and there are lunchtime concerts on Sundays.

The jazz club par excellence actually serves up a wider range of music than its name suggests. Check what’s on as you might get blues, rock or even gospel music. There’s a heavy emphasis on visiting African-American musicians (Oscar Peterson has played here). A sophisticated experience.

An upstart by Paris standards, having opened in 1981. Its policy of embracing all kinds of music (jazz, blues, Latin, soul and the unclassifiable), not to mention inviting performers up from the floor, has led to a relaxed crowd of regulars.

The club that barely sleeps – the doors close at 2am, but open up again four hours later. You can just drink, or have a meal while listening to the live music, which is mainly big band jazz but on some nights takes in salsa, blues or rock.

Younger brother of the Montparnasse original, this club opened in 1971 and concentrates more on New Orleans-style swinging jazz. A fun atmosphere in this Latin Quarter cellar, together with a pleasant dining room in which to have a meal, just off the main stage area.

Don’t be fooled by its tourist-trap setting in the heart of the Latin Quarter – this venue is worth every penny of the entrance price. The building was once home to Knights Templar, and jazz has been played under the medieval vaults since 1947.