Paris isn’t just about wine and croissants-it’s got a thriving comedy scene that’s loud, weird, and totally worth your night out.
If you think Paris is all quiet cafés and serious art galleries, you haven’t been to a comedy club after 10 p.m. The city’s stand-up scene has exploded over the last five years, fueled by bilingual performers, expat comics, and French comedians who’ve mastered the art of turning awkward social situations into punchlines. You don’t need to speak fluent French to laugh-some of the best shows mix English and French with physical humor, props, and wild audience interactions.
Forget the tourist traps. The real comedy heartbeat of Paris beats in dimly lit basements, converted bookstores, and hidden courtyards. Here’s where to go if you want to laugh until your sides hurt.
Comedy Café: The OG of Paris Stand-Up
Open since 2012, Comedy Café in the 10th arrondissement is the oldest continuously running English-language comedy club in Paris. It’s not fancy-just a small room with folding chairs, a single spotlight, and a mic on a stand. But it’s where most international comics cut their teeth before hitting bigger stages.
Shows run every night, usually starting at 9:30 p.m. The lineup changes weekly, but you’ll often see performers from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. One regular is American comic Dan Sadowsky, who’s been doing weekly sets here for over seven years. He’s known for his bit about trying to buy cheese in Paris without sounding like a tourist-and it always kills.
Entry is €10-€15, and drinks are reasonably priced. No reservations needed unless you’re bringing a group of six or more. Show up early if you want a seat near the front. The crowd? Mostly expats, travelers, and curious locals who’ve heard the buzz.
Le Comptoir Général: Comedy in a Jungle-Themed Bar
Step into Le Comptoir Général in the 10th and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a forgotten colonial explorer’s lounge-complete with taxidermy, hanging vines, and a giant wooden boat in the corner. This place is part bar, part museum, part performance space.
They host weekly comedy nights called La Nuit du Rire (The Night of Laughter), usually on Thursdays. The vibe is loose, the energy is electric, and the performers? Often French comics who’ve never done English shows before. It’s raw, unpredictable, and hilarious when it clicks.
One standout was comedian Amélie Lacroix, who did a set about trying to explain French bureaucracy to her American boyfriend. She used a real CAF form as a prop. The audience was screaming. You don’t need to understand every word-just watch the facial expressions and the way she slams her hands on the table.
Entry is free before 11 p.m., but you must buy a drink (minimum €8). The place fills up fast, so get there by 9 p.m. if you want to avoid standing in the back.
La Cité des 1001 Nuits: Underground Comedy in a Hidden Courtyard
Hidden behind an unmarked door near Place de la République, La Cité des 1001 Nuits is a secret comedy space that only opens on weekends. You need to RSVP via Instagram or their WhatsApp group. No website. No tickets online. Just a code word whispered to the bouncer.
It’s a courtyard turned into a makeshift theater with string lights, cushions on the floor, and a stage made of stacked crates. The shows are improvised, experimental, and sometimes chaotic. One night, a comic brought a live chicken on stage. Another, a group did a 20-minute improv based on audience-submitted childhood memories.
This isn’t for everyone. But if you want to see comedy that’s never been recorded, never been repeated, and might never happen again-you’ll love it. Shows start at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Entry is €12. Bring cash. And don’t be surprised if you’re asked to participate.
Le Petit Bain: Comedy on a Boat
Imagine sitting on a floating barge on the Seine, sipping a glass of wine, while a comic tells you about their disastrous first date in Montmartre. That’s Le Petit Bain.
This converted barge hosts monthly comedy nights called Comedy on the Seine. The setting is magical-city lights reflecting on the water, the sound of boats passing by, and the occasional duck floating by during a punchline. The lineup features top French comics who’ve won awards at the Avignon Festival and Montreal’s Just for Laughs.
It’s not all stand-up. Sometimes it’s sketch comedy, sometimes it’s spoken word with live jazz. One memorable night ended with a comic impersonating a Parisian metro attendant yelling at a tourist for not validating their ticket-in perfect, exaggerated French.
Shows are on the last Saturday of each month at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are €20 and sell out weeks in advance. Book early. Dress casual. Bring a light jacket-it gets chilly on the water.
Le Trabendo: Where French Comedy Goes Global
Le Trabendo, tucked under the railway arches in the 19th, is one of Paris’s most respected venues for live performance. They host everything from jazz to theater, but their comedy nights are where the real magic happens.
Every Tuesday, they run Comédie en Liberté, a bilingual showcase featuring French comics who’ve toured internationally and English-speaking comics who’ve lived here for years. The crowd is a mix of locals, diplomats, and comedy nerds who come every week.
One of the most talked-about acts was Moroccan-French comic Karim Benhaddou. He did a 40-minute set comparing French and Moroccan parenting styles-using only a chair and his voice. The room went silent, then erupted. He’s now booked for festivals across Europe.
Entry is €12-€18. Doors open at 8 p.m. Arrive by 8:30 to get a good seat. The venue doesn’t take reservations, but they hold 20 seats for walk-ins. If you’re serious about comedy, this is the place to watch the next big name.
What to Expect: Language, Timing, and Tips
You don’t need to speak French to enjoy most shows. Many clubs offer English or bilingual sets. Look for events labeled English Night or Comedy in English. If you’re unsure, call ahead-most places have someone who speaks English.
Start times are usually later than you’d expect. Shows rarely begin before 9 p.m. and often run past midnight. Don’t plan to leave before 11:30 unless you’re on a tight schedule.
Tip: Always tip the comic. It’s not mandatory, but it’s expected. Drop €5-€10 in the basket. Most comics rely on tips-they’re not paid by the venue.
Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking between venues. Parisian clubs are scattered. The 10th, 11th, and 19th arrondissements are your comedy hubs. Metro lines 5, 7, and 11 connect them all.
Where to Find the Latest Lineups
There’s no central calendar. You’ve got to dig a little.
- Paris Comedy Club on Instagram (@pariscomedyclub) posts weekly lineups and last-minute changes.
- Le Comptoir Général updates their events page every Monday.
- Facebook groups like “Comedy in Paris” and “Expats in Paris” have daily posts about open mics and surprise shows.
- Check Le Petit Bain’s website-it’s the only one with a real calendar.
Also, ask your hotel concierge. Many know about underground shows that never get advertised online.
Why Paris Comedy Is Different
Parisian comedy isn’t polished like New York or London. It’s messy, bold, and sometimes uncomfortable. French comics don’t fear silence. They’ll pause for 10 seconds after a punchline, letting the absurdity sink in. American comics bring their fast-paced energy. The result? A wild, unpredictable mix that you won’t find anywhere else.
One expat comic told me: “In Paris, if you make someone laugh, they’ll remember you for years. If you make them cry? They’ll invite you to dinner.”
That’s the vibe. It’s not just entertainment. It’s connection.
What Not to Do
- Don’t record videos without asking. Most comics hate it. They’ve seen too many clips get stolen and posted without credit.
- Don’t talk during the set. Parisians take comedy seriously-even if it’s silly.
- Don’t assume all shows are in English. Many are 100% French. Check the description.
- Don’t show up late. Doors close at showtime. No exceptions.
Respect the space. The comedy scene here is small. People talk. You’ll hear about the tourist who yelled during a set. You don’t want to be that person.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy comedy in Paris?
No, but it helps. Many clubs offer English or bilingual shows, especially at Comedy Café, Le Petit Bain, and Le Trabendo. Look for events labeled "English Night" or check the lineup online. Physical comedy and exaggerated expressions translate well-even if you miss the words.
How much do comedy shows in Paris cost?
Most shows range from €10 to €20. Some, like Le Comptoir Général, are free with a drink purchase (minimum €8). Le Petit Bain and special events can go up to €25. Always check if drinks are included-most aren’t.
Are there open mic nights in Paris?
Yes. Comedy Café hosts an open mic every Wednesday at 8 p.m. Le Trabendo has one on the first Thursday of the month. You need to sign up in advance-spots are limited. Bring a 5-minute set. No props allowed unless you ask first.
Is it safe to go to comedy clubs in Paris at night?
Yes. The main comedy venues are in safe, well-lit neighborhoods like the 10th and 19th arrondissements. Avoid walking alone through dark side streets after midnight. Stick to metro lines 5, 7, and 11-they run until 1:30 a.m. on weekends. Taxis are cheap and easy to find via Bolt or Uber.
What’s the best night to go for comedy in Paris?
Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest and have the best lineups. But if you want a more intimate crowd and lower prices, try Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Le Trabendo and Comedy Café often have surprise guests on those nights.
Next Steps: Plan Your Night
Start by picking one venue-Comedy Café if you want reliability, Le Comptoir Général if you want atmosphere, or Le Petit Bain if you want something unforgettable. Book ahead for Le Petit Bain. For the rest, just show up early.
Bring a friend. Share the experience. Laugh loud. And don’t be surprised if someone invites you for a drink after the show. That’s Paris. Comedy isn’t just a show-it’s how people connect here.
