Copyright © 2012, CityRoom, Inc.

Outside of Laparizienne, the new “it”-spot in Paris

Because of the “fickle” nature of us Parisians, Paris is a city with very few “old establishments.” Even venues like ” Castel,” (private Rive Gauche nightclub founded 50 years ago in 1962), which seemed like it would never lose its ultra-select reputation, took a nose-dive recently. Chez Castel is now considered ultra-naze (“naze” = French for “low class”), and its old regulars now go across the street to the fashionable “Montana” (small, private club frequented by French celebrities and foreign stars).

Not only do chic places turn sour with the years in Paris, but every single season is important in this city. There are distinct fall venues, winter hideouts, springtime clubs, and summer party-places. Summer is the shortest season in Paris since the city closes down in August (a majority of Parisians leave come August 1st to sun themselves for the entire month in Spain, Italy, Greece, or on the Riviera). So if you are going out in August, expect to find smaller crowds and lots of tourists.

The ghost-town despair that is felt in August by tourists as well as by Parisians who actually have to work in August must be suffered through. But if you are lucky enough to still be in the city at the beginning of September when “la rentrée” arrives, your mood will shoot to the sky. After August, September in Paris feels like one long mardi gras!

La rentrée (French for “the return” [specifically the return from the "grandes vacances"), is no-doubt the most exciting time to be in the capital. Fashion shows and parties are everywhere, and Parisians flock to the high-class hangouts to reunite with friends and show off their beach tans.

Roman and Val of Paris Guestlist, and Sam of Sam Events, have selected several new places (and a few old venues) where you can find the fashionable crowd in Paris this summer 2012. Remember, summer goes until late September, so don't be discouraged if these places are closed in August. If you get bored, take a train down to Cannes, and come back in September when Paris is at its best.

Laparizienne (Place du marché Saint-Honoré)
The newest address everyone is talking about. If you only try to get in to one venue in Paris, it should be this one. Best idea is to book for dinner and stay late. Dress nice!

Chez Didine (Tuileries Gardens)
Inexpensive, casual-dress (for Paris-standards, which still means "dress with taste"), communal tables... all these make for a festive place to hangout in summertime. Chez Didine is in the northeast corner of the Tuileries (if you don't find it, go to the ferris wheel and ask someone). No one is ever sure when the closing party chez Didine will happen. If you go and Didine's is closed, you can stroll down to the nearby river and look for a party on a boat, or take a cab up to Trocadero to party at Palais de Tokyo.

Hot Summer Nights in Paris (Assorted outdoor events during the summer)
If you are Paris on the weekend (Thurs-Sat), you will want to try Bagatelle (Important: Verify there is a party at Bagatelle before spending money and wasting time in a taxi [parties at Bagatelle are sporadic and it's all the way out in Bois de Boulogne]). Our favorite event outside in Paris won’t come again until Summer 2013. It’s a word-of-mouth nighttime picnic called “Soirée Blanche” (“White Party”). If you want to attend this, you’ll need to make friends with a Parisian in-the-know and wait for him or her to give you the details. If you want a good lively cafe in the summer, La Palette and Bar du Marché in St Germain are the best, along with La Perle in the Marais.

Chilly Weekday Nights in the Summertime (Summer indoor events, for chilly nights and at the beginning of the week.)
If you are Paris in the summer and the weather calls for a jacket, head for an indoor nightspot like “Raspoutine,” “Le Baron,” or the best: “Montana” (these places are almost impossible to enter if you don’t know a DJ, party organizer, or “it”-girl or guy in Paris. So if you are a lost tourist, the best place to party discotheque-style on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday is the classic: “Le Queen.” If you are a tourist who wants to mingle with locals, but still fit-in and–most importantly–have fun, this club on the “Champs” is perfect. Check the schedule!

Early at the Matignon, before it fills up with its nightly clientele of very fashionable Parisians.

Relaxed Drinks for Those Dressed Nice (All dressed up but in no mood to dance? Try these places for drinks.)
Hotel Costes remains in fashion despite a few new Costes addresses that leave a lot to be desired. The two best are the main “Hotel Costes” (rue du faubourg Saint Honoré), and the “Matignon” (owned by Costes). Ladies: don’t forget high-heels. Gentlemen: don’t forget show polish!

Special thanks to Paris Guestlist, and Sam Events,