About Badaboum
Badaboum is a unique multi-space venue in Paris’s 11th arrondissement, combining a live-concert hall, late-night club, and on-site restaurant/cocktail bar (girlsfrance.vip) (www.timeout.com). Opened in late 2013 on the site of the former Scène Bastille, it was founded by local nightlife figures (Aurélien Delaeter, Benoît Chaldoreille and Aurélien Antonini) and immediately aimed to “shake up” the scene (www.sortiraparis.com) (www.parisbouge.com). Its name literally mimics a loud bang (“badaboum”), reflecting the energetic, “industrial-chic” vibe inside. Designers preserved a raw, retro-industrial décor (high ceilings, exposed brick and metal) while adding vintage furnishings, a cocktail lounge and even a secret upstairs “batcave” bar (www.timeout.com) (www.parisbouge.com). The main hall holds about 350 people in an intimate standing-room space with the stage at roughly floor level (www.timeout.com). This means every guest is close to the action: there are no separate balconies or distant seats, and even tough crowds can see and hear the acts up close. A Paris Convention Bureau guide aptly describes Badaboum as “a concert hall, a club and a cocktail bar in the Bastille district” (girlsfrance.vip), highlighting its hybrid nature. Over time it has become a beloved local institution: not flashy or enormous, but carefully curated (girlsfrance.vip). Many reviews note that it “hits that sweet spot” of intimacy, great sound and a motivated, dance-focused crowd (girlsfrance.vip). In short, Badaboum matters as a creative hub in the Bastille area – bridging Parisian live music with cutting-edge club culture under one roof.
Events and Programming
Badaboum’s programme is split mainly between live concerts early in the night (typically 7–11pm) and club parties late at night (usually midnight–6am on weekends) (xceed.me) (www.timeout.com). Weeknights often feature indie, pop, rock or electronic bands on the small stage. The venue promotes eclectic billings: its concert series spans from catchy French pop to electropop, post-punk, experimental hip-hop and beyond (badaboum.paris) (badaboum.paris). In fact, in 2023 the curated concert programme set out “to highlight hybrid projects that blur genres” – mixing hyper-pop, techno, indie-rock and queer aesthetics (badaboum.paris) (badaboum.paris). Two recurring themes are the women-led “Les Femmes s’en mêlent” showcases and the “Fraîche Pop” nights, among others, spotlighting emerging French and international acts. Since 2023 a new artistic director (ex-Sarcus Festival co-founder Noé Thoraval) has been booking bold talents across global pop and club subcultures (badaboum.paris) (badaboum.paris).
After the live acts finish, Badaboum’s main hall turns into an underground club. The programme shifts to house, techno, disco, electro and left-field dance nights. Resident DJs and visiting stars share the decks. Recent seasons have brought luminaries of the electronic scene – for example, winter/spring 2025 hosts include Helena Hauff, Detroit legend DJ Stingray 313, DJ Tennis, Avalon Emerson and many more (ra.co) (ra.co). In early 2024, the spring schedule featured Black Loops, Moxie, Dr Banana, DJ Seinfeld and label showcases, alongside brand-new Sunday “BDM” techno parties (ra.co) (ra.co). Regular local residents – names like Dylan Dylan, Jeremy Underground, Yuko Kakizawa and others – hold weekly or monthly label nights, often inviting guest DJs (for instance CC:DISCO!, Spray or NTS collectives) (ra.co) (ra.co). On DJs’ nights, the vibe ranges from floor-filling house to deep techno; on other nights they mix in retro disco or indie-dance sets. In all cases, the sound system is central – engineers tune it for a warm, punchy low end that lets you feel the bass without it turning achingly loud (girlsfrance.vip) (sexparis.net). Lighting is kept moody rather than blinding, creating an intimate, clubby atmosphere (girlsfrance.vip). In short, Badaboum lives up to its motto by hosting diverse nightlife: early-evening concerts spotlight inventive, genre-crossing acts, and after-hours club sets keep Paris dancing until dawn.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets are generally sold in advance for both concerts and clubs. You should buy from official channels (the venue’s site, event organisers or authorised ticket agents) once dates are announced. For well-known DJs and weekend parties, tickets often go on sale a few weeks before and can sell out fast; conversely, smaller midweek shows may remain available closer to the date. Cover charges range widely with the event: on a regular weeknight it’s often only about €10–20, whereas a big headliner or Saturday can be €20–30 or higher (sexparis.net). Concert-only shows (early evening) typically cost around €18–35, while club nights (midnight onward) set their own door prices. Usually there are two ticket types: one for the concert portion and one (or a combined pass) for the club night. Check if you’re getting a “concert only” ticket or an all-night pass – sometimes you’ll need an extra ticket after the show if the party continues into the morning (sexparis.net).
Popular events do not allocate unlimited door sales. Badaboum keeps some capacity for walk-up entry, but it’s never guaranteed. Travel guides note that if a party is buzzing, it can sell out in advance (girlsfrance.vip). If you’re banking on tickets at the door, aim to arrive before midnight (often around 12:15–1:00am is ideal for easier entry without a long line (sexparis.net)). Door staff screen for ID and may be selective; mixed smaller groups tend to get in more smoothly than large crews (sexparis.net) (girlsfrance.vip). To be safe, pre-book online for in-demand nights – that way you avoid waiting in line and risk. Once you have e-tickets, save the QR code offline: the club’s basement can have patchy reception, so having the code ready on your phone is wise (sexparis.net).
Typically the venue is cashless or card-friendly. Most people tap their credit/debit card at the bar (Bastille venues mostly went cashless by 2024 (sexparis.net)). As a precaution, it’s still smart to keep a small amount of coins or bills for emergencies (phone chargers at bars, a cab home, etc.). There aren’t often any box-office counters in daytime; the “box office” is essentially the door on show nights. So plan ahead and use official websites or apps. Newcomers sometimes ask about resale: avoid ticket guess and illegal sites. If a popular night sells out, set up alerts on reputable resale platforms or arrive extra early in case of any late releases (sexparis.net).
Seating and Layout
The venue is fundamentally general admission: there is no fixed seating for events. The main concert/club hall is a single open floor. Early in the night (concert mode), the stage area is well lit and a few bar tables or benches along the edges may be used by performers or VIPs, but most guests stand near the stage. For live shows the stage is only slightly raised above the dancefloor level (www.timeout.com), so sightlines are good even at the back. (Some sources describe it as an intimate space – “350-person concert space… stage almost at crowd level” (www.timeout.com).) Late at night, the same room is used for clubbing; lights are dimmed and the full floor becomes the dance area.
Within the room, the left- and center-front sections tend to have the strongest bass and sound (sexparis.net). Many people stand there to get the full effect. If you prefer clearer vocals or less pounding bass, the mid- or side sections can be better. Because the hall isn’t enormous, a single vantage usually has decent acoustics – those front-left or mid-center spots are often called “sweet spots” by regulars (sexparis.net). By contrast, directly against the side walls or too far back might slightly muffle the experience, though you’d still be well within earshot.
There is an upstairs lounge/cocktail area that overlooks or is adjacent to the floor, which can function as a semi-VIP spot. It’s furnished with seating and vintage décor. This room may be viewable to restauranteurs earlier in the night or used for special table service later, but for general attendees it’s mainly a common area that offers some distance from the dancefloor. The cloakroom (vestiaire) is usually located near the entrance; most nights it costs only 2–3€ per coat/item (sexparis.net). Two or three bartenders are stationed around the main floor (often one near the entrance and another on the opposite side), making drinks accessible without straying too far. Because it’s standing-room, good footwear is recommended. Some know-it-all tips: arriving early for concerts gives you front-row placement, while for club nights arriving around 12:30am hits the energetic peak without as long a wait (sexparis.net). Avoid scheduling late bathroom or cloak trips during peak sets (usually after 2am) to stay on the dancefloor.
Getting There and Parking
Badaboum is at 2 (bis) rue des Taillandiers, in the heart of the Bastille area (11th arrondissement). It is extremely well served by public transport: the Bastille Metro station (lines 1, 5 and 8, plus RER A) is about a 4–5 minute walk north from the venue (www.timeout.com). The Ledru-Rollin Metro station (line 8) is roughly 5 minutes to the south (xceed.me) (www.timeout.com). From either station, exiting toward Rue de Charonne or Boulevard Richard Lenoir will bring you to Badaboum’s street. Several bus lines also stop nearby at Place de la Bastille (for example, routes 20, 69, 76, 86, 87 among others), enabling easy daytime approach. Taxis and ride-share cars can stop on rue des Taillandiers or the adjacent broad Boulevard de la Bastille – just be aware it’s a narrow urban street. In general, drop-offs are easier at Bastille roundabout or along Boulevard de la Bastille, then walk one block in.
Street parking around Bastille is limited and usually paid (pay-by-space zones on rue des Taillandiers). There’s no free lot attached to the club. Instead, visitors who drive are recommended to use municipal garages nearby. Notable options include the indoor Park Bastille (Austerlitz location), the Hôtel de Ville / Bastille garage on Cours de Vincennes, and several private “Zenpark” or Indigo lots in the 11th. Even these can fill up on weekend nights, so city transport is strongly encouraged. If you are staying at a hotel, some offer parking packages or tips on where their guests can leave cars.
For those on bicycle, the area has Vélib’ bike-share stations (Bastille and nearby streets), and limited bike racks on the street. Bastille’s taxi stand is at Place de la Bastille, a short walk away. After parties running past the last metro trains? Paris night buses (“Noctilien”) run through Bastille all night; lines N01, N02, N11, N12, etc., stop at Bastille station and run till dawn. In summary, public transit access is easy – just note that on weekdays the metro shuts around midnight and Fridays/Saturdays around 1-2am, so plan accordingly or switch to night buses or cabs late at night.
Inside the Venue
On entering Badaboum, staff will check your ID (you must be 18+ to enter) and ticket. You might also undergo a quick bag scan or search – large bags are discouraged. The foyer is fairly compact; here you pay for coat check (vestiaire) and collect tickets. A line may form, but Badaboum is known for moving it slightly faster than some Paris clubs. Once inside, you’ll see the central dancefloor/concert area and bars along the sides. There are typically two main bars; one is accessible near the entry side and the other on the far wall. Ordering drinks is usually by card (tapping is normal), though small change on hand can be helpful for tips or any late-night snacking. Command a drink, and you can spot see-through shelves stocked with spirits and the bartenders mixing cocktails. Beers (standard lagers or craft picks) cost about €7–9 (sexparis.net), and cocktails are roughly €12–15; wines and spirits fall in the teens per glass (sexparis.net).
There’s a restroom area down a short corridor (follow signs) – as with many clubs, expect a line during peak times. Coats do not need to come in the bathroom queue. If you plan to drink heavily, use the restroom or cloak early to avoid late-night jams. The upstairs lounge (sometimes called the “secret room”) can be visited before the dancefloor fills; it has seating, a small bar, and often plays background music or a second DJ. It’s decorated like a retro “bachelor pad” with sofas and cocktail setup, providing a quieter spot to rest or chat. During club nights it may become standing-room only as well.
The on-site restaurant, called *La Cantine du Badaboum*, serves food in two modes. For dinner (around 7–11pm Tuesday through Saturday), it offers seasonal, market-fresh dishes prepared by chef Walid Sahed (xceed.me) (aboutfoood.com). The lunch special (Tuesday–Friday) is praised – a 3-course prix-fixe menu for about €15 (aboutfoood.com) featuring items like salads, bouillons, beef bourguignon and dessert. (It’s a great deal for Paris standards and draws locals.) After midnight, the kitchen switches to quick “fast-good” pub-style fare: small snacks like fish-and-chips, burgers and croque-monsieur (aboutfoood.com). So late at night, you can grab a burger at the restaurant bar if needed. In club mode, there are also cocktail tastings and perhaps a limited bar menu upstairst that includes a few small bites.
Cell reception can be spotty downstairs, so don’t rely on mobile Internet. (It’s wise to screenshot your ticket QR code before arriving.) Outlets are scarce, so bring a charged phone/power bank. The venue’s sound system is large (newer installation described as “making the ceiling shake” (www.timeout.com)) – expect sub-heavy, warm audio. Many patrons bring earplugs if they’re sensitive; above 95 dB even short exposure is fatiguing (sexparis.net). If you step outside for fresh air or smoking, be mindful of re-entry rules: staff are usually polite but may refuse re-admit if capacity is hit (ask before you exit) (girlsfrance.vip). Staff inside are used to helping with questions (for example, safe walking routes home) and English is commonly understood at the bar. In terms of dress and behaviour: there’s no formal dress code, but the crowd tends to wear clean, smart-casual party clothes (avoid sportswear or flip-flops) (girlsfrance.vip). Everyone here is there for the music or show, so loud line-cutting or partying is discouraged; the atmosphere is generally friendly and focused on enjoying the performance.
Nearby Amenities
The Bastille area is packed with options before or after your night at Badaboum. For pre-show dinner, you’re spoiled for choice: Rue de la Bastille and neighbouring Rue de la Roquette host classic French bistros, trendy international eateries, pizza joints and trendy cocktail bars. Right on Place de la Bastille (a 5-minute walk), you can find bakeries, brasseries and cafés. Rue de Lappe is notable for its pizzerias and rôtisseries (rotisserie chicken takeaway), plus a few lively taverns. The nearby *Marché Bastille* street market (open mornings Tues, Thu, Sun on Boulevard Richard Lenoir) is also great if you’re planning a picnic or want local snacks. If you prefer something quick, there are crêperies and Asian take-away spots along Rue de Charonne or Rue Keller just a short walk away.
For late-night goals: Bastille’s Place remains lively after Badaboum closes, with late-bars and even some nightclubs around Boulevard Beaumarchais and Rue de Charonne. If you get hungry at 4am, note that chain pizzas or kebabs on Rue de Lappe may be open. Many concert-goers also recommend popping into a late-night bakery (boulangerie) for a café and croissant. Numerous hotels of all budgets fill the 11th arrondissement and around Bastille: from hostels and budget inns to design hotels (e.g. Mama Shelter Bastille inside a former prison). If you’re staying nearby, check if your hotel offers shuttle options, or walk safely home via Boulevard Voltaire for a well-lit straight route. Taxis accumulate after midnight along the Bastille roundabout and Beaumarchais.
Bastille is generally safe, but as with any urban nightlife spot, keep an eye on belongings. It’s well lit and busy through the night, but petty theft can happen. Between shows, the Paris Metro or RER will swiftly whisk you to anywhere else in the city before they close around midnight (or until 2am on weekends). If you’re jet-lagged or arriving from afar, note that a useful landmark: Badaboum is just 500m south of the bars of Rue de Lappe and 300m east of the opera house, so it’s easy to combine with wider Bastille sightseeing or early-evening Stroll to Place de la Bastille’s column.
What Makes This Venue Special
Several things set Badaboum apart. First is the concept: not many places blend a live-music venue, dance club and restaurant all under one roof. This polymorphic format lets you catch a gig early, then seamlessly switch to dancing without changing location. The design and ambience reinforce that uniqueness. Visitors frequently mention the intimate size and sound quality – it’s “big enough for energy, small enough to feel personal” (girlsfrance.vip). Critics praise the sound: engineered for weighty, warm bass that fills the room without ear-aching treble (girlsfrance.vip) (sexparis.net). The lighting and décor amplify the vibe: moody, intimate, and never overwhelming. Unlike larger mega-clubs, Badaboum feels human-scale – one guide quips “there’s no need to elbow through a thousand selfie sticks” here (girlsfrance.vip). Regulars note the crowd itself is also a draw: locals, students and music fans mingle, often dressing casually but thoughtfully. The door policy (while a hassle for some) keeps the energy mature and music-focused, so people come to dance, not just to be seen (girlsfrance.vip) (girlsfrance.vip).
Its history cements its local reputation. Positioned in Bastille, a historic meeting place of Parisian rebellion and spirit, Badaboum inherited a legacy (its address was a famous climbing spot for young musicians and was previously the Scène Bastille concert hall) (www.parisbouge.com) (www.timeout.com). In ten years it celebrated its anniversary with circus performers and marathon concerts (www.sortiraparis.com), signaling how interwoven it is with Paris nightlife culture. It’s won plaudits from travel guides and locals alike. Sentinel reviews have ranked it among the city’s top clubs. The Paris tourism board specifically highlights Badaboum’s multi-purpose nature (girlsfrance.vip), and media note that it “brought new life to the space” (www.timeout.com). Internationally, DJs and clubs scan Paris listings for a Badaboum gig, since it’s seen as a trendsetter. Cultural context: Bastille has many venues (la Machine, Batofar, etc.), but Badaboum is often singled out for programming breadth – it’s equally at home hosting a local indie band or an underground techno label. If Paris were a clubbing tree, Bastille is its lush canopy and Badaboum one of its bright, colorful leaves.
Another key aspect is community and inclusion. The owners and staff emphasize diversity in music and audience. For example, many events explicitly feature women artists (see Les Femmes s’en mêlent) and queer-friendly programmes. One insider guide confirms that on any given night you’ll find an “openly inclusive” mixed crowd (girlsfrance.vip). The atmosphere is welcoming to solo visitors, as the music-minded crowd tends to engage each other on the dancefloor. The venue’s approach – splitting genres by night – means there is almost always a niche to enjoy: salsa or Latin nights have run here occasionally, and even a famed “salsa night” was once held (media reported a Paris Latino takeover) (www.sortiraparis.com). All these layers – the hybrid spaces, the designers’ touches like the hidden bar and vintage decor, the powerhouse sound and a setlist of unique lineups – combine to give Badaboum a character you won’t find in a generic nightclub. It’s a local legend for those “in the know,” yet still open to curious visitors who want the real Paris nightlife experience (not just a tourist trap). Critics summarize it well: “It isn’t flashy. It isn’t massive. It’s curated” (girlsfrance.vip), and this curation keeps the room magical night after night.
Visitor Tips and Information
Entrance and ID: Paris law requires 18+ for nightclubs, so expect ID checks. Bring your passport or EU ID card; a photo on a phone app may not always suffice (sexparis.net) (girlsfrance.vip). There is a small cover fee if you haven’t pre-bought. Have exact or card ready; it’s faster. The queue system is strict – it’s best if two people arrive together rather than a large group. Locals report that mixed-gender groups and smaller parties get in faster (sexparis.net) (girlsfrance.vip). If you’re with a bunch of friends, consider splitting up and reuniting inside.
Dress code: There’s no formal dress code, but recommended style is casual–chic (girlsfrance.vip). Clean sneakers and jeans or a nice shirt are fine; avoid sports jerseys, gym shorts or beachwear like flip-flops. Women often wear dresses or stylish tops, men often wear dark jeans/shirts. Essentially aim for “ready to dance” – keep layers to a minimum (the club floor gets hot) and lock reserves (cross-body bag recommended, small wallet).
Bag policy: Large backpacks, tripods or professional cameras probably won’t pass the door. You can carry a small purse or fanny pack. Once inside, be mindful to not leave valuables unattended. Security does wand/search, and staffs advise keeping phones zipped in front pockets or in a slim bag (sexparis.net) (sexparis.net). If you want to dance unencumbered, use the cloakroom. It costs a couple of euros, but it’s well worth it for peace of mind.
Tickets and Booking: As mentioned, tickets vary €10–30+ (sexparis.net). Many nights allow buying tickets at the door until they hit capacity (girlsfrance.vip). If the venue appears sold out, check with staff just before 1:00am – sometimes last-minute door releases pop up (sexparis.net). If you are on a budget, target midweek gigs (cheaper entry, easier door). For big Saturday nights, buy online. Also, note that concerts and club sessions are often separate. If you’re only there for a concert and not the after-party, buying the “concert only” ticket (if offered) means leaving when the set ends.
Arrival Timing: Plan to arrive according to what you want. For live acts, showtime is typically 8pm, so arriving by 7:30 ensures a good spot. Clubs typically don’t pick up speed until around 1am. Guides suggest arriving around 12:30am–1:00am for Sunday-Tuesday headliners (sexparis.net). Getting there too early on a big Saturday can mean standing in street line; too late means long queues. After about 2am, crowds rarely thin, so either be there by 1am or plan to queue an hour if late. Door closes entry at some point if full, so don’t miss the cut-off.
Safety: Badaboum’s area is lively, but keep basic caution: guard your phone and wallet, especially in the cloakroom tile of bags. It’s Paris, so pickpockets can strike anywhere – it’s wise to use the interior cloakroom, and as said keep valuables on you. Locals advise putting your phone in a front pocket or closed bag inside the club (sexparis.net). Beyond that, Bastille is as safe as any busy Paris nightlife zone. Staff are friendly and proactive; if you ever feel unwell or unsafe, look for the bar or management. Emergency exits are clearly marked (French venues comply with strict safety codes).
Accessibility: The building is rather old and not fully step-free (sexparis.net). There are several steps at the entrance and more stairs between the hall and upstairs areas. If you have mobility issues or a wheelchair, contact the venue ahead to ask about ramps or the simplest route. Doormen are used to this query. Keep in mind it is a casual, party space, so handicap facilities are minimal compared to theatres or stadiums; booking in advance can help them help you.
Other Etiquette and Tips: Photography with a phone camera is usually okay, but use no flash and be respectful. (A blogger’s mini-FAQ even jokes: “Quick snaps, no flash” (girlsfrance.vip).) Do not take up too much space with large devices. Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas – they’ll be signposted. Re-entry after exiting is generally not allowed (girlsfrance.vip), so if you smoke, step out briefly (and don your light jacket outside – it can get chilly at 3am in Bastille!). Also, no outside drinks or food. And if you plan to party hard, note the nearest ATM (Crédit Agricole on rue Keller, or a few blocks back near Bastille) in case you need cash. Lastly, have fun but drink responsibly – Paris cops won’t come into the club late at night, but they do patrol outside. After a great set, enjoy the night but know when to head halfway home safely or grab a cab.
