Le Caveau des Oubliettes
Posted on January 7, 2008 by VINGT Editorial
Words: Pamela Price
When I first moved to Paris my roommate saw me sitting on the couch, wondering what to do on my Thursday night. “You like jazz?” he asked, and handed me a piece of paper with an address on it. I grabbed my jacket and took the 4 line to Fontaine St. Michel. When I reached my destination I found myself in a smoky bar outside the Latin Quarter. I bought a beer and walked to the back, down a flight of stairs, which took me to a small dungeon like music venue. The walls were covered in cobblestone, which would explain the fact that the space was once a jail. I sat amongst the cigarettes, glasses of beer, old fashioned wooden benches, and the crowd of twenty-somethings.
A man and several other musicians took the small stage and began jamming out. After a few songs and renditions of some old-school Michael Jackson, I was sure that I had seen one of the best performances of my life. Not to mention the 7 minute drum solo that shook my body and soul, no lies. I looked around me and everyone was swaying from side to side, or tapping their feet to the rhythm.
Now this venue, Caveau des Oubliettes, is where I take all of my first dates. Perhaps I use it as a sign; if they don’t like the jazz, then I don’t like them.
Be sure to arrive before 10:30 p.m. to get a good seat in the small dungeon. Every night there is a different genre of music, from salsa to blues. Take a date or sway on your own, either way it’s the ultimate musical experience.
Caveau des Oubliettes
52 rue Galande, 5th
Ph. 01 46 34 23 09
Hours Daily 5pm-4am
Metro: Cluny-La Sorbonne (10), Saint-Michel (4)
