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Paris Nightlife Review: Showcase (8th Arrond.)

// October 25th, 2009 // Nightlife

I recently met and became friends with a Paris party promoter through the international traveler community CouchSurfing.com. Over the past several weeks, he has been cool enough to put me on the guestlist for a number of events/clubs, including one this past Friday. The club, Showcase, is just a short 10 minute walk from where I live so I figured it would be silly not to take advantage of the opportunity and see what this club was about.

Showcase, Paris, France

Showcase is located underneath Pont Alexandre III (Alexander III Bridge) in the 8th arrondissement. The location couldn’t be better, as the club sits right on the Seine. In fact, if you make your way to the back end of this venue, there is a large window which looks across the Seine with a direct view of the Eiffel Tower–pretty amazing sight if you consider that you’re in a club.

The interior of Showcase is quite a spectacle, as well. Everything goes above and beyond. Huge stone arches, a massive dance floor, and plenty of lounge chairs line the interior. Typical club lighting–purple, blue, white–shoots all over as you make your way around. A large bar is staffed with plenty of bartenders waiting to serve you your overly priced €13 drinks (I recommend visiting a local bar before coming here).

Showcase is also known as a music venue. Each weekend they host some of the biggest names on the European music and DJ scene. Quite honestly, I haven’t heard of many of these artists and DJs (not typically my type of music), but there is no question that the shows are quite popular. On Friday, for example, a house music duo by the name of Basement Jaxx put on a great show. The show was well executed and the audience took notice–the club and dance floor were packed.

Even if this type of place isn’t necessarily your scene, Showcase is probably still worth checking out one time simply for the physical location, as well as the club itself. If you’re into this scene and type of music, you should definitely check Showcase out. Be aware that this venue, like many Parisian clubs, doesn’t start to fill up until midnight or later, so don’t plan on showing up early if you’re looking for a crowd to be there when you arrive. Showcase is a rather chic club, so dress to impress. Also, be prepared to pay a €20 cover-charge if you’re not on the guestlist.