Finding Parisian "cafe music".... IN Paris..?

Question

Okay.. I know I sound like a dreaded tourist.. but I am taking my parents to Paris and they have told me many times that every time they go,they try to find a place that plays the Parisian cafe music.... you know, accordians and stuff.. the music they play on every TV show when they are trying to convey "Paris" Is there music like that anymore?.. can it be found anywhere?? They said they searched high and low in everywhere especially in St Germaine.. to no avail... They were also big fans of Gilbert Becaud and Charles Aznavour.. surely there are lounges that play this type of music as well...any help out there?? Please? It is their 50th anniversary and I am trying to plan a very special time for them...

Answer 1

Here's an excerpt from an article in a Canadian newspaper about typical French cafes.  Have a read of the whole article on the website below.  I've been there several times myself and it's just like the old movies.  Your parents will love it; and it's not a tourist trap.

"For a typical neighbourhood café, but with a twist, try Le Retro Café, at 81 boulevard du Charonne in the 11th arrondissement. This comfortable local gathering spot, with a battered oak bar and rattan easy chairs, has live music most nights, with a heavy emphasis on old French ballads. It's not unusual for the patrons to join in on the old standards, warbling their way through the songs of their childhood made famous by singers like Georges Brassens and Jacques Brel."

Answer 2

OK! You must, you must, you must go to "Au Vins des Rues" (21 rue Boulard; metro: Denfert-Rochereau; 33 1 43 21 82 60) no earlier than 9 PM on a Thursday night! The accordian music is WONDERFUL and by 10 PM or so everyone is singing, swaying, crying! It is absolutely one of the most fun things that we do in Paris--and we arrange to be there on a Thursday evening just for this! The food and wine is good too, and features cuisine & wines of the Southwest of France. It is a small place and Thursdays are popular--you might want to find it the day before & make a reservation. (Not much English spoken here...) Also! Make sure to leave before the last metro train leaves the station!

p.s. say "Bonsoir" for us and check out this blog for a good description!

http://www.metropoleparis.com/2003/843/8...