An overview by Alexis.

Paris has many amazing nightclubs and bars. We only got to visit a select few, but here are some of the highlights of this year's trip.

Alcazar

Called "Paris's most high-profile brasserie de luxe," Alcazar is an artistic and high-tech bar featuring all-white futuristic décor in a bar overlooking a large street-level dining room. The drinks are stylish and pricey (8-16 Euro), and the trendy crowd tends to wear a lot of black. Conveniently, it is located in the left bank, right on Rue Mazzarine.

We finally got Sebastian and Punya to come out with us! Michael looks stylish as usual.

Alexis and friends from high school enjoy being trendy in black, while Carrie chooses to remain an individual.

Man Ray

This club is my personal favorite in Paris. Owned by Johnny Depp, Sean Penn and John Malkovich and located right off the Champs-Elysées, this former cinema is now filled with golden Buddhas, oriental antiques, and photos by the famous Dadaist, Man Ray. Entrance fee was 20E including first drink. The edges are surrounded with private tables with never-ending champagne bottles in hot pink Moet ice buckets, but if you prefer the bustling dance floor in the center you may even run into... ELTON JOHN! Rosanna and Alexis spotted the famous singer at the club and minutes later found themselves being videotaped by French TV. Music is typical European club music (electronic) -- nothing American here!

View of Man Ray from the side tables. Bar in Mezzanine level.

Alexis and friend Genevieve having fun on the dance floor.

V.I.P. Room

Owned by the famous Jean-Roch, we were told before going that this is the most difficult club to get into in Paris. You better be dressed right (not too trashy) or have a lot of money, otherwise this female bouncer will throw you right back onto the Champs-Elysées. An iron gate with the bouncer is right off the main street, but the club is found further inside down a long set of stairs leading to a lounge with animal print rugs and plush antique chairs containing the coat check, leading to another long set of stairs down to the dance floor. The music is more hip-hop, and there is less of a traditional dance floor area, with lots of little tables and posts for dancing around... or on. Not really my style (too elitist), but fun. Entrance is 25E.
[ www.viproom.fr ]

Queen

This usually gay club on the Champs-Elysées is a must-see on Mondays for its disco nights, which bring people of every sexuality to its long lines. Its glitzy entrance of flashing lights leads to an almost completely black interior that is mostly dance floor, with an exclusive, gated platform with tables and champagne overlooking the dancing. On disco night you'll find people dressed up in everything from jeans, to 70s gear, to all black, but most notably everyone is really into the music. Entrance is 20E.
[ www.queen.fr ]

Other clubs to try: La Suite (owned by David Guetta), Le Buddha Bar, Le Paris, Le Barrio-Latino