Descending into the damp subterranean labyrinth of the Caveau de la Huchette places you in a medieval execution chamber that transformed post-war into a wildly energetic…

A closer look

Sipping a stiff cocktail where medieval torturers used to enthusiastically practice their craft truly adds an unparalleled historical zest to your evening. Located beneath the Latin Quarter in Paris, this winding cellar has a deeply morbid past, having served as a secret meeting place for the Rosicrucians and a bloody prison during the French Revolution. In 1946, it bizarrely pivoted into a legendary jazz venue. Today, the acoustics bouncing off the ancient, blood-soaked stone make for one of the most intense, sweaty swing-dancing experiences on the continent.