6 Historic Record Shops in Paris for Vinyl Enthusiasts
I've discovered six incredible vinyl shops in Paris that'll make any record collector's heart skip a beat! From Crocodisc's vintage jazz treasures in the Latin Quarter to La Dame Blanche's classical gems, these historic spots each have their own specialty. Don't miss Music Fear Satan for heavy metal, Superfly Records for funk, Ground Zero for electronic beats, and Balades Sonores for French pop. Let's explore what makes each of these musical havens uniquely special.
Crocodisc: A Vintage Vinyl Paradise in the Latin Quarter
Historic Record Shops in Paris: Crocodisc
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Nestled in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter, Crocodisc stands as a proof of vinyl's enduring appeal and the city's rich musical heritage. Since 1989, this beloved record shop has been a sanctuary for music enthusiasts seeking rare vinyl treasures, particularly in jazz, classical, and French chanson genres.
What sets Crocodisc apart is its carefully curated collection of both new and second-hand vinyl, housed in a characteristically Parisian space with wooden shelving and the unmistakable scent of aged album covers. The shop's reputation among collectors and casual browsers alike stems from its knowledgeable staff and their commitment to maintaining one of the city's most extensive collections of classic recordings.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00-19:30
- Price Range: €5-500 (varying from common releases to rare collectibles)
- Payment Methods: Cash, major credit cards
- Languages: French, English (basic)
- Grading System: European record grading standards
- Special Services: Record cleaning, evaluation of collections
- Shipping Available: Worldwide (with insurance options)
Collection Highlights:
The shop's jazz section deserves special attention, featuring an extensive collection of Blue Note originals and rare European pressings. The basement level houses thousands of classical recordings, including hard-to-find mono pressings from the 1950s and 60s. An insider tip: ask about the "new arrivals" drawer behind the counter, where fresh acquisitions often wait to be sorted and priced.
Store Layout and Navigation:
The main floor is organized by genre, with clear signage in both French and English. The basement specializes in classical and opera recordings, while the ground floor focuses on jazz, rock, and French music. Hidden gem: the small section of vintage record players and accessories near the entrance often features restored pieces at reasonable prices.
Pro Tips:
The best time to visit is weekday mornings when new stock is typically displayed, and the browsing experience is more relaxed. Serious collectors should make friends with the staff and leave their contact information for notifications about specific wants. The shop's owner, Maurice, has an encyclopedic knowledge of jazz recordings and can often provide fascinating historical context for particular pressings.
Practical Advice:
Bring a sturdy bag for purchases, as Parisian weather can be unpredictable. The shop is located at 40-42 rue des Écoles, easily accessible from the Cluny-La Sorbonne metro station. While credit cards are accepted, cash purchases over €100 might receive a small discount if politely negotiated. Record conditions are conservatively graded, making this a trustworthy source for collectors investing in valuable pieces.
La Dame Blanche: Jazz and Classical Haven Since 1932
Nestled in the heart of Paris's 9th arrondissement, La Dame Blanche stands as a representation of the city's enduring love affair with jazz and classical music. Since 1932, this historic record shop has served as a sanctuary for audiophiles, collectors, and music enthusiasts seeking rare vinyl treasures and expert guidance through the vast landscape of recorded music.
What sets La Dame Blanche apart is not just its impressive nine-decade legacy, but its unwavering commitment to preserving the authenticity of music appreciation. The shop's wood-paneled walls and vintage display cases house one of the most carefully curated collections of jazz and classical recordings in Europe, making it an essential destination for serious collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00-19:00
- Price Range: €15-500 for rare vinyl
- Payment Methods: Cash, major credit cards, no cryptocurrency
- Languages: Staff speaks French and English
- Specialties: Pre-1960s jazz, European classical recordings
- Condition Grading: Professional in-house evaluation system
- Shipping: International shipping available with insurance
The shop's main room features an expertly organized collection of jazz recordings, with particular emphasis on French jazz pressings from the 1940s and 1950s. The basement level houses the classical collection, where customers can find everything from early 78 RPM recordings to modern pressings of contemporary classical works. The store's dedicated listening station allows customers to verify the condition of any record before purchase.
Location: 42 Rue des Martyrs, 75009 Paris
Notable Feature: The shop maintains a detailed database of rare recordings, including many that aren't displayed on the shop floor. Insider tip: Ask about the "archive list" at the counter for access to these hidden treasures.
Pro Tips:
Tuesday mornings offer the best browsing experience, as new acquisitions are typically processed and added to the collection on Mondays. For serious collectors, building a relationship with the staff can lead to first access to newly acquired rare recordings. The shop's expertise in cleaning and grading records makes it a trustworthy source for high-value purchases.
Practical Advice:
Given the shop's emphasis on preservation and quality, bring clean, dry hands for handling records, and consider investing in their proprietary record sleeves for protecting purchases. The staff appreciates customers who make appointments for extensive browsing sessions or specific record inquiries, especially for rare items. While walk-ins are welcome, calling ahead can enable access to specific pieces from their extensive catalog.
Music Fear Satan: Heavy Metal's Underground Treasure
Tucked away in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, Music Fear Satan stands as a monument to the city's vibrant underground metal scene. This specialized record shop has earned its reputation as one of Europe's premier destinations for heavy metal enthusiasts, offering an expertly curated selection of vinyl, CDs, and merchandise spanning black metal, death metal, doom, and experimental subgenres.
Since its establishment in 2003, Music Fear Satan has become more than just a retail space – it's a cultural hub where metalheads from around the world converge to discover rare releases, limited editions, and underground gems that rarely surface in mainstream record stores. The shop's dedication to preserving metal's most extreme and artistic expressions has made it an essential pilgrimage site for serious collectors and music enthusiasts alike.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00-19:30
- Price Range: €5-€100+ for records
- Payment Methods: Cash, credit cards, PayPal
- Language: Staff speaks English and French
- Shipping: Worldwide shipping available
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons for quieter browsing
- Special Events: Regular in-store listening sessions and artist signings
The Collection:
Music Fear Satan's inventory focuses primarily on underground and experimental metal, with particular emphasis on European black metal, avant-garde metal, and doom. The shop maintains strong relationships with independent labels worldwide, ensuring a steady stream of rare pressings and first editions. Their vinyl selection is meticulously graded and fairly priced, with detailed condition notes available for mail-order customers. Insider tip: Check their basement "vault" for ultra-rare releases not displayed in the main shop area.
The Space:
Located at 123 Rue Saint-Maur, the shop occupies a modest storefront with characteristically Parisian charm. Despite its compact size, the interior is efficiently organized with browsing-friendly bins and wall displays. The listening station allows customers to preview purchases, and the knowledgeable staff can offer deep insights into the metal genre. Insider tip: Visit on Thursdays when new arrivals are typically processed and shelved.
The Community:
Beyond retail, Music Fear Satan serves as a networking hub for the Parisian metal scene. The shop maintains a bulletin board for local shows and musician classifieds, and staff members are well-connected with venue promoters and underground labels. Regular customers often receive advance notice of limited releases and exclusive pre-orders.
Pro Tips:
Serious collectors should join the shop's mailing list for notifications about incoming rare items and special orders. The best finds typically appear mid-week when new stock arrives, and establishing a relationship with the staff can lead to personalized recommendations and holds on desired items. For international visitors, the shop can arrange secure shipping or hold purchases until departure.
Practical Advice:
While the 11th arrondissement is generally safe, the shop's specialized nature means it's best to plan visits during regular business hours. Bring a sturdy bag for purchases, as Parisian weather can be unpredictable. Consider researching specific releases before visiting, as the staff can check stock availability and potentially locate items from their network of suppliers. Cash payments are appreciated for smaller purchases, though cards are accepted for all transactions.
Superfly Records: Soul and Funk Gems in the Marais
Tucked away in the charming streets of Le Marais, Superfly Records stands as a tribute to Paris's enduring love affair with vinyl culture. Since 2009, this soul and funk sanctuary has attracted music enthusiasts from around the globe, seeking rare pressings and forgotten gems from the golden age of American soul, funk, and jazz.
This intimate record shop distinguishes itself through its meticulously curated collection and the passionate expertise of its staff, led by owner Pascal Rioux. While other Parisian record stores might offer broader selections, Superfly Records has carved out its niche by focusing exclusively on soul, funk, jazz, and related genres, making it a must-visit destination for serious collectors and casual browsers alike.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00-19:30
- Price Range: €5-500+ (most vintage items €20-50)
- Payment Methods: Cash, major credit cards
- Languages: Staff speaks English and French
- Vinyl Condition: All records professionally cleaned and graded
- Listening Station: Available for testing records
- Shipping: Worldwide shipping available
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons for quieter browsing
The Collection
Superfly's inventory focuses primarily on original pressings from the 1960s and 1970s, with particular emphasis on rare soul 45s, funk LPs, and jazz recordings. The shop maintains relationships with collectors worldwide, ensuring a constantly rotating selection of high-quality vinyl. Located at 53 Rue Notre Dame de Nazareth, the store's modest exterior belies its treasure trove within. Insider tip: Ask about their "new arrival" crate, which is refreshed weekly and often contains the most exciting finds before they hit the main shelves.
The Experience
Beyond merely selling records, Superfly Records creates an immersive musical experience. The knowledgeable staff regularly spins records throughout the day, introducing customers to new sounds and forgotten classics. The shop's intimate size encourages conversation between staff and customers, often leading to unexpected musical discoveries. Special feature: The store maintains a "wants list" for regular customers, actively searching for specific records through their international network.
Pro Tips
The best time to visit Superfly Records is during weekday afternoons, particularly Wednesdays or Thursdays, when new stock typically arrives. Serious collectors should follow the store's Instagram account, where they frequently post new acquisitions before they hit the shelves. For the best experience, allow at least an hour for browsing and don't hesitate to ask for recommendations – the staff's knowledge is one of the shop's greatest assets.
Practical Advice
When visiting Superfly Records, bring a backpack or sturdy bag for carrying purchases, as Parisian weather can be unpredictable. Consider bringing cash for better negotiating power on higher-priced items, though credit cards are accepted. The shop is a 5-minute walk from République metro station, making it easily accessible. For serious collectors, calling ahead to inquire about specific genres or artists can help make the most of your visit, as staff can prepare selections matching your interests.
Ground Zero: Electronic Music's Hidden Sanctuary
Tucked away in the vibrant Le Marais district of Paris, Ground Zero has been a cornerstone of the electronic music scene since 1995. This underground record shop has evolved from a modest vinyl haven into a cultural institution that's shaped the French electronic music landscape for over two decades, attracting DJs, producers, and music enthusiasts from across the globe.
What sets Ground Zero apart is its carefully curated selection of electronic music spanning techno, house, ambient, and experimental genres, alongside its reputation as a meeting point for Paris's electronic music community. The shop's intimate atmosphere and knowledgeable staff have made it an essential destination for anyone seeking to explore the deeper cuts of electronic music culture.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00-19:30
- Price Range: €10-30 for new releases, €5-100+ for rare vinyl
- Payment Methods: Cash and major credit cards
- Language: Staff speaks French and English
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons for personalized attention
- New Arrivals: Weekly updates on Thursdays
The Shop Experience
Ground Zero's compact space maximizes every square inch with floor-to-ceiling vinyl collections. The main room features new releases and current favorites, while the basement holds a treasure trove of vintage recordings and rare pressings. Located at 12 Rue des Taillandiers, the shop is easily accessible from the Bastille or Ledru-Rollin metro stations. Insider tip: Check their Instagram account for "secret" listening sessions featuring guest DJs, usually announced just 24 hours in advance.
The Collection
The shop's inventory focuses primarily on underground electronic music, with an emphasis on European releases and local French artists. Their selection process is especially stringent, ensuring only the highest quality pressings make it to the shelves. The staff maintains direct relationships with small labels, providing access to limited editions not found elsewhere. Insider tip: Ask about their "blind bag" selections – curated packages of three records based on your preferences, often including rare finds at a discount.
Pro Tips:
The best time to discover new music is during weekday afternoons when the staff can spend more time helping you explore the collection. For serious collectors, join their membership program for early access to rare releases and invitation-only events. Building a relationship with the staff can lead to personalized recommendations and notifications when items on your wishlist arrive.
Practical Advice:
Bring a sturdy bag for your purchases, as Parisian weather can be unpredictable. The shop offers record cleaning services and can arrange international shipping for larger purchases. While the space can feel cramped during peak hours, the intimate atmosphere is part of the experience. Consider bringing cash for better bargaining power on used vinyl, and don't hesitate to ask about the listening station availability – it's the best way to discover new artists in their carefully curated collection.
Balades Sonores: French Pop's Historical Home
Nestled in the vibrant 9th arrondissement of Paris, Balades Sonores stands as a marker of France's rich musical heritage, particularly in the domain of French pop music. Since its establishment in 2010, this vinyl haven has become more than just a record shop – it's a cultural institution where music enthusiasts gather to discover rare French pop gems and contemporary releases alike.
The store's distinctive approach to curating music, combining both vintage and modern French pop alongside international selections, creates an immersive experience that helps visitors understand the evolution of French popular music. From Serge Gainsbourg to modern indie artists, Balades Sonores serves as both a historical archive and a cutting-edge tastemaker in Paris's music scene.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:00-19:30
- Price Range: €5-€200 for vinyl records
- Payment Methods: Credit cards, cash, French mobile payments
- Languages: Staff speaks French and English
- Special Events: Monthly live performances and listening sessions
- Vinyl Condition Grading: Professional European MINT system
Primary Record Collection Features:
The shop's main floor houses an expertly curated selection of French pop from the 1960s through contemporary releases. Vintage pressings of iconic albums share space with limited-edition new releases, all organized chronologically and by genre. The basement level contains additional international selections and regularly rotating themed collections.
Insider Tip: Visit on Thursday mornings when new vintage acquisitions are typically put out for sale.
Listening Station Experience:
Balades Sonores offers four professional-grade listening stations where customers can preview any record in the store. Each station is equipped with high-end headphones and turntables, providing an audiophile-quality listening experience.
Insider Tip: The staff keeps a "secret" playlist of recommended tracks – ask for it at the counter.
Special Events and Community:
The store hosts monthly vinyl listening parties focusing on specific eras or artists in French pop history. These events often feature guest speakers, including music historians and occasionally veteran musicians from the Paris scene.
Insider Tip: Join their mailing list for exclusive pre-sale access to limited edition releases and event invitations.
Pro Tips:
The best time to visit for serious collectors is during the first week of each month when the store receives its largest shipments of vintage stock. Consider visiting during weekday afternoons to have more time with the listening stations and receive personalized recommendations from the knowledgeable staff. For the best experience, bring a list of specific artists or genres you're interested in, as the staff can often point you toward similar French artists you might not know about.
Practical Advice:
Record condition is taken very seriously at Balades Sonores, and all vintage vinyl undergoes a thorough cleaning and grading process. While prices might be slightly higher than at other Paris record shops, the quality assurance and expert curation justify the premium. The store offers international shipping and can provide proper vinyl packaging for travelers. For those seeking specific rare releases, calling ahead to check availability is recommended, as the staff can often hold items for 24 hours.