Balades Sonores, 9th Arrondissement, Paris - Image 1
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Balades Sonores 9th Arrondissement Paris

4.8
·691 reviews·Paris, France

Paris's premier record store, a haven for vinyl lovers with an immense selection and a warm, community-driven atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more digging time

CrowdLow
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Balades Sonores, 9th Arrondissement, Paris - Image 1

Balades Sonores 9th Arrondissement Paris

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more digging time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Paris's premier record store, a haven for vinyl lovers with an immense selection and a warm, community-driven atmosphere.

4.8
(691 reviews)

"Best record store in town! Crazy selection across genres and years."

Vertical photo
TIP

Allocate Ample Digging Time

You might get lost in the stacks! Give yourself plenty of time to explore the vast collection.

Chat with the Staff

The staff are passionate and knowledgeable. Ask for recommendations – they love sharing their love for music!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Extensive Vinyl Selection

Extensive Vinyl Selection

Unearth treasures from around the globe, featuring new pressings, original gems, and second-hand finds. A true paradise for music diggers.

Cozy & Welcoming Atmosphere

Cozy & Welcoming Atmosphere

Experience a genuine record store vibe where fellow music lovers and friendly staff create a home-away-from-home feel.

Artist Showcases & Events

Artist Showcases & Events

Catch regular live performances and artist events, adding a dynamic cultural layer to your visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Dive into the Vinyl Scene

Explore Paris's vibrant record stores, a haven for music lovers. Discover new and used vinyl across genres, from jazz to hip-hop. Many spots offer a cozy atmosphere and host regular artist showcases.

Beyond the Music

While known for its extensive vinyl collection, this spot also offers unique merchandise like artist t-shirts and books. It's a community hub where music enthusiasts gather and connect.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more digging time
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday mornings
Why
Buzzing with fellow diggers
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A quiet symphony in the heart of Paris🌀 @celesteboursiermougenot’s clinamen transforms sound into a living presence, powered by the gentle motion of water on porcelain. Until 21 September 2025 at @boursedecommerce in Paris. #BourseDeCommerce #PinaultCollection #clinamen #CelesteBoursierMougenot #ContemporaryArt #SoundInstallation #ParisExhibition #Paris #France
@jamesgmatheson
201.3K likes • 4.7M views

Allocate Ample Digging Time

You might get lost in the stacks! Give yourself plenty of time to explore the vast collection. Reddit

Chat with the Staff

The staff are passionate and knowledgeable. Ask for recommendations – they love sharing their love for music! Reddit

🏹 Paris has a way of holding both naivety and elegance in the same breath — like this place, patiently waiting to become complete. Located in the 9th arrondissement's Place Saint-Georges, designed by Luis Laplace @luislaplace and Christophe Comoy, this Parisian apartment lets heritage mouldings, personal history, and modern design hold each other gently. Everything feels simple and beautiful, lik...
koola.suchus
487 likes • 0 views
reddit.com

Tips and suggestions for record shopping in Paris

Check for Events

They often host artist shows. See if there's a live performance during your visit! Reddit

Explore Beyond Vinyl

Don't miss the cool t-shirts, books, and other unique merchandise available. Reddit

reddit.com

If you are in Paris avoid Musiques Musiques like the plague.

Tips

from all over the internet

Allocate Ample Digging Time

You might get lost in the stacks! Give yourself plenty of time to explore the vast collection. Reddit

Chat with the Staff

The staff are passionate and knowledgeable. Ask for recommendations – they love sharing their love for music! Reddit

Check for Events

They often host artist shows. See if there's a live performance during your visit! Reddit

Explore Beyond Vinyl

Don't miss the cool t-shirts, books, and other unique merchandise available. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(691 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Balades Sonores is celebrated as Paris's best record store, lauded for its immense selection of new and used vinyl across all genres and its incredibly welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. Visitors rave about the knowledgeable staff, the chance to discover rare gems, and the cozy vibe, often mentioning the resident cats and regular artist events as highlights.

"A great Record Store in Paris! The vibe is what a real record store should be, they got shirts for sale and even books! A wide variety of albums and artists from around the globe, most of them are new pressed, bought my Nina Simone and James Taylor back there and hopefully I'll get more albums and jazz records next time!"

Erwin Manalad

"Best record store in town! Crazy selection across genres and years.
You'll find original pressings, reissues, second-hand items, and a cozy atmosphere shared by great diggers and people meeting each other at any time of the day.
The hardest part is escaping from this fantastic and cozy place that makes you feel right at home :)
It's a must-know for all the music (and cat) lovers !!!"

Costa Player 1

"FOUND the album I wanted 🎉 GREAT dives too be had at this store, wish I had more time - next time I will spend time at both their stores and go deep diving."

P.M Ramos

What People Like

Vast vinyl selection
Cozy, welcoming vibe
Knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Can be time-consuming

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Balades Sonores is located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. The nearest metro stations are often Saint-Georges or Pigalle, offering good access via public transport. Check a Paris transit app for the most direct route from your location. Instagram

Yes, the 9th arrondissement is well-served by the Paris Métro. Several lines stop nearby, making it convenient to reach via public transport. Instagram

For record stores like Balades Sonores, the Métro is generally the most efficient and eco-friendly option. It avoids parking hassles and allows you to focus on your music hunt. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Balades Sonores is a record store and does not require tickets for entry. You can browse freely during their operating hours. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but record stores in Paris typically operate from late morning to early evening. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter Balades Sonores. It's a retail space where you can browse and purchase music and related items. Reddit

🎫 🎶 Music & Vinyl

Balades Sonores boasts a wide selection across genres, including jazz, pop, rap, hip-hop, and many more. You'll find both new pressings and second-hand gems. Reddit

Yes, the store offers a diverse range of both new, freshly pressed vinyl and carefully curated second-hand records. Reddit

Many record stores, including Balades Sonores, provide listening stations where you can sample records before making a purchase. This is a great way to discover new music. Reddit

You can often find original pressings alongside reissues and new releases, making it a treasure trove for collectors. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Merchandise

Beyond vinyl, you can find artist t-shirts, books related to music, and other unique items that appeal to music enthusiasts. Reddit

The store is known for its curated selection, including artist merchandise and music-related literature, offering more than just records. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted in record stores. However, it's always polite to ask staff if you plan on taking extensive photos or videos, especially if it might disrupt other shoppers. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Balades Sonores can be a surprisingly engaging spot for families. While the primary draw is vinyl, the welcoming atmosphere and the chance to discover new music can be fun for all ages. The staff's willingness to engage with children, as noted in reviews, means your kids might get personalized recommendations and learn about different artists. Reddit

Consider it a unique cultural outing. It's a chance to introduce children to the tangible experience of music ownership beyond streaming. Plus, the cozy vibe and perhaps even the resident cats can make it a comfortable experience for younger visitors. Reddit

🎵 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Balades Sonores offers a fantastic opportunity to find affordable music. The second-hand section is a goldmine for discovering great albums at lower prices. You can easily spend hours digging through these crates without breaking the bank. Reddit

Even if you don't buy anything, the experience of browsing and soaking in the authentic record store atmosphere is free. It's a chance to immerse yourself in Parisian music culture without significant expense. Look out for their merchandise too, which can offer good value for unique souvenirs. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Vinyl Digging

Balades Sonores is more than just a shop; it's a destination for serious vinyl digging. The store is renowned for its crazy selection that spans decades and genres, catering to both casual listeners and dedicated collectors. You'll find everything from sought-after original pressings to high-quality reissues and a substantial collection of second-hand gems. The sheer volume and variety mean you could easily spend hours here, uncovering hidden musical treasures. Reddit

Many visitors highlight the joy of discovery as a key part of the experience. The staff are often praised for their deep knowledge and willingness to help you find exactly what you're looking for, or introduce you to something new. This personalized touch elevates the shopping experience beyond a simple transaction, making it a memorable outing for any music aficionado. Reddit

Pro-tip: If you're on a specific hunt, don't hesitate to ask the staff. They are passionate about music and often have insights into where specific artists or genres might be located within the extensive collection. Reddit

A Community Hub for Music Lovers

What truly sets Balades Sonores apart is its cozy atmosphere and the sense of community it fosters. It's described as a place where great diggers and people meet, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. This isn't just a place to buy records; it's a social space where conversations about music flow freely, and connections are made. Reddit

The store also actively engages its community by hosting regular artist shows. These events provide a platform for musicians and add a vibrant cultural dimension to the shop, making it a dynamic spot to visit. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the vinyl world, the friendly vibe and shared passion for music make it feel like home. Reddit

Visitors often mention the presence of cats as a charming addition to the store's welcoming ambiance, further enhancing the feeling of a cozy, lived-in space. Reddit