La Guillotine Pub

 (Katherine) The majority of today was spent on “lockdown” for future travel research, but we treated ourselves that evening by checking out a venue that came via a Facebook friend-of-a-friend recommendation. We had asked our new contact to make some suggestions for places that only locals frequent, and she gave a wonderful suggestion - La Guillotine Pub and Le Caveau des Oubliettes. The cave downstairs (which translates to “the cave of the forgotten”) is a prison from medieval times where criminals were held as they awaited the guillotine. The décor for the pub includes cuffs and other “tools” which add to the erie ambiance. The downstairs area is now utilized as a tiny concert hall with a band located at one end, and the rest of the room littered with miniature stools and tables. The headlining band that night was amazing (although 45 minutes late for their set) and played an assortment of American funk music. The lead vocals were strong and soulful, and the bassist literally made his guitar speak to us. Incredible.

The cramped environment forces you to get friendly with your neighbors, and we quickly met a group of 5 who were crammed in next to us. Robert chatted with a witty Irishman and his Columbian girlfriend, while I chatted with the Parisians. At one point, the girl leaned in and asked in a very strong accent, “how did you learn about this place?” She was both surprised and impressed that a couple of Yankees had found their way into this dungeon of death. I hate to admit it, but I have to credit Facebook with providing the power of knowledge!