Castel: a myth.
Yes, Castel is most definitely a myth, a place which always sparks a feeling of pleasure and excitement as you approach. Castel, or a place in which you feel like the heir of so many illustrious celebrities, who were loved and admired for their talent: Michel Audiard, Françoise Dorléac, Jean-Pierre Cassel or Mick Jagger, to name but a few.
Castel or the nostalgia attached to a time lost forever, which we inevitably idealize… but does it really matter?
Castel or a highlight of Parisian high society’s nightlife.
Castel, a private club on the Parisian left bank, or should I say, the club of the Parisian left bank, a famous, celebrated club full of famous people.
Just like the late Studio 54 in New York, Castel is known around the world and remains elitist and exclusive to this day.
Originally a convenience store in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, famous for its habit of selling alcohol until late into the night, it became an incredibly popular private club under the command of its owner Jean Castel, once known as the king of the night.
Castel witnessed the best of the 60s and the 70s. From Gainsbourg – and the piano he played on which remains at the venue – to Sagan, Jacques Dutronc and his song about the girls at Chez Castel.
Castel shed its old skin for a beautiful, warm, red lacquer inside and outside in 2014. It also inaugurated a new carpet adorned with myriad penises and clitorises. Said carpet was designed by one of the owners and made by Frey, who also works for the l’Elysée Palace. What a leap.
You can have a drink or a late dinner – the first service starts at 9 p.m. and you can dance there, as long as you’re a member that is.
March 16, 2019
