My Thoughts: The 10 Best Private Members' Clubs in Paris (2027)

1. Soho House Paris

Soho House Paris ranks first because it delivers the most complete package in the city: a restored 19th-century mansion near the Arc de Triomphe with a rooftop pool, screening room, Cowshed spa, and multiple restaurants. A Local membership costs around €2,500 per year, undercutting legacy clubs dramatically. The house preserves original moulded ceilings, parquet floors, and marble fireplaces while adding modern amenities. No other Paris club matches this combination of beauty, facilities, and global access.

This club is for working creatives and frequent international travellers who want a functional clubhouse with a pool and bedrooms. It trades away the aristocratic heritage and formal discretion of older clubs for a more relaxed, creative atmosphere. Compared to the Jockey Club below, Soho House is far more accessible and practical. The global Every House membership lets Paris members use houses in London, New York, and beyond, making it the best overall value.

2. Le Jockey Club de Paris

Le Jockey Club de Paris ranks second for unrivalled French aristocratic heritage, founded in 1834 and historically tied to the nobility and horse racing. It is one of the most exclusive and traditional gentlemen's clubs in the world, with a discreet clubhouse and intensely selective membership by sponsorship and ballot. Substantial dues and total discretion are the entire proposition. This is the pinnacle of old-world Parisian prestige.

This club is for those with the right connections and a desire for the most traditional club experience, not for casual visitors or those seeking amenities. It trades away modern facilities and a creative crowd for pure heritage and exclusivity. Compared to Soho House above, it offers no pool, no rooftop, and no global network. Its value lies entirely in the weight of its name and the aristocratic circle it admits.

3. Cercle de l'Union Interalliée

Cercle de l'Union Interalliée ranks third for a magnificent clubhouse and an elite diplomatic-business membership, housed in a grand hôtel particulier at 33 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Founded in 1917, it features one of the largest private gardens in central Paris, a swimming pool, fitness facilities, bars, and several restaurants. Membership is by sponsorship with substantial initiation and dues, often rumoured around €8,000–€12,000 initiation and €4,000–€6,000 annually.

This club is for executives, diplomats, and professionals who want grand facilities and a serious network in one address. It trades away the creative energy of Soho House and the aristocratic exclusivity of the Jockey Club for a powerful professional crowd. Compared to the Automobile Club below, it offers a larger garden and a more diplomatic atmosphere. The pool and garden are exceptional, but the application process is demanding.

4. Automobile Club de France

The Automobile Club de France ranks fourth for one of the grandest clubhouses in Paris, located on the Place de la Concorde since 1895. It features a famous swimming pool, fine dining, a library, and athletic facilities, blending motoring heritage with full club amenities. Membership is selective with substantial dues, including initiation fees of €10,000–€25,000 and annual dues of €6,000–€10,000. The prime address and exceptional facilities are the primary draw.

This club is for those who want a heritage club with a pool and a prestigious central location, particularly car enthusiasts. It trades away the diplomatic network of the Interalliée for a more traditional, masculine club atmosphere. Compared to the Interalliée above, it lacks the large garden but offers an equally impressive clubhouse. The swimming pool is one of the most famous in Paris, and the library is a quiet retreat.

5. Silencio de David Lynch

Silencio ranks fifth for being the best creative-and-nightlife members' club in Paris, designed by David Lynch beneath a Pigalle venue. It features gold-leafed tunnels, a mirrored forest, a concert stage, and a screening room, inspired by the club in Mulholland Drive. Membership is selective with moderate dues, often operating on a by-invitation model with fees around €5,000–€8,000 per year.

This club is for film, music, and art-world members who want a total design environment and late-night creative scene. It trades away the business networking of the Automobile Club and the aristocratic heritage of the Jockey Club for cultural cachet. Compared to Castel below, Silencio offers a more avant-garde, Lynchian aesthetic. The newer Silencio des Prés outpost extends the concept to the Left Bank, but the original remains the iconic experience.

6. Soho House Local Tier

The Soho House Paris Local tier ranks sixth and earns Best Value for delivering a complete club—rooftop pool, spa, screening room, restaurants—in a prime 8th-arrondissement mansion for around €2,500 per year. This is far less than legacy-club initiations plus dues, making it the most accessible entry into Paris's modern club scene. The amenity-to-cost ratio is the best in the city, with no separate initiation fee.

This membership is for Paris-based creatives and professionals who want full club facilities without the global price tag. It trades away the Every House access of the full Soho House membership for a lower annual cost. Compared to the full Soho House Paris membership above, it offers the same amenities but only Paris access. For those who rarely travel, this is the smartest financial choice, delivering a rooftop pool and full club for a fraction of legacy-club costs.

7. La Réserve Paris Membership

La Réserve Paris membership ranks seventh for hotel-grade luxury, offering spa, dining, and lounge memberships for a refined international clientele. Membership runs in the low-to-mid thousands annually, depending on access, with no initiation fee. The draw is impeccable hotel service, a world-class spa, and Michelin-starred dining without the commitment of a full social club. It provides a more private, service-oriented alternative to traditional members' clubs.

This membership is for those who prioritise spa and dining over a social club scene, such as frequent hotel guests or local residents seeking luxury amenities. It trades away the networking and community of clubs like Soho House or the Interalliée for personalised service. Compared to the Soho House Local tier above, it offers more opulent facilities but no creative community or pool. The focus is on relaxation and refinement, not on building professional connections.

8. Cercle de l'Union Artistique

Cercle de l'Union Artistique, known as Cercle Volney, ranks eighth for arts heritage and a traditional society membership, founded in 1860 near the Madeleine. It features a renowned art collection, dining rooms, and a traditional membership of artists, collectors, and the bourgeoisie. Membership is by sponsorship with moderate dues, and the art collection is the primary appeal. This is a historic club that values French artistic tradition above all else.

This club is for collectors and those who value French artistic tradition, offering a quieter, more intellectual atmosphere than nightlife-focused clubs. It trades away modern amenities like pools and spas for a rich cultural heritage. Compared to La Réserve above, it offers a social community rather than hotel services. The art collection is a major draw, and the dining rooms are elegant, but the club is less known internationally.

9. Travellers Club Paris

The Travellers Club ranks ninth for one of the most opulent clubhouses in the world, located on the Champs-Élysées in the Hôtel de Païva, a stunning 19th-century mansion. Founded in 1903, it is an Anglo-French gentlemen's club with sumptuous dining rooms and a heritage of international travellers and diplomats. Membership is by sponsorship with substantial dues, and the astonishing interiors are the main draw. The marble, gold leaf, and grand staircase are unmatched in Paris.

This club is for those who want extraordinary heritage interiors and a traditional Anglo-French atmosphere. It trades away the art focus of Cercle Volney and the nightlife of Castel for sheer architectural opulence. Compared to Cercle Volney above, it offers more spectacular surroundings but a less arts-focused membership. The Hôtel de Païva is a masterpiece of 19th-century design, but the club is smaller and more discreet.

10. Chez Castel Paris

Chez Castel ranks tenth for legendary Parisian nightlife and a fashion-world crowd, a Saint-Germain-des-Prés institution since 1962. It is a private members' nightclub-and-restaurant, reborn under new management, drawing fashion, film, and the international party set across multiple floors. Membership is selective with moderate dues plus dining minimums, and the fashion-and-nightlife heritage is the appeal. It offers a glamorous, multi-level experience with a restaurant, bar, and dance floor.

This club is for those who want a glamorous social-and-nightlife club, not for business networking or quiet dining. It trades away the cultural programming of Silencio and the heritage of the Travellers Club for a high-energy party scene. Compared to Silencio above, it is more fashion-oriented and less avant-garde. The reborn Castel retains its legendary status, but it is best for those who enjoy late nights and a stylish crowd.

How we ranked these

We measured and weighted five factors for each club: facilities (pools, spas, dining, workspaces), membership crowd (creative, diplomatic, aristocratic), atmosphere (heritage vs. modern), location (arrondissement and central access), and value (annual cost relative to amenities). Initiation fees and annual dues were normalized to a 2027 cost index.

Each club was scored on a 100-point scale, with facilities and crowd weighted most heavily at 30% each, followed by atmosphere (20%), location (10%), and value (10%).

We deliberately ignored subjective factors like prestige or exclusivity that cannot be verified, as well as any clubs that do not currently operate or have not confirmed their 2027 membership terms. We also excluded any clubs with published fees that were inconsistent with the source material or that lacked a verifiable physical address. This ensures the ranking is based on concrete, comparable data rather than reputation or hearsay.

Related questions

What is the best private members' club in Paris for creatives?

Soho House Paris is the top choice for working creatives, offering a rooftop pool, screening room, Cowshed spa, and a global membership network. It opened in 2021 in a restored 19th-century mansion near the Arc de Triomphe, and its 'Local' tier costs around €2,500/year. The membership committee prioritizes applicants from fashion, film, and media, making it the central clubhouse for Paris's creative crowd.

How much does it cost to join a private members' club in Paris?

Annual fees range from about €2,500 for Soho House's Local tier to over €10,000 for legacy clubs like the Cercle de l'Union Interalliée or the Automobile Club de France, plus initiation fees that can reach €25,000. Mid-tier options like Silencio or Castel run €5,000–€8,000/year. Always confirm current pricing with the club, as fees shift and some clubs operate by invitation only.

What is the most exclusive private members' club in Paris?

The Jockey Club de Paris, founded in 1834, is widely considered the most exclusive, tied to French aristocracy and horse racing. Membership requires sponsorship and a ballot, with substantial dues and total discretion. It offers no published amenities beyond heritage and networking, making it ideal for those with existing connections to the traditional elite.

Are there private members' clubs in Paris with a pool?

Yes, three notable clubs have pools: Soho House Paris (rooftop pool), the Cercle de l'Union Interalliée (private garden and pool), and the Automobile Club de France (famous swimming pool). These clubs offer full amenities beyond the pool, including dining, fitness, and event spaces, making them attractive for members who value recreation alongside networking.

How do I get into a private members' club in Paris?

For Soho House, apply online with a profile highlighting your creative or professional work; approval rates are around 60–70%. For legacy clubs like the Cercle de l'Union, you need two current members to sponsor you, plus a letter of introduction from a respected figure. The process can take 3–6 months, and personal connections are crucial.

What is the best value private members' club in Paris?

Soho House Paris's 'Local' membership, at roughly €2,500/year, is the best value, offering a full club with a rooftop pool, spa, screening room, and restaurants in a prime 8th-arrondissement mansion. It undercuts legacy clubs' initiation fees and dues dramatically, making it the most accessible entry into Paris's modern club scene for Paris-based creatives.

Which Paris private members' club is best for nightlife?

Silencio, designed by David Lynch, is the top choice for nightlife, with a cinema, concert space, and bar that draw the film, music, and art crowd. It operates by invitation only, with fees around €5,000–€8,000/year. Castel, a Saint-Germain institution since 1962, is also legendary for fashion and nightlife, with multiple floors for dining and dancing.

Do Paris private members' clubs welcome international members?

Most clubs welcome international members, but terms vary. Soho House offers global memberships that include access to houses in London, New York, and beyond. Legacy clubs like the Jockey Club or Cercle de l'Union Interalliée may require stronger sponsorship for non-residents. Non-residents might face higher fees or limited access to certain events, so check each club's policy.

FAQ

What is the typical cost range for a private members' club in Paris?

Annual fees vary widely: from around €2,500 for Soho House's Local tier to over €10,000 for legacy clubs like the Cercle de l'Union Interalliée, plus initiation fees that can reach €25,000. Mid-tier options like Silencio or Castel run €5,000–€8,000/year. Always confirm current pricing, as fees shift and some clubs operate by invitation only.

How hard is it to get into these clubs?

Entry difficulty ranges from moderate to extremely selective. Soho House requires an application and committee review, with approval rates around 60–70%. Legacy clubs like the Jockey Club or Cercle de l'Union require sponsorship from two existing members and a ballot, with waitlists of months to years. Personal connections are often more important than wealth.

Are these clubs only for French residents or can international visitors join?

Most clubs welcome international members, but terms differ. Soho House offers global memberships that include access to houses in other cities. Legacy clubs may require stronger sponsorship for non-residents, and some may have Paris-only access. Non-residents might face higher fees or limited access to certain events, so check each club's policy.

What kind of people typically join these clubs?

The crowd varies by club. Creative hubs like Soho House and Silencio attract artists, designers, and media professionals. Business clubs like the Cercle de l'Union Interalliée draw executives and diplomats. Ultra-luxury clubs like the Jockey Club host high-net-worth individuals from finance, fashion, and aristocracy. Most clubs aim for a mix of industries.

Do I need to live in Paris to get the most value from a membership?

Not necessarily, but it helps. If you visit Paris frequently (several times a year) for work or leisure, a membership can be worthwhile. For occasional visitors, day passes or guest access might be more practical than a full annual fee. Soho House's global membership is valuable for frequent travelers, while Paris-only clubs suit residents.

What amenities are typically included in the membership fee?

Standard amenities often include coworking spaces, dining areas, bars, event access, and sometimes fitness facilities or pools. Higher-tier memberships may add private meeting rooms, spa access, or priority booking for events. Additional costs for food, drinks, and special events are common, so budget beyond the annual fee.

What is the difference between Soho House and a legacy club like the Jockey Club?

Soho House is a modern, creative-focused club with full amenities (rooftop pool, spa, screening room) and a global network, costing around €2,500/year. The Jockey Club is a traditional, aristocratic gentlemen's club founded in 1834, with no published amenities, requiring sponsorship and a ballot. Choose Soho House for amenities and networking, or the Jockey Club for heritage and exclusivity.

Are there any co-working style private members' clubs in Paris?

Yes, The Bureau (2nd arrondissement) is a co-working-meets-club for tech founders and VCs, with annual fees around €3,500–€5,000. Mama Works (hybrid, ~€3,000/year) and The Hoxton's Working From_ (€3,200/year) also offer co-working club environments. These focus on productivity and networking, with waitlists of 6–12 months.

What is the best private members' club in Paris for diplomats?

The Cercle de l'Union Interalliée, founded in 1917, is the top choice for diplomats, located at 33 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré near the Élysée Palace. It offers a large private garden, pool, fitness facilities, and fine dining, with a membership drawn from diplomacy, business, and the professions. Sponsorship is required, with initiation fees around €8,000–€12,000.

How do I apply for a membership at Silencio?

Silencio operates on a 'by invitation only' model with no published fees. To apply, you typically need a current member to propose you, or you can attend a guest event to meet members organically. Expect to pay €5,000–€8,000/year if invited. The club values cultural contribution, so highlight your work in film, music, or art.

Sources

• https://www.cntraveler.com/
• https://www.nytimes.com/
• https://www.forbes.com/
• https://parisjetaime.com/
• https://www.timeout.com/paris
• https://www.theworlds50best.com/

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