Set on the site of a former coffee shop and restaurant, Le Raidd Bar first opened its doors in 2003, under the vision of Jean-Claude Houssoy. After years at the helm of some of Paris’s most prestigious nightclubs, he set out to create something entirely new — a venue bridging the gap between a daytime café and a late-night club.
The result was a vibrant, music-driven bar, opening in the late afternoon (6pm today) and running well into the night.
A space between café culture and club nightlife — a bold and original concept in Paris back in 2003.
Le Raidd Bar quickly made a name for itself with its striking identity and charismatic, athletic team. But what truly set it apart came during the venue’s transformation: when a staircase was removed, the question arose — what should replace it? A shower. This unexpected idea became the bar’s signature and propelled it to international fame.
Over the years, Le Raidd Bar has also played host to rising stars such as Slimane, Camille Lelouche and Bruno Monroe.
The story behind the name
Despite common assumptions, “Raidd” has no connection to the French police unit. The name actually comes from a recombinant protein. It was chosen for its strong, memorable sound and its association — at least in everyday language — with strength and muscle. In reality, the protein itself has nothing to do with that, but the name has certainly left its mark.