Hello fellow piano players! I’d love to play a song on a public piano in Paris. Any recommendations where is best? I’m more likely to play Beatles than complicated classical, so I am looking for smaller audiences that would likely accept an amateur having some fun. Thank you.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5846 posts
There are pianos in many of the train stations.
https://www.groupe-sncf.com/en/group/about-us/companies/sncf-gares-et-connexions/station-pianos
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you!
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3983 posts
I have heard some excellent music in the train stations in Paris. I think the pianos at Gare St Lazare are the best ones. https://youtu.be/SOHuU2izlXw?si=9_FPI_AOUHczfAOi
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you for the tip! He plays beautifully!
Posted by
San Francisco
14974 posts
The two train stations in Paris where I heard public piano playing most often, just about daily, last summer were in Gare du Nord and de l"Est as my hotels were located there or in between.
It's all fun, some play superbly, which is obvious; various types of music are played from intense classical to boogie-woogie.
Posted by
Chicago
8550 posts
This was many years ago and before COVID but the garden at Hotel Dieu by Notre Dame had a public piano when we visited last.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Appreciate the specific location tips!! Will take a look. Thanks!
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7799 posts
I can’t remember if it was CDG or Rome, but there were a couple of pianos there to play. They had dampered the sound of the one I played, so I was surprised when some ladies came over and said they appreciated the music.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3983 posts
There are pianos at CDG and Orly.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you for the tips everyone!
Posted by
Chicago
8550 posts
We came through Gare du Nord yesterday and someone was playing a piano badly -- so definitely there
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
7976 posts
If you ever make your way to the Peak District in England, Chatsworth House has a gorgeous Steinway grand in one of the rooms and anyone is allowed to play there.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Oh yes! I have seen the piano at Chatsworth House (right before Covid hit). I didn’t realize anyone could play it. I’ll remember that if I’m able to return. Had a lovely time visiting Bakewell. Hope you enjoyed playing and/or listening!
Ok, anyone can step right up at Gare du Nord :D
Posted by
LA
46 posts
There is a piano upstairs at Gare Montparnasse, too: a few kids were noodling around on it and no one even seemed to notice two weeks ago.