Many of the world's best dance cities have one club in particular that is synonymous with its scene. In Paris, it's unquestionably the Rex. Fiercely underground, never giving an inch in its no-sell-out booking policy has no doubt helped preserve this club's unblemished reputation. Techno and metro-deep house are the plat du jour, served up by the best French and international DJs.

Perhaps France's second most famous house music export, Laurent Garnier launched the Rex in 1992, and its unpretentious environs, party-hearty, impassioned and knowledgeable crowd have kept it one of the coolest joints in the world, not just on the continent. Veterans Jeff Mills and Carl Craig, as well as new school types like Nina Kraviz and Lerosa just played there, while D'Julz, Mademoiselle Caro, Dyed Soundorom and Jennifer Cardini head up the list of sterling residents.