Moulin Rouge
The Basics
Best known for its glittering performances, troupes of glitzily clad Doriss girls, and expertly choreographed French cancan routines, the Moulin Rouge plays host to one of the top shows in Europe. As such, booking in advance is essential to snag a seat for this cabaret spectacular, one of the most sought-after in Paris.
Ticket options range from those which combine VIP seats on a private balcony with a gourmet 4-course dinner and Champagne to those with simple showtime admission; most include round-trip transportation. Or, combine a Moulin Rouge show with a Seine River dinner cruise or city illuminations tour that passes by the Eiffel Tower and more.
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Things to Know Before You Go
Photography and video recording are not allowed inside the Moulin Rouge Paris.
Opt for a tour that includes round-trip transfers to avoid having to worry about transportation.
Despite the show's adult themes, kids ages 6 and up are allowed inside the venue.
The cabaret's dress code prohibits shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers.
The Moulin Rouge is accessible for those with limited mobility, although there are a few steps that wheelchair users won't be able to navigate without help.
How to Get There
From central Paris, the Moulin Rouge is easily accessible by public transport: disembark at Place de Clichy on Metro line 13, or at Blanche on Metro line 2. By taxi, Moulin Rouge is just a 15-minute drive from central Paris depending on traffic. Many tours include round-trip transportation.
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When to Get There
The famous cabaret stages shows at 9pm and 11pm, with occasional matinee performances. If you opt for the late Moulin Rouge show, the performance can run as late as 1:30am, meaning public transport will have ceased operation. If your tour doesn't include round-trip transportation, be prepared to wait in the taxi line or soak up Paris' evening ambiance at one of the bars in the area.
The History of the Moulin Rouge
Immortalized (and fictionalized) on film by Baz Luhrmann in 2001, the Moulin Rouge has a long and illustrious history. First opened in 1889, the Moulin Rouge was a melting pot of the lower classes, bourgeois writers, artists, and sex workers that enjoyed immediate popularity. It was also home to some of the most famous dancers of the day—including Miss Jenny and La Goulue—who delighted with renditions of the French cancan. Now, it's a Paris must-see.
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