One of the most popular cabaret shows of Paris, Moulin Rouge is a must-visit attraction on your Paris trip. It is located near the Montmartre hill, in the 18th arrondissement close to the Pigalle district on Boulevard de Clichy. Its most unique part is the huge red windmill that is located on its roof. Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler founded the original cabaret showplace in 1889, but a major fire burned it down in 1915. The Moulin Rouge in Paris offers various sorts of musical and dance-related entertainment to people who come from all over the world.

The Moulin Rouge is famous for the Can-Can dance, and people say this popular dance form originated here. Currently, guests can choose to enjoy champagne and a private dinner on a separate floor or choose to share table with other guests and enjoy meal and the dance show. There are acrobats and live animals on the stage as well, during the change of the dancing troupes on the stage, so one can be sure to have a great day enjoying the dance show.

On 6 October 1889, the founders inaugurated the Moulin Rouge in the Jardin de Paris, at the foot of Montmartre hill. It’s creator Joseph Oller and the manager of the then establishment Charles Zidler were shrewd businessmen who understood the public’s tastes even back then. The aim of the location was to allow entry to the richest elite to come and ‘slum it’ in the Montmarte district. The extravagant settings such as the garden adorned with a gigantic elephant allowed people from all walks and classes of life to mingle. Oller and Zidler nicknamed it “The First Palace of Women,” and the cabaret quickly became a highly successful venture.

Visiting the Moulin Rouge

Your visit to the Moulin Rouge is not only about seeing the show, but you can also enjoy your dinner here. If you opt for the dinner and show, it will include having a French dinner in the beautiful room of the Moulin Rouge before the show. You can also opt to have just a cup of champagne during the show or nothing at all to eat or drink and just enjoy the show peacefully. That decision will have an influence on the time you will go there, the dinner and show option being the first to start in the evening.

They have two shows each evening, one starts at 9 PM, the second at 11 PM. The Moulin Rouge is a fancy experience. So depending on the kind of evening you choose to have there and the day you want to go, the prices of the tickets will be different. For the dinner and show the prices are between 190€ and 210€ per person, it can be a little bit more depending on the menu you choose. Then for the show, only the tickets prices are between 87€ and 120€, if you want to have a drink while watching the show you need to add an extra 10€ to that price. They also offer VIP tickets that come with a few extras and children reduced tickets and menu.

Rules to visit the Moulin Rouge

Also, for such an evening, you will have to dress up! Black tie outfit and dresses are the appropriate outfits to go inside the Moulin Rouge. The management forbids sport shoes and sport outfits, flip-flops, and shorts.

The Moulin Rouge allows children over 6 years old to enter if they are properly dressed, but many view the show as inappropriate for young children. The Moulin Rouge, being a cabaret, may feature dancers showing skin, so prepare children for what they will see. While the show isn’t strictly unsuitable for children, it may not be ideal for young ones.

Visiting the Moulin Rouge to see the performance will be one of the highlights of your trip to Paris for one evening as you get to witness the awe and majesty of cabaret. The magnificent show transports you to a magical world you won’t want to leave.

Now that you’ve got to know everything about Moulin Rouge, you must add this to your trip to Paris. We here at Pickyourtrail are there to help you plan your next vacation to France. Check out our France travel packages and have an amazing time!