Moulin Rouge Paris – 7 Ways To See The Hottest Show in Town

1889 was a big year for Paris. The Eiffel Tower was built, an International Exhibition was staged, and Moulin Rouge opened its doors. Exactly as old as the Eiffel Tower, this famous cabaret is more popular than ever. You can't miss its signature bright red windmill at the foot of Montmartre, on Place Blanche along Boulevard de Clichy.

The Moulin Rouge has been the spot for the best entertainment in Paris since it was built at the height of the Belle Epoque, the re-flourishing of Paris after France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. The French Cancan with its furious rhythms and scintillating costumes, along with a champagne-fuelled audience made the nightclub a sought-after destination. Today, Moulin Rouge is still the number-one rated show in City of Night and it sells out weeks in advance. One hundred performers, including the legendary Doriss Dancing Girls, are resplendent in feathers, sequins and rhinestone costumes.

1. Eiffel Tower Dinner, River Cruise & Moulin Rouge Show

Paris Insiders Readers' Favourite

Combine the Moulin Rouge with the best of the city's nightlife. You start at the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views and dinner at Restaurant 58, perched on 200 feet above the city. Next is a leisurely Seine River cruise to see Paris all aglow at nighttime. Then be whisked off to the legendary Moulin Rouge for the evening cabaret.

Everything is included — dinner, Seine cruise, Moulin Rouge show, champagne, and transportation back to your hotel at the end of the night Tip: This tour also sells out early.

Outstanding! The driver was on time, friendly and went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable getting from one venue to the next. Dinner at the Eiffel tower was beautiful, the river cruise was great, and Moulin Rouge was the perfect ending to a thoroughly "Paris" evening."
– 5-Star Review

2. Moulin Rouge Dinner, Show & Hotel Return

A Paris Insiders Guide Favourite

This nighttime Moulin Rouge is another favorite and we recommend it for a number of reasons — an important one is it includes pickup and transportation back to your hotel at the end of the night. The fun starts at 7:00 PM with a leisurely multi-course meal featuring classic French food and champagne.

After dinner, settle back and enjoy the amazing cabaret show. Best part — you don't have to worry about arranging any details. Everything is included — tickets to the show, dinner, champagne and transportation to and from your hotel. This sells out weeks in advance, so be sure to book early!

Absolutely fantastic show. We were picked up on time in front of our hotel, our driver was very knowledgeable and friendly. Moulin Rouge show made our trip to Paris an exciting part of our tour… French champagne plus amazing food, wow! We will see the show again in our third visit in Paris. Go on, see the show for yourself, it will take your breath away."
– 5-Star Review

3. Illuminations Tour + Moulin Rouge Show

Paris is fantastic by day but it is absolutely magical by night. See the city lights on your way to Moulin Rouge. Your driver takes you on a best-of-Paris route from Place de la Concorde, Vendôme, Opera and Champs-Elysées to Pigalle and Montmartre.

All the details have been arranged — pick-up at a central Paris location, illuminations tour, tickets to Moulin Rouge, and champagne, of course.

The vehicle arrived at the appointed time. The guide driver was very helpful and had traveled extensively. He explained each and every milestone properly and made the entire tour very lively with his live commentary. We were visiting the place for the first time, but after his explanations we know each and every monument in great detail. We would highly recommend the tour."
– 5-Star Review

4. Dinner on the Seine + Moulin Rouge Cabaret

Start your night with a dinner cruise aboard one of the glass-enclosed boats from Marina de Paris on the River Seine. We like this one because you dine at your own private table as you admire the monuments of Paris passing by. Then you are driven to Moulin Rouge for a dazzling show.

Everything is included — transportation to and from your hotel, dinner, Moulin Rouge show and, of course, champagne!

5. Moulin Rouge Show with Hotel Pick-up

Want to see the cabaret show without dinner? Bien sur! Same great show with transportation to and from your hotel and some bubbly to enjoy while you take in the number-one rated show in Europe. It's the easy way to go, no need to figure out how to get there on the Metro or what to do when you're ready to leave.

Complete with champagne, hotel pick-up and drop-off. Choose from the 9:00 PM show or the 11:00 PM show.

6. Moulin Rouge Dinner & Show

Want dinner and the show but you can manage your own transportation? Pas de probleme! This combination dinner and show includes everything except getting to and from your hotel.

Dress code at the Moulin Rouge is elegant attire. Dress your best, you're in Paris!

An absolutely brilliant show. Completely entertained for four hours. Had a lovely meal with a whole bottle of champagne, was only expecting half a bottle. A totally memorable experience and would definitely recommend the show to everyone. There is a Metro stop just across the road which makes getting there easy."
– 5-Star Review

7. Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show Only

Just the show? C'est possible aussi! If you'd like to see the current Moulin Rouge cabaret show — complete with choreographed performances on moving staircases, and a gigantic aquarium — then book the 9:00 PM or 11:00 PM show using the link below.

All tickets include champagne! That way you'll taste stars and see the dancing stars in amazing costumes and an elaborate light show.

Dining at the Moulin Rouge – What to Expect

Sure, it's a cabaret but you probably didn't know that the Moulin Rouge is also renowned for its dining. The menu continually changes but here's a sneak peek of what you can expect when you dine at the world's most famous cabaret.

There are several menus to choose from, each is named after a pivotal actress, artist or époque (era). Of course, it being France, a half bottle of champagne per person is always included!

Mistinguett Menu

Mistinguett was a star of the Moulin Rouge in the early 1900s and one of the highest-paid female entertainers in the world. Mistinguett (Jeanne Florentine Bourgeois) started her career as a flower seller and became so popular that she toured the US and appeared in Time magazine.

ENTRÉE
• Terrine of foie gras with fruit chutney, or
• King prawns with smoked spices & herb vinaigrette

PLAT
• Sautéed chicken breast with morel cream sauce & fresh pasta, or
• Baked salmon filet with French white butter sauce & roasted grape tomatoes

DESSERT
• Compote of red berries, meringue & raspberry sauce, or
• A trio of chocolate creations garnished with chocolate pearls

Toulouse-Lautrec Menu

Toulouse-Lautrec — Dedicated to the artist who popularized the gaiety of Moulin Rouge. Henri Toulouse-Lautrec accomplished a lot in his brief 36 years. You'll probably recognize his popular Moulin Rouge posters — Reine de Joie, Aristide Bruant and La Goulue.

ENTRÉE
• Norwegian smoked salmon & caviar with toast points, or
• Stuffed dover sole on a bed of baby greens

PLAT
• Steamed sea bream with champagne sauce & dauphinoise potatoes, or
• Sautéed veal with suprême sauce & rice pilaf

DESSERT
• Moulin Rouge Opera cake with chocolate hazelnut sauce , or
• Compote of red berries, meringue & raspberry sauc

Belle Épôque Menu

Belle Épôque — French for the "Beautiful Era", this menu is dedicated to the period between the Prussian War (1870) and World War I (1914) when France's economy flourished and the arts, restaurants, culture and entertainment gained recognition.

MISE EN BOUCHE
A little appetizer specially prepared by the chef to tease the palate

ENTRÉE
• Foie gras with mango vinaigrette & roquette salad , or
• Lobster à la Parisienne with baby greens

PLAT
• Sea bass filet with porcini mushroom sauce & risotto , or
• Sirloin steak with French beans, fresh butter & pan-fried baby potatoes

DESSERT
• Saint Honoré cake with raspberries, whipped cream & caramel, or
• Moulin Rouge Opera cake with chocolate hazelnut sauce, or
• A trio of chocolate creations garnished with chocolate pearls

History of the Moulin Rouge

Founders Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler had a vision of creating a place where rich and famous Parisians could let their hair down in the shabby/chic part of town, Montmartre. Their extravagant design included a gigantic elephant sculpture in the garden and the early shows were inspired by circus acts. Instantly, Moulin Rouge became a magnet to tout le monde — women, workers, artists, the bourgeoisie, businessmen and tourists.

Enter Parisian artist Toulouse-Lautrec. It was his posters and paintings that boosted the Moulin Rouge to international fame.

Controversy has also been a part of the Moulin's history. Colette's 1906 performance Egyptian Dream caused a sensation. The Chief of Police threatened to close down the cabaret if the two-minute act was ever performed again. What was all the fuss about? A long kiss between Colette and her fellow performer, Missy, AKA Yssim, AKA the Marquise de Morny.