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Moulin Rouge, Paris
Few places in the world capture the imagination quite like the Moulin Rouge. With its iconic red windmill, dazzling costumes, and world-famous cabaret shows, the Moulin Rouge is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Paris — and one of the most legendary entertainment venues in the entire world.
History
Origins
The Moulin Rouge was founded on 6 October 1889 — the same year the Eiffel Tower was built — by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller. Located at the foot of Montmartre hill in the 18th arrondissement, it was designed from the very beginning as a place where people of all social classes could come together to dance, drink, and be entertained. The name means "Red Mill" in French — a reference to the iconic red windmill on the roof.
The Birth of the Can-Can
The Moulin Rouge is credited with popularising the can-can — the energetic, high-kicking dance that became synonymous with Parisian nightlife. The dance shocked and thrilled audiences in equal measure, and its fame spread rapidly across Europe and the world. The most celebrated early performer was Louise Weber, known as "La Goulue" (The Glutton), whose wild and uninhibited dancing style made her the first superstar of the Moulin Rouge.
Toulouse-Lautrec
No history of the Moulin Rouge would be complete without Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The artist's iconic posters and paintings of the Moulin Rouge's performers — colourful, dynamic, and full of life — helped define the visual identity of the Belle Époque and are now among the most reproduced artworks in the world.
Through the Decades
Over its 135-year history, the Moulin Rouge has reinvented itself many times while always staying true to its spirit of glamour and spectacle. Key moments include the 1900s when it attracted royalty and celebrities from across Europe, the devastating fire of 1915, the Jazz Age of the 1920s-1930s with performers like Josephine Baker, and 2001 when Baz Luhrmann's Oscar-winning film brought the venue to a new global audience.
The Show
Féerie
The current Moulin Rouge show, called Féerie (meaning "Enchantment"), is a dazzling two-hour extravaganza featuring over 60 performers, 1,000 costumes, and some of the most spectacular staging in the world of entertainment. The show combines traditional French cabaret with acrobatics, comedy, and the iconic can-can finale — performed by the Doriss Girls, the Moulin Rouge's legendary troupe of dancers.
What's Included
Two performances nightly: 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM
Spectacular staging with live orchestra
The famous can-can finale
An intimate cabaret atmosphere seating around 850 guests
Show Times & Ticket Prices
Show only + champagne : from €115 per person
Dinner & Show : from €215 per person
Shows : 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM every night
Booking : Always book in advance — shows sell out weeks ahead, especially in summer
Book your Moulin Rouge ticket → (lien GetYourGuide)
Getting There
Address : 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris
Metro : Blanche (line 2) — 2 minutes' walk
Bus : Lines 30, 54, 67, 74
Tips for Your Visit
Arrive early : At least 30 minutes early for dinner, 15 minutes for show-only tickets
Best show : The 9:00 PM show is the most popular — consider the 11:00 PM for a more intimate atmosphere
Combine with : A walk around Montmartre beforehand — the neighbourhood is beautiful at dusk
Photography : Not permitted during the show, but allowed outside and in the foyer
Dress code : Smart casual — no sportswear
FAQ
What is the Moulin Rouge?
The Moulin Rouge is the world's most famous cabaret, founded in Paris in 1889. It is best known for its spectacular shows combining French cabaret, acrobatics, and the iconic can-can dance.
How much are Moulin Rouge tickets?
Tickets start from €115 per person for the show with champagne. Dinner and show packages start from €215. Always book well in advance.
Do I need to dress up for the Moulin Rouge?
Smart casual dress is recommended. Sportswear, shorts, and flip-flops are not permitted.
Is the Moulin Rouge worth it?
Absolutely — the Moulin Rouge is a genuinely spectacular experience and a unique piece of Parisian history. Whether you attend for the show alone or combine it with dinner, it is one of the most memorable evenings Paris has to offer.