The Moulin Rouge, one of the most prestigious cabarets in the world, is located in the Montmartre district. Founded by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, it opened its doors to the public on 6 October 1889. It left a lasting mark on the history of Parisian entertainment thanks to its revue, its French Cancan dancers, and its joyous atmosphere.
The birthplace of the French Cancan, the Moulin Rouge became the temple of Parisian music hall in the 1920s. Nicknamed the “Palace of Women”, the cabaret attracted a lively and varied crowd from Parisian society. The ingredient of its success was the grandiose performances led by the famous Mistinguett and her troupe Doriss Girls. They aroused the imagination by provocatively exposing fantasies of the female body that were little revealed in the belle époque.
Today, these great revues are still performed on stage, including the legendary dance of this famous cabaret: the French Cancan, a frenzied performance danced by the 60 artists of the current revue “Féerie”. The lively atmosphere of the show is a vibrant experience for the spectator.
Many of Montmartre’s bohemian artists lived and mingled at the cabaret. The list included Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Maurice Utrillo, Amedeo Modigliani, and Max Jacob.
The venue has played host to many famous artists and performers and has been featured in numerous films. In particular, Moulin Rouge is a famous film released in 2001, directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Nicole Kidman.
Over the years, the Moulin Rouge has undergone several renovations and changes of ownership, but it has retained its reputation as a symbol of Parisian nightlife. It remains a must-see attraction for those looking to discover Paris’ rich cultural and entertainment history.
The cabaret offers 2 packages, per day: The Dinner-show and the Show with champagne.