One of the things that seem to be on many France bucket lists is to go to a Moulin Rouge show in Paris. This guide details tips, how to book, and whether or not the Moulin Rouge is even worth it in the first place.
Be sure to book your accommodation and tours in Paris ahead of time to ensure availability!
🇫🇷 Most popular tours/experiences in Paris:
- Moulin Rouge Paris show ticket (best value + incl. Champagne!)
- Dinner by French chef + Moulin Rouge ticket (incl. Champagne)
- 1-hour Seine River cruise in Paris
- Moulin Rouge + Eiffel Tower + Dinner cruise (best bundle option)
🛌 Hotels near the Moulin Rouge (+ distance away):
- Maison Souquet (5-star hotel w/ spa and pool – 260 ft / 80m away)
- Hotel Monsieur Aristide (affordable 4-star hotel – 0.2mi / 300m away)
- B Montmartre Hotel (affordable luxury – 0.3mi / 480m away)
- Le Chat Noir (located in a former cabaret – 150ft / 45m away)
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I had been to cabaret shows in the past, but never secured myself tickets to go see a show at the Moulin Rouge in Paris.
So, on my last trip to Paris, I decided to book a ticket (that included Champagne, of course) and treat myself to one of Paris’ most famous attractions.
I have to say that the Moulin Rouge program was not exactly what I expected… so I decided to write this post to answer any questions you might have, as well as let you know exactly what to expect when you show up to the Moulin Rouge!
Did I miss any Moulin Rouge tips or practical information in this post? Let me know in the comments! Thanks!
In this post...
- Should You Visit the Moulin Rouge in Paris?
- What is the Moulin Rouge?
- Booking Tickets for the Moulin Rouge (Overview)
- Booking Moulin Rouge Paris Tickets (A Closer Look!)
- Planning Your Trip to the Moulin Rouge
- What to Expect During the Moulin Rouge Program
- Moulin Rouge FAQ
- Where to Go Before the Moulin Rouge Show
- Is the Moulin Rouge Montmartre Worth It?
- Hotels Near the Moulin Rouge
- More Paris Travel Guides
- Pin this Moulin Rouge Tips Guide
Should You Visit the Moulin Rouge in Paris?
If it is your first trip to Paris, I think the Moulin Rouge is a fun way to spend an evening. There are plenty of cabaret shows in Paris, but of course, the Moulin Rouge is the most famous of them all.
Here are a variety of options to consider for your Moulin Rouge experience: While I don’t believe it is something you will ever desire to do more than once (unlike visiting the Louvre which I could do over and over), it is an experience to be had at least once by those traveling to Paris. This guide will detail how to book Moulin Rouge Paris tickets, what to expect during the program, the different types of tickets, and answer some of your frequently asked questions! The Moulin Rouge, a renowned emblem of Paris’s nightlife, was founded on October 6, 1889, by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller. Situated in (well close to it!) the lively Montmartre district, the cabaret rapidly earned a name for its opulent shows and spirited ambiance. The term “Moulin Rouge,” which translates to “Red Mill,” was derived from the red windmill atop the establishment, acting as a guiding light for guests. During its initial years, the Moulin Rouge drew a varied crowd, spanning from the working class to the elite of Parisian society. The enticing dances, such as the can-can, mesmerized spectators and added to its renown. The venue also appealed to prominent artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who vividly portrayed the Moulin Rouge’s distinct character in his paintings. Over time, the Moulin Rouge faced numerous obstacles, including a catastrophic fire in 1915 and temporary closures during the World Wars. BOOK HERE: Moulin Rouge ticket (with Champagne!) Nevertheless, the establishment has persistently reinvented itself, cementing its position as a legendary center of entertainment. Today, the Moulin Rouge serves as an enduring symbol of Paris’s nightlife appeal and is really one of the best things to do in Paris at night. Still boasting lavish performances, luxurious costumes, and hypnotic choreography, the cabaret captivates audiences from across the globe, safeguarding its rich legacy and embodying the spirit of the Belle Époque. If you’re unsure about which tickets to purchase for a night at the Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, here is a quick overview of which Moulin Rouge ticket is right for you: Getting your Moulin Rouge tickets is a pretty easy process – pending that you book ahead! This cabaret show, especially the 9PM showtime, books up very quickly! You have a few options for tickets to the Moulin Rouge: These are my recommendations for the BEST ticket options for the Moulin Rouge Paris. This is the best ticket to book if you want a full-on experience! You will arrive no later than 7PM at the Moulin Rouge and have a chance to enjoy a delicious French meal prepared by the in-house chef with music by the Moulin Rouge orchestra while eating. You will also get a 1/2 bottle of Champagne or wine per person. If you’re a non-drinker, you can opt for other choices. Vegan and vegetarian options are available (you can select when booking). Please note that the doors open at 6:45PM, dinner starts at 7PM, and the show starts at 9PM. >> Click here to check showtime (and dinner!) rates and availability This must be the most highly coveted ticket out there because it is hard to score if you plan at the last minute! I was unable to get a ticket to this show and that left me with the 11:30PM show. I am usually asleep by 10PM, so that was a real treat (I managed, to be fair). So, if you’re looking to book this show – book as far ahead as you can! The ticket includes a ½ bottle of Champagne or wine (or non-alcoholic drinks of choice). Doors open at 8PM for this show and the show itself starts at 9PM. >> Click here to check showtime rates and availability The late-night show at the Moulin Rouge is the easiest to score tickets to at a moment’s notice (but they still sell out, so don’t bank on this). The ticket includes a ½ bottle of Champagne or wine (or non-alcoholic drinks of choice). Doors open at 10:45PM for this show and the show itself starts at 11:30PM. >> Click here to check showtime rates and availability There are two tickets that I think are of great value for those looking to combine their experience at the Moulin Rouge with another popular Paris landmark. Here are my two recommendations: This tour bundle option provides you with a ticket on a Seine River evening cruise (includes a glass of Champagne or a 1/2 bottle – you can choose when booking the tour) as well as a ticket to the late evening Moulin Rouge show. The experience starts at 9:45PM and lasts for around 5.5 hours in total. >> Click here to check ticket rates and availability If you’re keen to combine an evening cruise checking out the Eiffel Tower along with a Moulin Rouge Cabaret show, this is the best ticket option for you! The evening begins at 6:30PM and will run for about 8 hours in total. You will enjoy a dinner river cruise on the Seine along with a visit to the Eiffel Tower (entrance included in ticket price) before heading to the late evening Moulin Rouge Show. You will have an option of enjoying one glass of Champagne at the show, or a 1/2 bottle per person (the choice can be made in the booking process). >> Click here to check ticket rates and availability The Moulin Rouge is located in the Montmartre district of Paris at 82 Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement. If you’re in the area, it is impossible to miss! If the bus is a better option for you, you can also easily take one to the Moulin Rouge. The bus numbers are 30, 54, 68, and 74. You can get to and from the Moulin Rouge by taxi, but beware, if you’re calling a taxi right after your show ends, you will be amongst the crowds of others doing the same thing! If you’re looking to get a taxi, try to find a place nearby before the show that you feel confident walking to afterward and meeting a taxi. Or, you can get a street taxi from the taxi line (you will just pay a premium). Getting to the Moulin Rouge by metro is simple! Just take the M2 to the stop ‘Blanche’ and walk from there. If you’re looking for an alternative stop that is nearby but requires slightly more walking, get off at Place de Clichy. It is on Metro lines 2 and 13, so if you’re not already on 2, you don’t need to get off and change. Driving to the Moulin Rouge? You will need to park close to Place Blanche at Clichy-Montmartre’s Car Park. The Moulin Rouge is offered a special rate to guests with valid tickets at this park, so be sure to have your ticket ready! You can book yourself a parking spot here. You’re planning your trip to the Moulin Rouge and are unsure about what time you need to secure tickets for? Well, you have a few options and a few different ticket choices. Here is a quick breakdown of the Moulin Rouge showtimes: Do note that the tickets I have linked to all include Champagne (you don’t have to accept it though) which, honestly, was one of my favorite things about the experience. BOOK HERE: Moulin Rouge ticket (with Champagne!) Please take in mind that these are the standard showtimes and do not include the VIP packages or dinner packages – which you can purchase separately – I have broken down the dinner inclusion in the next part. If the dinner and Moulin Rouge show is more up your alley, you can purchase a ticket for that instead! BOOK HERE: Moulin Rouge ticket (with dinner!) The evening dinner and show start at 7PM (the actual show starts at 9PM but your dinner begins earlier) and you can purchase tickets here for this enhanced experience of the Moulin Rouge. The Moulin Rouge is a more ‘formal’ affair, and I was terrified when I was there as I had nothing fancy with me having just come back from Western Sahara. I planned to shop and buy something and never did. I showed up at the Moulin Rouge in black leggings with a white button-up, a black blazer, and sneakers. I thought the sneakers would get me thrown out… but I was pleasantly surprised to see many of the people there dressed similarly to me. It was the biggest sigh of relief. I have a torn ACL in my knee currently, so my choice of shoes is a bit limited. While I was very underdressed, no one seemed to mind even though the people around me were donning glittery, sequined dresses and beautiful makeup and hair. So, what I have gathered is just make a little bit of effort (I threw on red lipstick and silver jewelry) and no one is going to care what you look like. Wear whatever suits you. There are security measures in place at the Moulin Rouge. It was nothing too crazy, but I did need to show my purse when I got there. So, don’t bring a lot, and also don’t bring anything that could potentially get you flagged by security. The Moulin Rouge is accessible to those with mobility issues and those who are in wheelchairs. Please come early to ensure a spot in line and indicate on your ticket if you have mobility impairments. I finally had the chance to go to a show at the Moulin Rouge on my latest Paris trip and it was kind of exactly what I had suspected… and also nothing as I had suspected. Having booked so last minute, I was unable to go to the 9PM show, so I had to opt for the 11:30PM show and I had an early tour booked the following day. So, it was kind of something I was dreading as someone who goes to sleep at 10PM (at the latest). However, once I was in the area, I was pretty pumped for the show to start and I felt confident I could make it the entire way through despite the start time being so late! When you arrive, you will wait in the line and get admitted into the lobby area where you will be separated into different queues. I spent most of this time (which was rather long as they started queueing us up early) looking at all the beautiful outfits the other women were wearing and scoffing at my sneakers and Lululemon leggings and blazer I was donning. No one seemed to care about my appearance and that made me feel a lot better! Eventually, they started to escort us into the showroom. A lovely gentleman escorted me in and put me at the end of a long table close to the stage. My seat was pretty epic… but I guess when you’re visiting the Moulin Rouge solo, they have better options for where to stick you. I was served Champagne and waited for the show to begin. You can NOT take photos during the show, so put your phone away and sit back and relax! Once the show began, it was enjoyable and entertaining. I was really enjoying it until about mid-way through but I did find some of the ‘acts’ (I don’t know the correct jargon) seemed a little culturally offensive or to appropriate other cultures. I guess if the show wasn’t so ‘white’ it would have seemed a little less offensive but having topless white women dancing around in African tribal masks seemed a little off to me. There was also a ‘sketch’ where a performer swims with large snakes and I really felt this was totally uncalled for these days. I don’t see the point of the animals being involved in this show. BOOK HERE: Moulin Rouge ticket (with Champagne!) Especially as there were two roller skaters a few acts prior that did some of the most impressive stuff I have ever seen on a stage – meaning animals really don’t need to be involved. I think my jaw dropped at the use of these snakes in the Moulin Rouge show and I could tell the two English girls beside me were equally as appalled by it. Nevertheless, the show continued. There was some can-can dancing toward the end that was quite cool and it was an entertaining 1.5 hours or so. Overall, I enjoyed most of the experience with the exception of the snake act and the dancing around Colonial-era India and Africa topless. I still definitely think that this is an experience that most people will enjoy when visiting Paris! If you want to know more, please feel free to reach out in the comments or on our contact form and I can fill you in on additional details or thoughts there! No, photography is not allowed during the Moulin Rouge show. However, you could take photos until the show started… hence how I was able to take a few of the processes of getting inside and waiting for the program to begin. There are topless dancers throughout, but nothing you don’t see on television. They last anywhere from 1.5 hours until 2 hours. I would definitely count on being there for the full 2 hours, however (this is good to know if you’re securing a taxi for after the show). There is a high-quality French chef preparing each meal the night of the show. The menu is everchanging but you can inquire to ensure you have no allergies to anything beforehand. BOOK HERE: Moulin Rouge ticket (with dinner!) You can also select vegan or vegetarian options at the time of booking your ticket! Arriving at the Moulin Rouge show early? I love this area of Paris but I also think it is nice to just grab a drink or dinner nearby and chill out. Here are some of the top attractions in Montmartre (and other areas close to the Moulin Rouge): If you’re looking for a nice, highly-rated restaurant nearby for a drink or French meal, I can recommend Café Blanche at 79 Rue Blanche, 75009 Paris. It was not crowded when I was there at like 9PM for dinner and a drink but you can book a table ahead if you wish. The place was cozy and my food was really delicious. The bartender/waiter was super friendly and I will definitely stop back in next time I am in Montmartre! There are plenty of amazing things to do in Paris and the Moulin Rouge is definitely worth it if you’re visiting the city for the first time! I think it is one of the best things to do in Paris at night and something that allows you to experience a historical part of the French capital, even if the experience has become a tourist attraction throughout the years! >> Click here to book a ticket to the Moulin Rouge If you’re looking for the best hotels near the Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, here are a few of our top recommendations: Did we miss anything you’d like to know about visiting the Moulin Rouge in 2024? Let us know your Moulin Rouge in Paris tips, questions, concerns, or tricks in the comments! Thanks! Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now splits her time between Frankfurt, Germany and Arctic Finland after also living in Norway, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.
What is the Moulin Rouge?
Booking Tickets for the Moulin Rouge (Overview)
Booking Moulin Rouge Paris Tickets (A Closer Look!)
Moulin Rouge + Dinner Show (Includes Champagne)
Evening Moulin Rouge Show (Includes Champagne)
Late-Evening Moulin Rouge Show (Includes Champagne)
Moulin Rouge + Other Top Paris Attraction Bundle Tickets
Moulin Rouge Ticket with a Seine River Cruise
Moulin Rouge Ticket with Eiffel Tower Dinner Cruise
Planning Your Trip to the Moulin Rouge
Where is the Moulin Rouge Located?
How to Get to the Moulin Rouge
Taking the Bus to the Moulin Rouge
Getting to the Moulin Rouge by Taxi
Getting to the Moulin Rouge by Metro
Driving to the Moulin Rouge (+ Parking)
Moulin Rouge Showtimes
Moulin Rouge Showtimes (with Dinner Included)
Moulin Rouge Dress Code
Security at the Moulin Rouge
Accessibility at the Moulin Rouge
What to Expect During the Moulin Rouge Program
Moulin Rouge FAQ
Is photography allowed at the Moulin Rouge?
Is there really nudity at the Moulin Rouge?
How long is a Moulin Rouge show?
What is on the Moulin Rouge Paris menu for the dinner show?
Where to Go Before the Moulin Rouge Show
Is the Moulin Rouge Montmartre Worth It?
Hotels Near the Moulin Rouge
More Paris Travel Guides
Pin this Moulin Rouge Tips Guide
