How to Book a Moulin Rouge Show in Paris

If it’s your first trip to Paris, I think the Moulin Rouge is a fun way to spend an evening. There are many cabaret shows in Paris, but of course, the Moulin Rouge is the most famous of them all.

Even though I don’t think it’s something you’ll ever want to do more than once (unlike visiting the Louvre, which I could do over and over again), it’s an experience that anyone traveling to Paris should have at least once. This guide will explain in detail how to book tickets for the Moulin Rouge in Paris, what to expect during the show, the different types of tickets, and will answer some of your frequently asked questions!

To make sure you don’t miss out on the beauty of Paris, we recommend our Paris guide, the alternative visit to the Montparnasse Tower, an exclusive visit to the Palace of Versailles, a day of fun at Disneyland Paris or following the tips on how to make the most of your visit to Paris.

What is the Moulin Rouge?

The Moulin Rouge, a famous symbol of Parisian nightlife, was founded on October 6, 1889 by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller. Located in the lively Montmartre district, the cabaret quickly made a name for itself with its opulent shows and vibrant atmosphere. The term “Moulin Rouge,” which translates to “Red Mill,” comes from the red windmill on top of the establishment, serving as a beacon for guests.

During its early years, the Moulin Rouge attracted a diverse crowd, from the working class to the Parisian social elite. Tempting dances, like the can-can, mesmerized audiences and boosted its fame. The venue also attracted prominent artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who vividly captured the unique character of the Moulin Rouge in his paintings.

Over time, the Moulin Rouge faced numerous challenges, including a devastating fire in 1915 and temporary closures during the world wars. However, the institution has constantly reinvented itself, cementing its place as a legendary center of entertainment. Today, the Moulin Rouge serves as a lasting symbol of the allure of Parisian nightlife and is truly one of the best things to do in Paris at night.

BOOK HERE: Moulin Rouge Ticket (with Champagne!)

Still boasting lavish shows, luxurious costumes, and mesmerizing choreography, the cabaret captivates audiences from all over the world, preserving its rich legacy and embodying the spirit of the Belle Époque.

Booking Moulin Rouge tickets (overview)

If you’re not sure which tickets to buy for a night at the Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, here’s a quick overview of the Moulin Rouge ticket just for you:

1. Cheapest Moulin Rouge ticket:late-night Moulin Rouge ticket for 11:30 PM (includes champagne)
2. Best ticket for the Moulin Rouge:evening ticket for the Moulin Rouge for 9:00 PM (includes champagne but book quickly)
3. Dinner + ticket for the Moulin Rouge show:ticket for the Moulin Rouge + dinner by a French chef (starts at 7:00 PM and includes champagne)
4. Best combined Moulin Rouge ticket:Moulin Rouge + Eiffel Tower + Dinner Cruise on the Seine (great value for money and champagne included)
5. The best Paris cabaret show that is NOT the Moulin Rouge:cabaret show at Crazy Horse (great for those revisiting Paris or wanting to try something different)

Booking tickets for the Moulin Rouge in Paris (a closer look!)

Getting your Moulin Rouge tickets is a pretty simple process, provided you book in advance! This cabaret show, particularly the 9:00 PM show, books up very quickly!

You have a few options for Moulin Rouge tickets:

• Show tickets (includes champagne)
• Show + Dinner tickets (also includes champagne)
• Combo tickets (includes a show at the Moulin Rouge + another Paris attraction).

These are my tips for the best Moulin Rouge ticket options in Paris.

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Moulin Rouge + Dinner Show (includes champagne)

This is the best ticket to book if you want the full experience! You’ll arrive at the Moulin Rouge no later than 7:00 PM and have the chance to enjoy a delicious French meal prepared by the in-house chef, with the Moulin Rouge orchestra playing as you dine.

You’ll also receive half a bottle of champagne or wine per person. If you’re not a drinker, other options are available. Vegan and vegetarian choices are also available (can be selected when booking). Please note that doors open at 6:45 PM, dinner starts at 7:00 PM, and the show begins at 9:00 PM.

Evening Show at the Moulin Rouge (includes champagne)

The late night show at the Moulin Rouge is the easiest to get tickets for in an instant (but they still sell out, so don’t rely on this). The ticket includes half a bottle of Champagne or wine (or soft drinks of your choice). Doors open at 10:45 PM for this show and the show itself starts at 11:30 PM.

Moulin Rouge + Other bundled tickets for the main attractions in Paris

There are two tickets that I think are great value for those looking to combine their experience at the Moulin Rouge with another famous Paris landmark. Here are my two recommendations:

Moulin Rouge ticket with Seine River cruise

This package tour option gives you a ticket for an evening Seine cruise (includes a glass of champagne or a half-bottle – you can choose when booking the tour) and a ticket for the Moulin Rouge evening show. The experience starts at 9:45 PM and lasts about 5.5 hours in total.

Moulin Rouge ticket with Dinner Cruise at the Eiffel Tower

If you want to combine an evening cruise at the Eiffel Tower with a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge, this is the best ticket option for you. The evening starts at 6:30 PM and lasts about 8 hours in total. You’ll enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine along with a visit to the Eiffel Tower (entrance included in the ticket price) before heading to the Moulin Rouge evening show. You’ll have the chance to enjoy a glass of champagne at the show or half a bottle per person (choice can be made during the booking process).

Plan your visit to the Moulin Rouge

Where is the Moulin Rouge located?

The Moulin Rouge is located in the Montmartre district of Parisat 82 Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement.

If you’re in the area, it’s impossible not to see it!

How to get to the Moulin Rouge

Taking the bus to the Moulin Rouge

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.

Getting to the Moulin Rouge by taxi

You can go to and from the Moulin Rouge by taxi,but be aware, if you call a taxi right after the show ends, you’ll be among the crowd of others doing the same thing!

If you’re looking to catch a taxi, try to find a spot nearby before the show where you feel safe to walk afterward and meet a taxi. Or you can take a street taxi from the taxi line (you’ll just pay a surcharge).

Getting to the Moulin Rouge by metro

Getting to the Moulin Rouge by metro is simple! Take the M2 to the “Blanche” stopand continue on foot.

If you’re looking for an alternative stop nearby that requires a bit more walking, get off at Place de Clichy.It’s on metro lines 2 and 13, so if you’re not already on the 2, you don’t need to get off and change.

Driving to the Moulin Rouge (+ Parking)

Are you driving to the Moulin Rouge? You’ll need to park near Place Blanche at the Clichy-Montmartre parking garage.The Moulin Rouge offers a special rate for guests with valid tickets at this park, so make sure you have your ticket ready! You can book a parking space here.

Moulin Rouge Shows

Are you planning your trip to the Moulin Rouge and not sure what time to buy tickets for? Well, you have a few options and several different ticket choices.

Here is a quick breakdown of theMoulin Rouge performance schedule:

1. Evening show (9:00 PM):Moulin Rouge’s Féerie show
2. Late night show (11:30 PM):Féerie show at the Moulin Rouge
3. Matinée (2:45 PM):You can enjoy the Féerie show at the Moulin Rouge as a matinée performance, but only on certain dates of the year. In 2023, the dates are January 22, February 19, March 5, and March 19.

Please note that the tickets I have linkedall include Champagne (though you don’t have to accept it). These are the standard showtimes and do not include VIP packages ordinner packages, which you can purchase separately. I’ve discussed the dinner inclusion in the next section.

Safety at the Moulin Rouge

There aresecurity measures in place at the Moulin Rouge. Nothing too crazy, but I did have to show my bag when I arrived. So, don’t bring much and don’t bring anything that could potentially get you flagged by security.

Accessibility at the Moulin Rouge

TheMoulin Rouge is accessible to those with mobility issues and to wheelchair users. Please arrive early to secure a place in line and note on your ticket if you have any mobility concerns.

What to expect during the Moulin Rouge show

I finally got the chance to go to a show at the Moulin Rouge during my last trip to Paris and it was exactly what I thought it would be… and yet nothing like I had imagined.

Since I booked so last minute, I couldn’t get into the 9:00 PM show, so I had to go for the 11:30 PM one and had an early tour booked the next day. So, it was kind of a daunting prospect for someone who usually goes to bed by 10:00 PM (at the latest).

When you arrive, you’ll wait in line and then be admitted into the lobby area where you’ll be separated into different queues. You won’t have much time once you reach the venue, so I’d definitely use that time to go to the bathroom and order extra drinks because it’ll be more challenging (depending on your seat) during the show.

Eventually, they started escorting us into the showroom. A lovely gentleman escorted me in and placed me at the end of a long table near the stage. My seat was pretty epic… but I guess when you visit the Moulin Rouge solo, they have more flexibility on where to put you.

I was served champagne and waited for the show to begin. You CANNOT take photos during the show, so put your phone away and just sit back and relax!

Once the show started, it was enjoyable and fun. I really had a good time up until about halfway through, but I found that some of the “acts” (I don’t know the proper term) seemed a bit culturally offensive or suited to other cultures. I guess if the show wasn’t so “white” it might have felt a bit less offensive, but having white women in topless costumes dancing around with African tribal masks felt a little strange to me. Overall, I enjoyed most of the experience, except for the snake act and the topless dances from colonial-era India and Africa.

I still think this is an experience that most people will enjoy when visiting Paris!

If you want to know more, feel free to contact us in the comments or through our contact form and I can provide more details or thoughts there!

Frequently asked questions about the Moulin Rouge

Is photography allowed at the Moulin Rouge?

No, photography is not allowed during the Moulin Rouge show.However, you might be able to take photos up until the show starts… so that’s how I was able to capture some of the process of entering and waiting for the show to begin.

Is there really nudity at the Moulin Rouge?

There are topless dancers everywhere, but nothing you wouldn’t see on television.

How long does a show at the Moulin Rouge last?

They last anywhere from1.5 hours to 2 hours.I would definitely count on being there for the full 2 hours, however (good to know if you’re arranging a taxi for after the show).

What’s on the dinner show menu at the Moulin Rouge Paris?

There is a high-quality French chef who prepares each meal on the evening of the show. The menu is constantly changing, but you can check ahead of time to make sure you’re not allergic to anything.  You can also selectvegan or vegetarian options when booking your ticket.

Where to go before the Moulin Rouge show

Do you arrive early for the Moulin Rouge show?I love this area of Paris, but I also think it’s nice to grab a drink or dinner nearby and relax.

Here are some of thetop attractions in Montmartre (and other areas near the Moulin Rouge):

• Montmartre (the entire neighborhood is so beautiful!)
• Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur (it also has epic city views – 15 minutes’ walk from the Moulin Rouge)
• Montmartre Cemetery (8 minutes on foot from the Moulin Rouge)
• Museum of Romantic Life (about 6 minutes’ walk from the Moulin Rouge)

Is Moulin Rouge Montmartre worth it?

There are a lot 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’s one of the best things to do in Paris at night and something that allows you to experience a historic piece of the French capital, even if the experience has become a tourist attraction over the years!

Hotels near the Moulin Rouge

If you’re looking for the best hotels near the Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, here are some of our top recommendations:

• Maison Souquet (5-star hotel with spa and pool – Moulin Rouge is 80 meters away)
• Hotel Monsieur Aristide (budget-friendly 4-star hotel 300m from the Moulin Rouge)
• B Montmartre Hotel (affordable luxury 480m from the Moulin Rouge)
• Le Chat Noir (housed in a former cabaret just 150 feet / 45m from the Moulin Rouge!)