How to book a Moulin Rouge show in Paris

One of the things that seems to be on many lists of things to do in Paris, is going to a Moulin Rouge show in Paris. This guide details tips, how to book and whether the Moulin Rouge is worth visiting.

Moulin Rouge, Paris
Moulin Rouge, 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 obviously the Moulin Rouge is the most famous of all.

While 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 must be had at least once by anyone traveling to Paris. This guide will explain in detail how to book tickets for the Moulin Rouge Paris, what to expect during the program, the different types of tickets and will answer some of your frequently asked questions!

To avoid missing out on the beauties of Paris, we recommend ours Paris guide, the alternative visit to Montparnasse Tower, an exclusive visit to Palace of Versailles, a day full of fun at Disneyland Paris or follow the advice on how make the most of your visit to Paris.

What is the Moulin Rouge?

The Moulin Rouge, famous emblem of Parisian nightlife, was founded on 6 October 1889 by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller. Located in the lively Montmartre district, the cabaret quickly earned a name for its opulent shows and lively atmosphere. The term “Moulin Rouge,” which translates to “Red Mill,” comes from the red windmill atop the establishment, which serves as a guiding light for guests.

During its early years, the Moulin Rouge attracted a diverse crowd, from the working class to the elite of Parisian society. Tempting dances, such as the can-can, mesmerized spectators and increased his fame. The venue has also attracted prominent artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who vividly portrayed the distinct character of the Moulin Rouge in his paintings.

Over time, the Moulin Rouge has faced numerous obstacles, including a catastrophic fire in 1915 and temporary closures during the World Wars. However, the institution has constantly reinvented itself, cementing its position as a legendary entertainment hub. Today, the Moulin Rouge serves as enduring symbol of the charm of Paris' nightlife and it really is one of the best things to do in Paris at night.

BOOK HERE: Moulin Rouge Ticket (with Champagne!)

Still boasting lavish performances, luxurious costumes and mesmerizing choreography, cabaret captivates audiences around the world, safeguarding its rich legacy and embodying the spirit of Belle Epoque.

Moulin Rouge Ticket Booking (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 right for you:

  1. Cheapest Moulin Rouge ticket: Moulin Rouge late night ticket for 23pm (includes champagne)
  2. Best Moulin Rouge Ticket: evening ticket to the Moulin Rouge for 21pm (includes champagne but book quickly)
  3. Dinner + ticket for the Moulin Rouge show: ticket to the Moulin Rouge + dinner with a French chef (starts at 19pm and includes champagne)
  4. Best Moulin Rouge combo ticket: Moulin Rouge + Eiffel Tower + Dinner Cruise on the Seine (excellent value for money and champagne included)
  5. The best cabaret show in Paris 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!)

Get yours Moulin Rouge tickets it's a pretty simple process, as long as you book in advance! This cabaret show, especially the 21pm show, books up very quickly!

You have a few options for Moulin Rouge tickets:

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

However, before we get to our itinerary, we just wanted to remind you of buy travel insurance. You never know what will happen, and trust us, you don't want to be stuck with thousands of dollars in medical bills. As a wise man once said, “If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.” So don't leave home without it.

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Moulin Rouge + Dinner Show (includes champagne)

This is the best ticket to book if you want the full experience! You will arrive no later than 19pm at the Moulin Rouge and will have the chance to enjoy a delicious French meal prepared by the in-house chef with music from the Moulin Rouge Orchestra as you eat.

You will also receive 1/2 bottle of champagne or wine per person. If you are not a drinker, you can opt for other choices. Vegan and vegetarian options are available (you can select when booking). Please note that doors open at 18pm, dinner starts at 45pm and the show starts at 19pm.

Evening Show at Moulin Rouge (includes champagne)

The late night show at the Moulin Rouge is the easier to get tickets in wait a minute (but they still sell out, so don't count on this). Ticket includes ½ bottle of Champagne or wine (or soft drinks of your choice). Doors open at 22pm for this show and the show itself starts at 45pm.

Moulin Rouge + Other bundle tickets for the main attractions of Paris

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

Moulin Rouge ticket with Seine cruise

This tour package option offers you a ticket for an evening cruise on the Seine (includes a glass of champagne or a 1/2 bottle – you can choose when booking the tour) and a ticket for the Moulin Rouge evening show. The experience starts at 21:45 and lasts approximately 5,5 hours in total.

Moulin Rouge Ticket with Eiffel Tower Dinner Cruise

If you want to combine a evening cruise to the Eiffel Tower with a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge, this is the best ticket option for you. The evening starts at 18pm and will last approximately 30 hours in total. You will enjoy a dinner river cruise on the Seine along with a visit to the Eiffel Tower (entry included in the ticket price) before going to the evening show at the Moulin Rouge. You will have the option to enjoy a glass of champagne at the show or a 8/1 bottle per person (choice can be made during the booking process).

Postcard of the Moulin Rouge, ParisPostcard of the Moulin Rouge, Paris

Plan your trip to the Moulin Rouge

Where is the Moulin Rouge located?

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

If you're in the area, it's impossible to miss!

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.

Reach the Moulin Rouge by taxi

You can go to and from the Moulin Rouge by taxi, but be careful, if you call a taxi right after the show ends, you will be among the crowd 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 safe walking to afterward and meeting a taxi. Or you can take a street taxi from the taxi line (you will only pay a surcharge).

Get to the Moulin Rouge by metro

Reaching the Moulin Rouge by metro is simple! Take it M2 to the “Blanche” stop and continue on foot.

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

Drive to the Moulin Rouge (+ Parking)

Are you driving to the Moulin Rouge? You will have to park close to Place Blanche at the Clichy-Montmartre car park. The Moulin Rouge offers a special rate to 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? Well, you have a few options and a few different ticket choices.

Here's a quick breakdown of the Moulin Rouge showtimes:

  1. Evening show (21pm): Féerie show at the Moulin Rouge
  2. Late evening show (23pm): Féerie show at the Moulin Rouge
  3. Matinee (14pm): you can enjoy the Moulin Rouge Féerie show as a matinee show, 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 linked to all include Champagne (you don't have to accept it though). These are standard show times and do not include VIP packages or dinner packages, which you can purchase separately. I have analyzed the inclusion of dinner in the next part.

Moulin Rouge show times (with dinner included)

If you prefer dinner and the Moulin Rouge show, you can buy a ticket for that! Evening dinner and show starts at 19pm (the actual show starts at 00pm but dinner starts earlier) and you can buy tickets here for this enhanced Moulin Rouge experience.

Moulin Rouge dress code

The Moulin Rouge is a more “formal” affair, no one will care what you look like. Wear what suits you.

Security at the Moulin Rouge

There are safety measures in place at the Moulin Rouge. It wasn't anything too crazy, but I needed to show off my bag when I arrived. So, don't bring a lot and don't bring anything that could potentially get you flagged by security.

Accessibility to the Moulin Rouge

Il Moulin Rouge is accessible to those with mobility problems and those in wheelchairs. Please arrive early to secure a place in line and indicate on your ticket if you have mobility issues.

What to expect during the Moulin Rouge program

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

Having booked so last minute I was unable to get to the 21pm show so had to opt for the 00pm show and had booked an early tour the following day. So, it was kind of something I dreaded as someone who goes to sleep at 23pm (at the latest).

When you arrive, you will wait in the link and be admitted to the lobby area where you will be separated into different queues. You will have limited time once you arrive at the venue, so I would definitely use this time to go to the bathroom and order more drinks as it will be busier (depending on your seat) throughout the show.

Finally, 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 alone, they have better options on where to put you.

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

Once the show started, it was enjoyable and fun. I really enjoyed it until about halfway through, but I found that some of the “acts” (I don't know the correct lingo) seemed a little culturally offensive or suited to 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 strange to me. Overall, I enjoyed most of the experience, with the exception of the snake act and the colonial-era Indian and African topless dance.

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

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

Frequently asked questions about the Moulin Rouge

Is photography allowed at the Moulin Rouge?

No, photography is not permitted during the Moulin Rouge show. However, you could take photos until the show started… so how was I able to take some of the process of getting in and waiting for the program to start.

Is there really nudity at the Moulin Rouge?

There are topless dancers everywhere, but nothing you don't see on television.

How long does a show at the Moulin Rouge last?

They last everywhere from 1,5 hours up to 2 hours. I would definitely count on being there for the full 2 ​​hours, though (good to know if you're securing a cab for after the show).

What's on the Moulin Rouge Paris menu for the dinner show?

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 inquire in advance to ensure you don't have allergies to anything. You can also select vegan or vegetarian options when booking your ticket.

Moulin Rouge by day
Moulin Rouge by day

Where to go before the Moulin Rouge show

Are you arriving early for the Moulin Rouge show? I love this area of ​​Paris, but I also think it's nice to have a drink or dinner nearby and relax.

Here are some of main attractions of Montmartre (and other areas close to the Moulin Rouge):

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

Is the Moulin Rouge Montmartre worth it?

There are lots of great things to do in Paris and the Moulin Rouge is definitely worth it if you are 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 historical part of the French capital, even if the experience has become a tourist attraction over the years!

Hotels near the Moulin Rouge

If you are looking for the best hotels near the Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, here are some of our best tips:

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