Paris · Pigalle, 18th arrondissement · Ticketed

Moulin Rouge: The World's Most Famous Cabaret

The red windmill on boulevard de Clichy has been turning since 1889. Birthplace of the French cancan, immortalised by Toulouse-Lautrec — and still packing two shows a night, every night of the year.

By the AllTrips Editorial Team · September 28, 2026

Moulin Rouge at a glance

Area: Pigalle, 18th arrondissement — 82 boulevard de Clichy. Allow: an evening (about 2 hours for the show, more with dinner). Entry: ticketed; shows sell out well in advance. Nearby: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur up the hill, the Place du Tertre a short walk away.

From 1889 to today

The Moulin Rouge opened on 6 October 1889, the year of the Eiffel Tower, at the foot of a Montmartre still dotted with real windmills. Founders Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler pitched it as a palace of dance for all classes — and its star attraction, the French cancan, turned dancers like La Goulue and Jane Avril into the first celebrities of the modern age. Toulouse-Lautrec had a reserved table and made the cabaret immortal in his posters.

The original building burned down in 1915 and was rebuilt; the windmill itself never ground any flour — it has always been pure theatre. The cabaret has hosted everyone from Edith Piaf to Frank Sinatra and Elton John, and in 2019 it celebrated its 130th anniversary still at full capacity.

The Féerie revue

The current show, Féerie, is the classic grand revue: a troupe of around 60 Doriss Girls (and boys), some 1,000 costumes of feathers, rhinestones and sequins, a live orchestra, acrobatic acts between the tableaux — and the famous cancan as the finale. The aquarium act and the ponies are long-standing house traditions. Shows run twice nightly, every night of the year, with an optional French-gastronomy dinner before the early show.

One honest note: this is a big, polished production for a large audience, not an intimate cabaret. If that is what you are after, it delivers exactly what the posters promise.

Tickets and booking

Tickets are sold for the show only or as dinner-and-show packages, with champagne options at most sittings. Prices and seating categories change, so check current availability before you plan your evening — and book early, because prime dates regularly sell out weeks ahead.

The Tiqets link is an affiliate link: AllTrips may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Practical tips

• Dress smart. Shorts, sportswear, trainers and flip-flops are refused; you do not need a jacket and tie, but treat it as a night at the theatre.
• Arrive early. Doors open well before curtain and seating is allocated on arrival — earlier arrival generally means better tables.
• Children from age six are admitted, but this is a classic revue with topless dancers, in the long tradition of Parisian cabaret.
• No photos during the show — photography and filming inside the hall are not allowed.
• The windmill is free. The façade and the red windmill are on the public pavement; come back after dark for the classic photo when the neon is on.

Getting there

The Moulin Rouge is at 82 boulevard de Clichy, directly opposite Blanche métro station (line 2) — you step out of the station facing the windmill. Pigalle (lines 2 and 12) is a few minutes east. Late-night Noctilien buses run along the boulevard after the métro closes, which is handy after the second show.

The Moulin Rouge in photos

What is nearby?

Montmartre begins at the top of the hill: the Place du Tertre and Sacré-Cœur are a 15-minute climb (or a short ride on the Montmartrobus) away, and the Musée de Montmartre tells the story of the hill's cabaret years. See the whole neighbourhood on our Paris attractions map.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Moulin Rouge worth it?

If you want the classic Paris cabaret experience, yes — it is the original, running since 1889, with a full-scale revue of around 60 dancers, elaborate costumes and a live orchestra. It is an expensive evening, so go for the spectacle and the history rather than expecting an intimate night out.

How far in advance should I book the Moulin Rouge?

As early as you can. The show regularly sells out weeks ahead, especially for weekends and the dinner-and-show sittings. Booking a month or more in advance is sensible in high season.

Is there a dress code at the Moulin Rouge?

Yes — smart dress is required. Jackets and ties are not obligatory, but shorts, flip-flops, sportswear and trainers are not accepted. Treat it as a night at the theatre.

Can children go to the Moulin Rouge?

The show is open from age six, but be aware it is a classic revue with topless dancers, in the tradition of Parisian cabaret. Every audience member needs their own ticket.

Can you just see the windmill without a ticket?

Yes — the red windmill and the neon façade on boulevard de Clichy are on the public pavement and free to photograph, and they look their best after dark when the lights are on.

Sources

• Moulin Rouge — official website (show times, menus, dress code and booking)

Reviewed September 2026. Confirm current show times, prices and package details on the official site before booking.