
Moulin Rouge guide
Founded in 1889 at the height of the Belle Époque, the legendary Moulin Rouge is celebrating its 130th birthday. It has always been the epitome of decadence – a meeting place for artists, aristocrats and bons viveurs. Its spectacular performances featuring high-kicking showgirls in extravagant costumes continue to attract the international glitterati. In 2019 the Moulin Rouge will be honouring its remarkable history in the 20th year of its resident show, Féerie.
Highlights
The star-studded history
Soak up 130 years of history and glamour. Toulouse-Lautrec immortalised the Moulin Rouge's dancers on canvas; Edith Piaf and Yves Montand serenaded the audience here; contemporary burlesque queen Dita Von Teese sashayed on its stage. The audience has always been as starry as the performers, with Hollywood legends regular visitors.
The Féerie show
The Moulin Rouge's new show is a sensation. Expect amazing costumes, tableaux of Parisian women over the past 130 years, and a performance with snakes inside a giant aquarium. For the climax, the stage is filled with the famous Doriss Girls shaking their tricolour petticoats for Paris's most famous dance, the Cancan.
The Dining Experience
Make an evening of it by booking dinner with your show. Opt for the three-course Toulouse Lautrec menu, or the luxurious Belle Epoque option featuring includes caviar, truffle and smoked salmon. And always, bien sûr, le Champagne.
Take a break
Brussels Beer Project
This industrial-chic taproom landed across the road from the Moulin Rouge in 2018, on a mission to update the Belgian-beer scene. It offers 20 craft beers on tap, plus house brews and guest ales, poured well into the small hours.
Perlouse
Feast on seafood fresh from the Normandy coast at this lively little oyster bar, tucked off the main drag. There's also a selection of cheeses from the region; a carefully curated wine list provides a superb accompaniment.
Chez Ammad
Officially the bar and café of the Le Grand Hôtel de Clermont, but better known for its gregarious owner, Ammad. This old-school institution is always abuzz with funk, jazz and chatter. One of the most popular bars in the quartier.
Nearby attractions
Halle Saint Pierre
Unlike Paris's multitude of galleries dedicated to great masters, Halle Saint Pierre hosts exhibitions of folk and outsider art, including Naïve Art by Max Fourny. Formerly a covered market, it includes a café, bookshop and auditorium.
La Vigne de Montmartre
An urban vineyard tucked away on the slopes of Montmartre. It's publicly owned and run, with sales of each year's Clos Montmartre vintage (around 500 litres) used for local projects. Next door is the bijou wildlife garden of Saint Vincent.
Essential information
Opening hours
Evening shows are at 9pm and 11pm, matinées at 2.45pm.
Getting there
82, boulevard de Clichy, 75018. Metro Blanche is just beside the venue, along with several bus routes (30, 54, 68, 74). Pigalle, Abesses and Place du Clichy Metros are a short walk away. If coming by car, book parking with your ticket.
Costs
Standard tickets start at €87, with dinner packages €195 for the Toulouse-Lautrec menu up to €420 for the full VIP Dinner.
Skip the line
Book your seats online. The VIP ticket (from €210) gives you a private box and personal service.
Image credits: © S. Bertrand; © S. Bertrand; © Alamy; © Jolene Slater; © Le Moulin Rouge; © Brussels Beer Project; © Perlouse; © Chez Ammad; © Getty; © Getty