Does it Live up to All the Fuss? We Found Out

For romantics, no visit to the city of lights would be complete without a night at the original Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris. Built in 1889, the club was the essence of a bohemian, Belle Epoque Paris, where artists converged to produce and attend colorful and avant-garde performances. The Moulin Rouge in Paris has inspired scores of Hollywood homages, the most recent being director Baz Luhrman’s 2001 glitz fest starring Nicole Kidman. It also provided inspiration for 19th-century painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, whose iconic portraits of Moulin Rouge performers are today housed in Paris’ Musee d’Orsay.

Pros and Cons of the Moulin Rouge Experience

For all its glamorous past, the current offering at The Moulin Rouge is often dismissed as being a mediocre, mass-produced affair, with a gaudy, contrived performance that does not justify the entry fee. However, when three of my guests expressed their interest in the show, curiosity got the better of me. Here are some of the pros and cons of an evening out at the cabaret:

Pros:

• Plush, spacious venue evoking turn-of-the-century Paris
• Talented performers
• Authentic cabaret atmosphere

Cons:

• Long lines, despite reservation
• Overly touristy
• Nudity may be offensive to some

The Show Experience

When I made a reservation for the show two days in advance, I was told the show was fully booked that weekend, which was surprising given we were in off-peak season (December). Nevertheless, the friendly receptionist advised trying again on the day of the show, as cancellations are frequent. Taking her advice, we secured a table for the Friday night show (without dinner) at 11 PM. We arrived a half-hour early and I momentarily regretted the decision. The mile-long queue on the wet and windy boulevard showed no sign of moving, filled mostly with weary tourists. However, after thirty minutes, we were ushered to our table, instantly transported to late 19th-century bohemian Paris. The plush décor and dim lighting created a decadent ambiance with remnants of romance still present. As we sipped our champagne, which was part of the deal (two bottles for four people), we felt suitably impressed.

The show opened with stunning fanfare. Dancers in skimpy beaded costumes dazzled the audience, and the scene was visually striking, although not for the prudish – the semi-nudity of the female performers set the tone for the entire show. The various acts featured dancing prominently, but circus elements soon emerged with dazzling acrobatics. While the performers’ moves were impressive, there seemed to be a sense of weariness in some of their actions, likely a result of the rigorous three-shows-a-day schedule.

The stage witnessed an array of performances, including clowns and jugglers, with a talented ventriloquist who successfully engaged the otherwise subdued audience, seemingly pulling participants from the crowd at random, although it appeared rehearsed.

Spectacular periods in history were represented through brilliant choreography, whirling us through cultures from the Mayans to the Egyptians to the 1940s with swing dancers, all presented in vibrant displays of colorful costumes and upbeat music. We awaited the traditional French cancan until nearly the end, where high kicks were surrounded by a sea of tricolor.

Some spectacular moments punctuated the show, such as a scene where a female performer swam with snakes in a water tank halfway through, and a larger-than-life finale adorned with furry pink costumes.

Practical Information: Location and Details

• Address: 82 boulevard de Clichy, 18th arrondissement
• Tel: +33 (0) 153.098.282
• Metro: Blanche (line 2)
• Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak season. You can reserve dinner and show packages through authorized vendors.
• Ticket prices: See current prices and reserve seats here
• Dinner menus: Various offerings including vegetarian options; current menu prices can be found on the official site.
• Dress code: Neat, semiformal to formal attire required (no sneakers, t-shirts, jeans, shorts, etc.)
• Payment Options: Cash and all major credit cards accepted
• Other: Photography, smoking, and outside food/beverages are not permitted.

Final Thoughts

Clichés abound at the current Moulin Rouge show, and some may find it either outdated or offensive. However, it never claims to be anything other than a flamboyant throwback to the original cabaret. For an edgier experience, one might consider the Champs Elysees-based Lido, popular among locals. As a skeptic, I found the Moulin flashy, kitsch, and very tourist-oriented, yet still a highly enjoyable and worthwhile evening. Consequently, if you’re not deterred by long lines and tourist attractions, the Moulin Rouge offers a unique and memorable experience.