The Moulin Rouge (not the movie) not only the most famous burlesque venue in the world, it is also the birthplace of the French style of favoring known as the cancan, and most def not your average cute family friendly tourist attraction.
For one, the shows enforce a strict dress code (smart, no shorts), and for another… it’s a burlesque show. One of the least risqué and most commercialized burlesque shows in Paris, but still a burlesque show. That’s code for exposed bosoms and décolletage for days, but that doesn’t mean the joint can’t ooze class. Beneath the famed and named big red windmill is a lobby coated with red-velvet everything and a theatre that (though no photos are allowed) can be described as romantically and magically circus-like and filled to the brim with timeless tiny tables. As for the show itself, it’s glitzy, glamorous, and comes with a half-bottle of champagne. Book a private tour during the day if you can swing it as there’s nothing like the energy of an empty theatre.
There are 3 shows per day, with the Matinée show and lunch starting at 1pm for 185€ per person and the show-only option for 109€. The evening show dials it up a notch with a live orchestra accompanying the dinner. Dinner starts at 7pm with 2 options: 205€ per person including show and dinner or you can go the ’ VIP’ route for 240€ per person which includes better table and a welcome glass of champagne rosé. evening show-only tickets clock in at 88€ for the 11pm and 110€ for the 9pm with the better-situated tables ringing up at 210€.
It’s worth passing by just to see the famous windmill even if you aren’t feeling the ticket prices. There is a bar on top of the Moulin Rouge called le Bar à Bulles where you can kick up your heels with craft cocktails inside or outside on the roof next to the most famous windmill in the world without being interrupted by copious c‑cups. (And don’t miss the photo booth to memorialize your fun.) The restaurant at Bar à Bulles is a desingnated «Écotable» which means that it has a low environmental impact. Look for the little passageway to the left of the building and go up the stairs to access the Bar à Bulles.
La Machine is the nightclub below the Moulin Rouge which regularly hosts DJ’s and themed party nights their New Year’s Eve party is worth it.)

Address: 82 Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th Arrondissement
Metro: Blanche (line 2), Pigalle (line 2)
Neighborhood: Border of Pigalle and Montmartre, 18th arrondissement
Nearby: Boulevard de Clichy, Sacré Coeur
Opening times: 1pm for lunch and matinée show. Matinée show-only at 2:45 p.m. Dinner shows start from 7 p.m. (First show starts at 9 p.m. and the second show starts at 11 p.m.) During Holiday periods the show schedule may change
How to book tickets to the Moulin Rouge
Dinner with show starts at €205 whilst a single show ticket goes from €88. Check their website for the full list of bundles.
Otherwise, you can buy your show tickets here or here
BAR: Info about le Bar à Bulles here
CLUB: Info about La Machine du Moulin Rouge Nightclub here