A Cabaret show is a type of theatrical entertainment that includes musical components such as dance, theatre, recitation, music, and songs. Although the term “cabaret” has been used since the 13th century to refer to a low-cost inn or restaurant, cabaret performance venues are typically a pub, a casino, a restaurant, a hotel, or a nightclub with a stage and seating for the audience at tables.
A cabaret concert in Paris is an evening of uninhibited live entertainment, complete with energetic French Can-Can dancing and seductive acts bordering on the risqué. Seeing a cabaret play in Paris has become a tourist must-do and, without a question, a defining Parisian experience.
Moulin Rouge
To honor tradition and the success of the revue Frou-Frou (1963–1965), all Moulin Rouge Paris shows, including the current one “Féerie,” begin with the letter F.
The red windmill with its revolving blades, at the foot of the Montmartre hill, is the most distinctive and unmistakable cabaret in Paris. The strong juxtaposition of the scarlet façade amid the somber neighborhood served as the inspiration for the hit film Moulin Rouge (directed by Bazz Lurhmann) and countless artworks by well-known artists.
The acts (including the famous French Cancan), the décor (influenced by the circus), and the costumes encapsulate the excess and elegance of the Belle Époque era. The cabaret concerts here start late at night and include a supper option before the act.
Le Lido
The modern and sophisticated exteriors of this Paris cabaret exalt the Parisian art de vivre. It is located along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, one of the most prestigious addresses in the capital. The massive chandelier that envelops the foyer, meticulously decorated gold-clad rooms, and water/light effects used during the show will take your breath away as you walk in.
The current production “Paris Merveilles” is a homage to the city of lights that features amazing performers (Bluebell ladies, Ice Skaters, Acrobats, Lido Boys) singing and dancing against the backdrop of many famous Paris landmarks.
Lido is regarded as one of the world’s largest champagne consumers, for each show, 800 bottles of champagne are uncorked, totaling around 292,000 bottles every year.
Crazy Horse
The Crazy Horse believes in fully embracing the female body and the art of seduction. The utilization of exquisite light and shadow is incredibly important in displaying the genuine beauty of the body in an exceedingly subtle manner.
The Crazy Horse is not suitable for a family night out, but it is highly recommended for a unique dating night or a post-dinner show with friends.
The atmosphere is undoubtedly explosive, from the gigantic red lips adorning the front entry to the very sumptuous velvet comfy seats in the unexpectedly little theatre beneath, yet the act itself is incredibly sophisticated and quite beautiful from start to finish.
Look out for the spectacular cameo tableau depicting English Beefeaters with bearskin hats; it’s nothing short of fantastic.
For an extra-special experience, inquire about booking a private lesson with Fiamma Rosa, who teaches small groups with “une leçon dans l’art de séduction” – you might leave Paris with more than you bargained for, having learned some of the secrets that make the French so appealing to the rest of the world!
La Nouvelle Eve
This classic cabaret in Paris, located at the foot of the Montmartre Hills, has been reliving the famous cabaret period for its guests. It was considered one of the most exciting places to be in Paris when it originally opened in the late 1800s, as the first topless revue was developed here.
The current show, Paris Je T Aime, pays tribute to the city of lights with a 10-minute French cancan performance and a unique act devoted to the legendary singer Edith Piaf.
This cabaret, which combines elements of a music hall and a cabaret, was transformed into a cinema during WWII.
Unlike the other cabarets in Paris, the décor is luxurious and modest, with a star-lit ceiling and a Corinthian-style stage pediment.
Au Lapin Agile
If you walk over the summit of the hill of Montmartre, past the Sacré-Coeur, the local stone water tower, which is slightly out of place but all the more beautiful for it vineyard and you’ll reach the Au Lapin Agile , one of the oldest and most popular cabarets in Paris. Songs, Music, Poetry presents a wide range of singers and songs, including traditional French folk melodies, Edith Piaf hits, chansons françaises, and drinking songs that engage the entire audience. This compact theatre embodies the creative cabaret in its purest form, where those in the limelight learn from the greatest teachers in town – their audience.
La Machine du Moulin Rouge
La Machine du Moulin Rouge is a shapeshifting, historical venue in the centre of Paris’ most lively quarter. La Machine du Moulin Rouge has four major rooms divided across four levels: Le Central, a large main room that serves as a mini club in its own right; La Chaufferie, a basement-level patio bar concealed behind the Moulin Rouge; and Le Toit, a private rooftop area. La Machine is a place of life and creativity with a well-defined, focused creative mission, a dedication to fostering musical and artistic innovation, and a thirst for reinvention.
The famed cabaret, which has illuminated the “Place Blanche” for almost 125 years, recently purchased the legendary club: La Locomotive. A buyback synonymous with resurrection for this iconic Parisian nightlife location!
Following an internal restoration and name change, the Moulin Rouge breathes new life into this iconic establishment of the capital with an innovative offer, three atmospheres to create one live evening “à la parisienne”!
La Cigale
The facility, which is adaptable, has been utilised for a wide range of events and performances. The orchestra floor is fitted with a modular platform driven by a hydraulic system, allowing the area to be easily converted for differented usage with simplicity. There are now musicals and concerts on the schedule, as well as dancing competitions, cabarets, gaming events, conferences, and more! La Cigale has also formed unique relationships with a variety of businesses, like Redbull, Yamaha, SFR, and others, to fund repairs and updates, ensuring that it remains a historic Parisian gem that is completely up to date with the newest techniques and technology. In recent years, La Cigale has built its own restaurant, Cantine de la Cigale, where you may frequently meet musicians before their performances.
It wasn’t until 1987 that La Cigale was converted back into a venue for live performances of all kinds, after being acquired by two nightclub owners who hoped to restore the venue to its previous splendour. Muse, Iggy Pop, Johnny Hallyday, Kylie Monogue, Radiohead, Norah Jones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin, and others have performed there since. Anyone who wishes to become a celebrity wishes to perform at La Cigale while in Paris.
Les Folies Bergere
The large stage invites a range of artists. You may see a comedy act, a concert, musical theatre, or a traditional cabaret play on any given night. Check Les Folies’ Official Website to discover what’s on the schedule.
Many Parisians associate the term Folies Bergère with the Belle Epoque, Toulouse-sketches Lautrec’s of dancers, Josephine Baker’s lively and provocative shows, or, finally, Manet’s “Le Bar des Folies Bergère.”
The theatre is more traditional on the inside, with red-carpeted passageways along rows of tiny seats, wide balconies, and high, painted ceilings.
The Folies Bergère is a legendary location and one of the world’s most famous cabarets. The earliest revues were presented at one of Paris’s historic music halls in the late 1880s. Since then, real luminaries such as Charlie Chaplin, Josephine Baker, Charles Trénet, and French novelist Colette, to mention a few, have performed at Les Folies Bergère. It also influenced many artists, authors, and filmmakers.
Le Palace
From 1978 through 1983, the Palace was a famous Parisian meeting spot for fashion, music, Parisian elegance, and underground culture.
The venue has a colorful past. According to reports, it began as a ‘limited corporation for music hall and cinema’ in 1912. It reverted to its original name, The Palace, in 1946. This led to enormous expenses, threatening the club’s viability. Fabrice Emaer inaugurated the facility on March 1, 1978, with a performance by Grace Jones.
The Palace immediately became the most trendy and popular club in the city. Fabrice Emaers’ ex-associates took over the Palace, but a lot of debt had accrued over the years.
In 1992, Régine herself ‘Parisian queen of the night’ sought to bring the site back to life, followed in 1994 by the couple, David and Cathy Guetta who tried to relaunch it after giving it a facelift and renamed it Kitkat.
The venue closed for good in 1996. In the years that followed, the closed-down palace was inhabited by squatters.
FAQ’S
What are the most popular Paris Cabaret shows?
The most popular Cabaret shows in Paris include Moulin Rouge, Crazy Horse, Lido De Paris, and Paradis Latin.
Can I take my toddler to a Cabaret performance in Paris?
Most Paris Cabarets welcome children, and there are no age restrictions. However, if you want to bring children to the event, make careful to see the show trailers prior to confirming the show meets your standards, as some shows contain nudity.
Is it possible to purchase Paris Cabaret tickets online?
Yes, Paris Cabaret tickets may be purchased online. With Covid laws in place, attendees are encouraged to buy their tickets online to ensure that social distancing standards are observed, as well as to reserve their seats ahead of time.
Do Paris Cabaret performances allow photography?
Most Paris Cabaret shows do not permit photography or video recording. Most Paris Cabaret shows offer a souvenir shop where you may get your photographs taken by a professional photographer. Check your tickets before purchasing for further details.
Is champagne included with Paris Cabaret tickets?
There are several Paris Cabaret ticket packages available, some of which include champagne. Check your tickets before purchasing for further details.
I am a French history enthusiast and blogger. I love to travel around France, exploring its many historical sites and sharing my passion with my readers. I am also an avid photographer, and my blog features many of my stunning photos of France’s beautiful landscape and architecture.