Paris, the eternal City of Lights, has long been synonymous with elegance, artistry, and sensuality — and nowhere is this better showcased than in its legendary cabarets. These dazzling performances combine music, dance, theater, and fine dining to create nights of pure enchantment. From the iconic red windmill of the Moulin Rouge to the avant-garde allure of Crazy Horse, each cabaret captures a different facet of Parisian glamour. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or seeking a new experience, this extended guide dives deep into the best cabarets in Paris — their history, style, atmosphere, and insider secrets to make your night unforgettable.
1. Moulin Rouge – The Icon of Parisian Nightlife
Location: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, Montmartre (18th arrondissement)
The Moulin Rouge, founded in 1889, is the birthplace of the French Cancan and the crown jewel of Paris nightlife. This legendary venue has welcomed artists, celebrities, and dreamers from around the world for over a century. Its world-famous revue, Féerie, is a two-hour spectacle of vibrant costumes, precise choreography, and captivating musical numbers that radiate the spirit of old Paris.
Highlights:
- 💃 Exhilarating French Cancan performances with dozens of dancers
- 🏛️ Historic Belle Époque architecture adorned with velvet and mirrors
- 🎶 Live orchestra, dazzling lights, and breathtaking stage effects
- ✨ Lavish costumes designed with thousands of rhinestones and feathers
Tickets: Starting at €87 for show-only seats. Dinner + Show packages begin at €185, including Champagne and a gourmet menu.
Dining: 🍽️ The Moulin Rouge offers a three-course fine dining experience featuring modern French cuisine crafted by top Parisian chefs. Dishes vary seasonally and are served amid live pre-show entertainment — an experience that seamlessly blends gastronomy and theater.
Dress Code: 👔 Smart casual or semi-formal. A blazer or evening dress fits perfectly with the ambiance. Sportswear, shorts, and sneakers are strictly discouraged.
Tips: 📅 Reserve your tickets well in advance — especially during summer and weekends. Opt for Golden Circle seats near the stage for an immersive view of the dancers. Plan to arrive early for the dinner service, which starts around 7 pm.
2. Crazy Horse – Artistic Seduction on the Champs-Élysées
Location: 12 Avenue George V, 8th arrondissement
At Crazy Horse Paris, sensuality meets modern art. Since its founding in 1951, this intimate venue has transformed burlesque into a sophisticated visual masterpiece. Each number is meticulously choreographed with lighting, music, and illusion, celebrating the art of the human form. It’s a bold, innovative performance that merges eroticism with elegance.
Highlights:
- 🎭 Avant-garde burlesque with world-class precision and choreography
- 🌟 Signature show: Totally Crazy — a hypnotic blend of music and movement
- 💡 Cutting-edge lighting effects designed to highlight the beauty of the dancers
- 🪩 Collaborations with renowned artists and designers (including Christian Louboutin)
Tickets: 🎟️ From €75 (show only). Upgrade to Champagne packages (~€90) or indulge in VIP experiences (€195–€295) that include caviar, premium seating, and photo souvenirs.
Dining: 🥂 While Crazy Horse doesn’t serve full meals, it offers a refined selection of champagnes, macarons, and canapés. Many visitors enjoy pre- or post-show dinners at nearby partner restaurants such as Fouquet’s or Lasserre for a luxurious night out.
Dress Code: 👗 Elegant yet comfortable. Think cocktail chic — sophistication without stiffness.
Tips: 💡 Sunday shows are performed in English. Arrive 20–30 minutes early to savor the atmosphere, and request “Red Room” seating for a more immersive experience.
3. Paradis Latin – The Oldest Cabaret in Paris
Location: 28 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement)
Built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889, Paradis Latin is a masterpiece of Parisian history and entertainment. It’s the oldest cabaret in Paris still in operation, blending classic revue charm with modern artistic direction. The current production, L’Oiseau Paradis, choreographed by Kamel Ouali, fuses acrobatics, comedy, and dance into a joyous spectacle of color and energy.
Highlights:
- 🏗️ 19th-century architecture designed by Gustave Eiffel
- 🎪 Interactive performances involving audience participation
- ❤️ Warm, family-friendly atmosphere and a romantic setting
- ✨ Legendary French Cancan finale featuring dozens of dancers
Tickets: 🎫 From €90 (show only). Dinner + Show packages range from €180–€210, including a full-course gourmet menu with Champagne.
Dining: 🍷 A highlight of the experience is the menu by Michelin-starred chef Guy Savoy. Each dish complements the elegance of the evening, making dinner here a true culinary performance.
Dress Code: 👠 Smart casual with a Parisian flair — avoid overly casual attire.
Tips: 💖 For an unforgettable evening, select the VIP “Napoléon” package, which includes premium seating, a souvenir photo, and Champagne service. Perfect for anniversaries or romantic dates.
4. Théâtre du Lido (Lido 2 Paris) – Broadway in Paris
Location: 116 bis Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 8th arrondissement
Formerly the Lido de Paris, this iconic venue was reimagined in 2022 as Lido 2 Paris, now focusing on theatrical productions and musicals rather than cabaret revues. The transformation brought a fresh identity, turning the space into a premier destination for live performance arts. From Cabaret to Hello, Dolly!, each show dazzles with Broadway-style production values.
Highlights:
- 🎤 Dynamic musical theater showcasing global talent
- 🎭 State-of-the-art sound, lighting, and stage technology
- 👨👩👧👦 Spacious seating ideal for families and large groups
- 💫 A new era of the Lido — where Broadway meets Paris
Tickets: 🎟️ Prices start at €25 for weekday performances, with premium orchestra seats up to €100.
Dining: ☕ While there’s no longer dinner service, visitors can enjoy wine, cocktails, and desserts at the in-house bar or nearby restaurants along the Champs-Élysées.
Dress Code: 🧥 Business casual. A smart blazer or neat attire is perfect.
Tips: 📆 Plan your visit around show schedules; Lido 2 Paris often features limited-run productions. This venue is great for families or visitors who prefer musical theater over traditional cabaret.
5. La Nouvelle Ève – Montmartre’s Intimate Gem
Location: 25 Rue Pierre Fontaine, 9th arrondissement
Tucked into the heart of Montmartre, La Nouvelle Ève offers a nostalgic journey through Parisian entertainment history. The venue, dating back to the 19th century, has hosted generations of performers. Its current revue, Paris, je t’aime, combines humor, dance, and vibrant costumes with a warm, personal touch.
Highlights:
- 🎨 A cozy and colorful cabaret with only 300 seats
- 💖 Authentic Parisian décor featured in Emily in Paris
- 💃 A blend of humor, traditional Cancan, and contemporary dance
- 🎵 Energetic cast delivering heartfelt performances night after night
Tickets: 🎫 Show + Champagne from €50–€60; Dinner + Show around €80–€100.
Dining: 🍴 The pre-show dinner features classic French dishes and Champagne service, served in an intimate dining hall where guests can mingle and enjoy live background music.
Dress Code: 👚 Smart casual — neat and stylish but not overly formal.
Tips: 🕺 Arrive early for dinner seating and enjoy a glass of Champagne as the lights dim. Great for smaller groups or couples seeking an authentic Parisian night away from the tourist crowds.
Comparison Overview
| Cabaret | Style | Price (Show Only) | Dinner Option | Dress Code | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moulin Rouge | Traditional Cancan | €87+ | Yes (gourmet) | Smart casual | First-time visitors, classic Paris experience |
| Crazy Horse | Avant-garde burlesque | €75+ | No (champagne only) | Elegant casual | Couples, modern art lovers |
| Paradis Latin | Classic revue | €90+ | Yes (fine dining) | Smart casual | Romantic evenings, families |
| Lido 2 Paris | Broadway musical | €25+ | No | Business casual | Theatre lovers, families |
| La Nouvelle Ève | Vintage revue | €50+ | Yes | Smart casual | Small groups, authentic vibe |
Tips for Enjoying a Paris Cabaret
- ✨ Book Early: Top cabarets sell out weeks ahead. Reserving early secures better seating, early-bird deals, and sometimes complimentary upgrades. For peak seasons (May–September, December holidays), aim for at least one month’s notice.
- 👠 Dress Elegantly: Paris cabarets value style. Dress as if attending a gala — a well-tailored suit or an elegant cocktail dress adds to the magic. Avoid overly casual attire; elegance is part of the Parisian ritual.
- 🕰️ Arrive Early: Allow time to enjoy the ambiance, order drinks, and settle in before the show. Dinner packages typically begin 1.5–2 hours earlier. Arriving early enhances the sense of occasion.
- 🎟️ Choose Your Seat Wisely: Proximity matters — center-stage seats maximize immersion, but side tables can offer charming perspectives. Mention anniversaries or birthdays when booking for special treatment.
- 🌆 Make It a Night Out: Combine your visit with a walk through nearby attractions. From Montmartre’s romantic alleys to the glittering Champs-Élysées, the areas surrounding each cabaret are alive with restaurants and nightlife.
- 🍾 Toast Like a Parisian: Champagne is integral to the cabaret ritual — sip it slowly and let it sparkle with the performance.
- 📸 Capture Memories: While photography is prohibited during shows, arrive early or stay afterward to snap photos of the décor and stage. Many venues have official photographers offering keepsake portraits.
- 🎶 Enjoy the Story: Each cabaret performance tells a story — of freedom, beauty, and creativity. Let go of expectations, and immerse yourself in the artistry and joy that defines Parisian cabaret culture.
Final Thoughts
The cabaret scene in Paris is more than just entertainment — it’s a living piece of the city’s cultural soul. From the historical grandeur of the Moulin Rouge to the sensual artistry of Crazy Horse, each venue offers its own flavor of magic. Whether you’re sipping Champagne under the red lights of Montmartre or applauding a Broadway show on the Champs-Élysées, a Paris cabaret night is an experience that lingers long after the curtain falls. Dress up, raise a toast, and let Paris cast its unforgettable spell upon you.