Cabaret in Paris – 10 Things to Know

If you’re visiting Paris in hopes to see one of the world famous cabaret shows, you’ve definitely come to the right city.  Cabaret in Paris is a Parisian birthright.  It’s fun, playful, and as my French boyfriend likes to say, “it’s art”.  Here are 10 things to know about cabaret in Paris and how to get tickets to a show!

 

LIMITED ON TIME?  GET YOUR TICKETS TO MOULIN ROUGE HERE, CRAZY HORSE HERE (Get Your Guide) or HERE (Viator), AND PARADIS LATIN CABARET SHOW HERE (Get Your Guide) or HERE (Viator)!

 

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1.  Definition of “Cabaret”

First things first, let’s start with what the actual definition of cabaret is, before we dive in.  In general terms, cabaret is a form of entertainment that features music, dance, drama, or comedy, and is typically performed in a nightclub or restaurant with an intimate, theatrical setting.  It often includes audience interaction and a variety of performances, such as singers, burlesque dancers, and comedians.  These shows generally have some sort of nudity and are known to be provocative.  Finally, the word “cabaret” comes from an old French word meaning old tavern or bar.

 

2.  History of Cabaret in Paris

Cabaret in Paris has roots tracing back to the late 19th century.  It began in 1881 when Le Chat Noir opened in Montmartre, creating a space where artists, writers, and musicians gathered for lively performances and entertainment.  Soon after, the legendary Moulin Rouge debuted in 1889, bringing can-can dancers, elaborate costumes, and a sense of extravagance that captured the world’s attention.  As Paris became the epicenter of art and bohemian culture, cabaret flourished, offering an escape from everyday life through music, dance, and theatrical performances.  By the early 20th century, its influence had spread worldwide, shaping entertainment scenes from Berlin’s burlesque clubs to New York’s jazz-filled speakeasies.

 

3.  Cabaret is More than Moulin Rouge

While Moulin Rouge is the most well-known cabaret show in Paris, it isn’t the only one.  The other cabaret shows in Paris are…

• Crazy Horse
• Paradis Latin Cabaret
• Au Lapin Agile
• Madam Arthur

 

GET YOUR TICKETS TO CABARET IN PARIS HERE!

 

4.  What is the Best Cabaret Show in Paris?

After having been to multiple cabaret shows in Paris, it’s hard to see what exactly the “best” would be.  Because the best cabaret in Paris, looks different to everyone.  Of course, if you’re looking for a big, fancy production – you’ll want to see the world-famous Moulin-Rouge.  If you’re looking for something a bit less touristy, but still entertaining – you’ll want to see Crazy Horse.  And if you want to go completely off the beaten path or see a show that’s more affordable – you’ll want to see another one of the shows mentioned.

Here is a breakdown of what each cabaret offers and different types of tickets you can purchase…

 

Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge is was established in 1889, known for its extravagant performances, lavish costumes, and iconic red windmill.  It became the birthplace of the modern can-can dance, captivating audiences with a blend of music, dance, and theatrical spectacle.  Today, Moulin Rouge continues to be a symbol of Parisian nightlife, offering dazzling shows that celebrate the glamour and artistry of cabaret.

• 3 shows/night – 1900 (dinner show), 2100, & 2300 (each show is a different price)
  • Tickets for cabaret with champagne
  • Tickets for cabaret with dinner and champagne
  • Tickets for cabaret with dinner
  • Tickets for cabaret with champagne & Seine river cruise
• Length:  1 hr 45 mins
• Doors open 1 hr 15 mins before start of show and no late-entry will be permitted (doors close 10 mins before start of show)
• Location:  Montmartre – 82 Bd de Clichy
• Children permitted from age six, up; children under 12 will receive a discounted ticket

 

Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse was founded in 1951, and is renowned for its avant-garde performances and artistic, sensual choreography.  Unlike traditional cabarets, it focuses on highly stylized, sophisticated burlesque, featuring perfectly synchronized dancers, dramatic lighting, and innovative stage effects.  Crazy Horse blends elegance, eroticism, and modern theatrical artistry in a unique way.

• Show times:  Sunday-Friday 2000 & 2230; Saturday 1900, 2130, & 2345 (prices vary based on add-ons)
  • Tickets for VIP experience (champagne, snacks, and backstage tour from dancer)
  • Tickets for cabaret show
  • Tickets for cabaret show with priority access and champagne
  • Tickets for cabaret show with champagne
• Length:  1 hr 30 mins
• Doors open 30 mins before start of show
• Location:  12 Av George V
• Teenagers permitted from age 16, up with parents

 

Paradis Latin Cabaret

Paradis Latin was originally built in 1803 by Napoleon Bonaparte and later redesigned by Gustave Eiffel in 1889. Known for its energetic performances, it combines traditional French cabaret with modern theatrical elements, featuring dazzling costumes, acrobatics, and lively choreography.

• Show times:  1400 & 2130; closed on Tuesdays
  • Tickets for cabaret show and VIP dinner
  • Tickets for cabaret show and three-course dinner
  • Tickets for cabaret show with optional champagne
• Length:  1 hr 45 mins
• Doors open 30 mins before start of show (if you’re adding on lunch or dinner, doors open two hours before start of show)
• Location:  Latin Quarter – 28 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine
• Children permitted from age six, up; children under 12 will receive a discounted ticket

 

Madam Arthur

Madame Arthur was founded in 1946, and is famous for its drag performances and gender-fluid artistry.  Unlike traditional cabarets, it embraces bold, avant-garde interpretations of French chanson; blending comedy, music, and theatrical flair.  Today, Madame Arthur remains a vibrant hub of LGBTQ+ culture and cabaret revival, offering an intimate and playful take on Parisian nightlife.

• Show times:  Thursday-Saturday 2100; Sunday 2000-2100
  • Tickets for cabaret show and club entry
• Length:  One hour
• Doors open one hour before start of show
• Location:  75 Rue des Martyrs
• No age restrictions until after 2200
• Shows change every week
• Standing room only
• After show, Madam Arthur turns into a club with 100% French music

 

Au Lapin Agile

Au Lapin Agile is a historic Montmartre cabaret, dating back to the 1860s.  It was once a gathering place for Picasso, Apollinaire, and other intellectuals, and became famous for its intimate performances of French folk songs, poetry, and storytelling.  Today, Au Lapin Agile preserves its traditional charm, offering an authentic, old-world cabaret experience in the heart of Paris.

• Show times:  Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday 2100-0100
• Continuous show; can come and go as you please
• Can make a reservation here

 

5.  There is Nudity

Cabaret does come with nudity.  In Paris – and other places around the world – cabaret is an art-form and that includes the female and male body.  If you don’t want to see nudity, I would not suggest seeing a cabaret show in Paris.

 

6.  You Need to Purchase Tickets Ahead of Time

While you can get away with purchasing tickets to the lesser known cabaret shows in Paris, if you want to see Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse, I highly recommend booking tickets ahead of time.  For reference, tickets to the Moulin Rouge open six months in advance and the show is consistently about 95% occupied.

 

GET YOUR CABARET TICKETS USING GET YOUR GUIDE OR VIATOR

 

7.  Cost of Seeing a Cabaret Show in Paris

The price of cabaret in Paris varies greatly depending on what show you’re seeing, what time you’re seeing the show, and additional ad-ons.  Moulin Rouge will be the most expensive show, and Madam Arthur or Au Lapin Agile will be the cheapest.  Additionally, you can add on dinner, champagne, early access, etc.  I don’t personally think that early access is worth the extra money – but if you hate waiting in line, it’s an option.

 

8.  Is it Actually Worth Seeing a Cabaret Show in Paris?

I’m not a big fan of overrated activities (do not go up the Eiffel Tower), but funny enough even though cabaret is wildly famous and touristy in Paris, I don’t think it’s one bit overrated.  It feels like a Parisian staple – just like seeing the Eiffel Tower on the skyline.  The atmosphere is intoxicating, the decorations and outfits are glamorous, and the people performing are insanely talented.

So yes, I do think that it’s worth seeing a cabaret show in Paris.

 

9.  Difference Between Cabaret & Burlesque

Cabaret and burlesque are oftentimes terms that are used interchangeably, however they are two different things.  Cabaret was created in France in the 19th-century, while burlesque was created in Italy and England in the 17th-18th centuries.  Cabaret performances are focused around singing, music, and dance; while burlesque performances center around dancing and stripteasing, and generally contain an element of teasing and seduction.

 

10.  Dressing for Cabaret in Paris

If you’re planning on seeing a cabaret show in Paris, then you’re going to need to dress the part!  The different cabarets sometimes suggest certain clothing – for example, Moulin Rouge recommends men wear business attire while females wear an evening gown.  (Don’t worry – you don’t need an actual evening gown).  You won’t be let in if you’re wearing flip flops, shorts, or sportswear.  While Crazy Horse leans a bit more casually suggesting that a chic and elegant outfit is appreciated.  Crazy Horse also does not permit shorts and flip-flops.

 

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I hope that if you visit Paris, you have a chance to see a cabaret show.  If you have any questions about cabaret in Paris, let me know in a comment below!

 

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