Moulin Rouge, Paris Overview

Moulin Rouge, the most famous cabaret in the world, has emerged as the most entertaining source of musical dance entertainment for tourists and visitors visiting Paris from all around the world. Home to the Can-can dance, Moulin Rouge is a lively place which allows different kinds of people to mix.

Founded in 1889, the Moulin Rouge isn’t merely a place, but an experience of a lifetime; an experience enriched by music, dance, entertainment, food and culture. This legendary cabaret has enchanted artists and international celebrities like Edith Piaf, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli and Elton John over the years. Its red colour indeed, in every sense, depicts the radiance, passion, sensitivity and romance that is held within the walls of this fantastic attraction. The Moulin Rouge had a game-changing architectural style that was a huge reason for its success. Famous dancers and singers in history are witnesses to the real richness that the Moulin Rouge has projected upon the world since the beginning of its days.

Architecture of Moulin Rouge

The architectural design and style of the Moulin Rouge are uniquely distinguished from its other contemporaries by its aesthetic derivations; the red velvet and typical burlesque frescoes, from the Belle Epoque period, which was marked by peace and optimism in the late-19th Century France. The extravagant setting features a beautiful garden embellished with a gigantic elephant that is a treat to look at. The attraction has a red windmill that has bright lights attached to it, and the silhouette of this windmill graces the Boulevard de Clichy at dawn.

The dining room team of 120 maitre d’s will steer you into the Belle Epoque hall, which is adorned with original and legitimate wall frescoes and Morris columns. These columns exhibit the original posters of the artists who performed in the Moulin Rouge such as Mistinguett and Frank Sinatra. These wall arts are one of a kind and perfectly accent the beauty of the hall and sum up the evening with a much-needed amount of historical enrichment. For all you fans of interior designing and pre-modern architecture, the Moulin Rouge surely bags one of the top spots on every list.

History and Legacy of Moulin Rouge

The original Moulin Rouge was opened in 1889, which saw huge success and brought about a significant change in the perception of dance, music and visual art in France. In 1915, the house was burned down due to a devastating fire that broke out as a result of a short-circuit. The auditorium and the ballroom were completely destroyed, and only portions of the facades and the stage remained.

In 1921, the rebuilt Moulin Rouge was opened. The architecture was significantly inspired by the original house, with a few modern changes. After its reopening, the Moulin Rouge witnessed an exponential success in the field of entertainment. Its festive champagne evenings, a troupe of artists who performed twice each evening, the cancan dance, and famous dancers of the likes of la Môme Fromage and Grille d'Egout contributed substantially in its success. To this day, the Moulin Rouge remains an epitome of everything good and plentiful about French culture and art.

Feerie: The Magical Show at Moulin Rouge

The resident and central stage show of the Moulin Rouge, Féerie is a magical show made up of breathtaking acts with combinations of feathers, sequins, rhinestones, sparkling decor, acrobatics, international attractions and original music accompanied by the world famous Can-can dance. A group of 60 artists indulge twice, every evening to bless the crowd with hours of bedazzling performances which shouldn’t be missed at any cost.

VIP Dinner at Moulin Rouge

For any evening to be unforgettable, all of us can agree that it must be accompanied by rich, delicious and lip-smacking food. The Moulin Rouge checks that box every time. After hours of entertainment and delight, enjoy the dinner in the best French gastronomic tradition, complemented by fine wine and champagne, and get ready to achieve a divine level of satisfaction and fulfilment. The French are known to have great food and even better drinks, and no one begs to differ when it comes to the Moulin Rouge.

Art and Craft at Moulin Rouge

While the symbolic dance of the Moulin Rouge - the French Cancan - takes place, four houses of art and craft who are experts in their know-how of the traditional craftsmanship, are at work. Wonderful feather crafters, historic shoemakers and the master embroiders come together at the creation workshop at the Moulin Rouge and show off their exceptional skill sets. At the creation workshop, the Moulin Rouge projects an ornamental and decorative image upon its visitors.

Tips While Visiting Moulin Rouge

1. Dress Code - It is a requirement that you wear smart dress when attending an evening at the Moulin Rouge: shorts, Bermuda shorts, ﬂipﬂops, sportswear and sports shoes are not permitted.

2. Photography - For copyright and security reasons it is strictly forbidden to photograph, ﬁlm or record all or any part of the Moulin Rouge theatre and the show. However, a team of professional photographers is available if you want to get your own photos clicked.

3. Smoking - Inside the theatre, smoking is not allowed, though there is a covered glass enclosure that caters to those who smoke and this is located in the upper part of the theatre.

Best Time to Visit Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is an attraction that offers its entertainment prowess everyday throughout the year, but elevates everything to unimaginable levels at times of festivals and holy days such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

How To Reach Moulin Rouge, Paris

The closest metro station to the Moulin Rouge is Blanche (Metro line 2), which is an easy and efficient way of reaching this house. The easiest way for you would be Métro line 13 from Place de Clichy to Invalides, and then RER C to Versailles Rive Gauche. Other modes of transport such as the Paris city bus and taxis can also be used to get here.