Paradis Latin vs Moulin Rouge vs Crazy Horse – What is the Best Cabaret in Paris?

All About Cabarets in Paris

When it comes to experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Paris, cabaret shows are one of the best options. From dazzling performances and an electrifying atmosphere to humorous wit and artistic talent, Paris’ cabaret scene is unparalleled.

If you’re looking for the best cabaret in Paris, this detailed guide will help. Learn about the best cabaret shows in Paris and what to expect. Look for Moulin Rouge alternatives, compare Paris cabaret shows and ticket options and enjoy an unforgettable night out!

Paradis Latin vs Moulin Rouge; La Nouvelle Eve vs Moulin Rouge; Moulin Rouge vs Crazy Horse… So, what is the best cabaret in Paris?

Best Cabaret Shows in Paris Overview

If you don’t have time to read all this cabaret guide, here is a quick overview of the best cabaret shows in Paris so you can easily compare them.

Table of Contents:

• Origins and History of Paris’ Cabarets
• Moulin Rouge Paris – The Most Famous
• Moulin Rouge Alternatives
• Crazy Horse Paris – L’Art du Nude
• Paradis Latin Paris – Locals’ Favorite
• La Nouvelle Eve Paris – The New (Not so New) Cabaret in Paris
• Le Lapin Agile Paris – The Traditional Cabaret
• Lido Paris – Always in Our Memories

Origins and History of Paris’ Cabarets

Until the 19th century, a cabaret in France was a place to eat and drink, and it was easy to recognize thanks to a sign on the facade with an ivy cork.

During the Belle Époque era, cabarets in Paris became “café-concerts,” with cheap prices that were affordable for all pockets.

At that time, cabarets were places where people could forget about social barriers for a while and have fun. Cabaret shows in Paris entertained all kinds of public, from the bourgeoisie to simple workers, with a play or show while eating or drinking. The atmosphere was festive; men could keep their hats on, and they used to drink and smoke all night long.

The best cabarets in Paris during the Belle Époque were Le Chat Noir (1881-1897) and Les Folies Bergère (since 1869).

Paris Cabaret Shows Today

Cabarets are one of the most iconic things to do in Paris. Because, YES! bars and nightclubs exist everywhere in the world, but where else than in Paris can you find such a choice of quality cabaret shows?

There are two kinds of cabarets in Paris: the kind most tourists have heard of, featuring a perfectly choreographed troupe of identical topless dancers, and the intimate, artistic cabaret that celebrates French chanson, humorous wit, and artistic talent.

In the first group, cabarets are traditionally sold with champagne and dinner paired with good French wines into an all-evening extravaganza. You can also go only for the show (usually sold with a glass of champagne).

In the latter, the venue is much smaller and with a more intimate and casual atmosphere. Still fun for a night out, you will potentially understand very little of the French language.

Moulin Rouge Paris – The Most Famous

The Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret in Paris. Its funky red building dominating Boulevard de Clichy, in the Pigalle neighborhood, is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris.

Active since 1889, this Pigalle institution has developed a cabaret show impossible to replicate outside its doors, where the talented Doriss Dancers in flamboyant costumes perform crazy choreographies with incredible synchronization. There is only one Moulin Rouge Cabaret, and it’s in Paris.

Address: 82, Boulevard de Clichy, Paris 18; Metro Station: Blanche, Line 2

Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show “Féerie” – What to Expect

Moulin Rouge’s show Féerie is an amazing and unforgettable burlesque show with a great atmosphere. You will see the talented Doriss Dancers perform crazy choreographies with incredible synchronization. Costumes are flamboyant (some great designers took part in their creation) with many feathers and bling-bling. As part of the show, you will see the iconic cancan girls.

In the past, the place was considered a little bit cramped. After the 2019 lockdown, however, they have reduced the number of spectators, so this should not be an issue anymore.

Since 2017, Moulin Rouge‘s table has been one of the places in Paris that are referenced for French Gastronomy, according to the prestigious Gault & Millau guide.

DID YOU KNOW? 250 meters of tissue are necessary to produce the “frou-frou” skirt. We find the noun “frou-frou” since the late 19th century: from French, imitative of the sound of a woman walking in a dress.

Dinner starts at 7 p.m. and there are shows at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily. The Moulin Rouge is often sold out, so book your tickets well in advance!

Dress Code in Moulin Rouge could be defined as “smart casual.” For men, a tie and jacket are not necessary, but shorts and short pants, sports shoes, and sportswear are not allowed

Moulin Rouge Alternatives

Sold out? Do you want to spend less? While the iconic Moulin Rouge might be the most famous cabaret in Paris, it’s not the only option in the French capital. In fact, there’s a good selection of cabaret shows in Paris to suit everybody.

With that in mind, here are the best alternatives to Moulin Rouge Paris with their differences and similarities:

• Paradis Latin
• La Nouvelle Eve
• Crazy Horse

Paradis Latin vs Moulin Rouge

Paradis Latin vs Moulin Rouge; Moulin Rouge vs Paradis Latin, what to choose?

Located on opposite sides of Paris (Left Bank vs Right Bank), both cabaret shows are very similar, but prices at Paradis Latin are cheaper.

Another factor that can help you decide between Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin is that the Moulin Rouge is more touristy while Paradis Latin’s audience is mainly French. This also means that sometimes they “forget” to translate some bits of the show and you could be lost in translation.

La Nouvelle Eve vs Moulin Rouge

If you are looking for Moulin Rouge alternatives, La Nouvelle Eve is a great option. Both cabarets are a Parisian institution (la Nouvelle Eve is only 9 years younger than the Moulin Rouge) and boast the only two original cancan dances in the world.

Literally, right down the block, La Nouvelle Eve is smaller and more intimate (300 seats vs. 1000 seats in the Moulin Rouge), and the audience is, in general, younger. La Nouvelle Eve cabaret show is much cheaper than the Moulin Rouge show, and the reviews are equally good.

The main difference between La Nouvelle Eve vs Moulin Rouge (besides the size and price) is the opening times: while the Moulin Rouge is open all year round, La Nouvelle Eve only works from April to October.

Moulin Rouge vs Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse or Moulin Rouge; Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse, what to choose?

The two most famous cabarets in Paris are totally different, so expect two different experiences. In the Moulin Rouge, naked artists are just a few, while the Crazy Horse show is based on the art of the nude.

The Crazy Horse theatre is also smaller, thought for a more intimate experience. While the Moulin Rouge offers a total experience cabaret show + dinner, there are no dining options in the Crazy Horse. Depending on what you want to see (a nude show in Paris? Cancan girls?), you will choose Moulin Rouge vs Crazy Horse.

Paradis Latin vs Crazy Horse

Same as Crazy Horse vs Moulin Rouge, these two cabaret shows are totally different, so expect different experiences.

Paradis’ Latin Left Bank location gives it a bit of an off-the-beaten-cabaret-track feel, but features a similar style show to the one at the Moulin Rouge, with dazzling choreographed dancing and music. The Crazy Horse instead is a nude show in Paris and it is located in one of the city’s most elegant areas.

Set in a theatre built by Gustave Eiffel, the Paradis Latin calls itself the most Parisian of the Paris cabarets while the Crazy Horse cabaret could be anywhere in the world.

Crazy Horse Paris – L’Art du Nude

The Crazy Horse Cabaret is the sexiest cabaret in Paris. Its burlesque show “Totally Crazy” is an ode to feminine beauty, combining eroticism and sophistication.

Indeed, the Crazy Horse show is the only one where you can see naked female dancers who are only dressed in lights (and strategic strips of black tape). The Crazy Horse girls have perfect, lookalike bodies (when standing, the girls’ nipples and hips are all the same height) and perform innovative and delicate choreographies.

Crazy Horse Cabaret Show “Totally Crazy” – What to Expect

Crazy Horse’s Totally Crazy is a sexy and classy cabaret show, the best cabaret Paris has to offer of its kind. The intimately small theatre of this cabaret allows for no elaborate special effects, just the enviable perfection of the 20 nude dancers executing superb choreographies.

There is a fantastic use of song, dance, and special effects in this Paris nude show. What is clear is that you don’t come to the Crazy Horse Paris to see spectacular costumes and leathers! Like other cabarets of its kind, there are also magic and comedy acts while the ladies change their barely-there costumes. 

There are nightly shows at 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., and three shows on Saturday. Because it usually sells out very soon, try to book your tickets ASAP. Seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive about 30 minutes in advance.

Dress Code in Crazy Horse could be defined as “smart casual.” For men, a tie and jacket are not necessary, but shorts and short pants, sports shoes, and sportswear are not allowed.

Paradis Latin Paris – Locals’ Favorite

The Paradis Latin is the oldest cabaret in Paris, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802! Located in the Latin Quarter, in the 5th Arrondissement of Paris, it was a trendy meeting place with clients like Dumas or Balzac, to name a few.

During the Franco-Prussian War, a big fire destroyed the Paradis Latin, and Gustave Eiffel later rebuilt it for the Universal Exhibition of Paris. Just like the Eiffel Tower, the new Paradis Latin turned 130 in 2019!

Le Paradis Latin is the locals’ favorite cabaret, probably because of its high-quality cabaret dinner and affordable prices compared to other cabarets.

Paradis Latin’s new owners have given the historic cabaret an instant makeover with the new show, “L’Oiseau Paradis” (Paradise Bird), created by Kamel Ouali, a famous choreographer, dancer, director, and once-in-a-lifetime talent.

Address: 28 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, Paris 5; Metro Station: Cardinal Lemoine, Line 10

Paradis Latin Cabaret Show “L’Oiseau Paradis” – What to Expect

Kamel’s troupe of dancers reviews the classical cabaret and its famous French cancan with “L’Oiseau Paradis,” a fantastic show that combines to perfection sound, music, light, and dreamy costumes.

As spectators arrive through Paradis Latin’s famous front doors, the show is everywhere, with wild animals and unique live entertainment during the dinner.

Once the bellies are happy, the cabaret show begins, with creative scenes such as the aquarium and the duo dancing on a bath (my two favorites!), the Pegasus horse flying from the sky, or the Grand Finale.

Dinner starts at 8 p.m. and shows from 9:30 p.m. Expect an audacious, joyful, and creative cabaret show, which is being talked about as the best burlesque show in Paris! Read my full Paradis Latin cabaret show review.

Dress Code in Paradis Latin could be defined as “smart casual.” For men, a tie and jacket are not necessary, but shorts and short pants, sports shoes, and sportswear are not allowed

La Nouvelle Eve Paris – The New (Not so New) Cabaret in Paris

La Nouvelle Eve is not a new Paris cabaret. Actually, it is one of the oldest cabarets in Paris! I use the word “new” here because it started to pop up as one of the best Moulin Rouge alternatives on websites like Viator or GetYourGuide when the Lido cabaret closed.

Open since 1898 on Rue Pierre Fontaine in Montmartre, a few steps from the Moulin Rouge, La Nouvelle Eve is a smaller and more intimate cabaret offering a show in the purest Parisian tradition, with French cancan dancers and dinner with wine and champagne.

La Nouvelle Eve Paris also boasts one of the most beautiful halls in the city! Arranged in the Belle Époque style, you’ll love the starry ceiling and its softened and intimate atmosphere.

Address: 25 Rue Pierre Fontaine, Paris 9; Metro Station: Pigalle, lines 2 and 12

La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret Show “Paris, Je T’Aime” – What to Expect

La Nouvelle Eve’s “Paris Je T’Aime” celebrates the Parisian spirit. The underlying theme is a tribute to Paris, the Capital of Love, and the iconic Edith Piaf, a key figure of Montmartre. Expect a traditional cabaret show with fun acrobatics and choreographies, singing, French cancan, glitter, feathers, and lots of bubbles.

You eat before attending the show in the decor of this beautiful, intimate hall for 300 people. There’s a single menu (starter – main – dessert, with vegetarian choices), which comes with a decent bottle of red wine and white wine per couple and a glass of champagne during the show. All the dishes are prepared on-site from fresh produce.

Dinner is from 6:30 p.m. And shows are from 8:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

La Nouvelle Eve’s cabaret show is only available for six months, from April to October. During the other half of the year, La Nouvelle Eve shares its stage with various artists, singers, musicians, comedians,… an eclectic program with something for everybody, perfect for the winter nights of Paris.

La Nouvelle Eve dress code could be defined as “smart casual.” For men, a tie and jacket are not necessary, but shorts and short pants, sports shoes, and sportswear are not allowed.

Le Lapin Agile Paris – The Traditional Cabaret

Located in the quintessential neighborhood of Montmartre, Le Lapin Agile is one of the few traditional cabarets in Paris still working in the city. This French cabaret consists of a village house, easily recognizable from its sign (a rabbit jumping out of a saucepan).

Le Lapin Agile is famous for being the center of the bohemian Montmartre at the beginning of the 19th century, with guests like Max Jacob, Pablo Picasso, and Modigliani. This Parisian establishment continues to display new talents and is a place where you can have a good time.

Le Lapin Agile is a popular option for those looking for an authentic cabaret experience, and new artists are happy to go to Le Lapin Agile to introduce their shows.

Address: 22 Rue des Saules, Paris 18. Metro Station: Lamarck-Caulaincourt, Line 12

Le Lapin Agile Cabaret Show – What to Expect

This is the best cabaret show Paris has to offer of its kind. French songs, famous songs about Paris, music in general, and poetry. There is no micro, no lasers, or feathers… It’s a traditional cabaret in a small space where the public is invited to sing along.

That said, the show is only in French, and there is no translation or explanation for non-French speakers; just follow the music!

Make sure to eat first, then show up anytime between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Nobody stays for the whole soirée but you are welcome to try!

Lapin Agile Dress Code is casual.

Lido Paris – Always in Our Memories

The Lido Paris was the world’s most famous nightclub and one of the most iconic establishments of the Champs Elysées.

Founded in 1946, Le Lido de Paris offered a traditional burlesque show of beautiful dancers dressed in fantastic costumes. On stage, the legendary Bluebell Girls and the Lido Boys entertained guests with their songs, choreographies, and acrobatics.

Usually open every day of the year, Le Lido Paris was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, which kept its mostly foreign clientele away. Sadly, after running for 76 years, the Lido Paris as we knew it closed its doors in the summer of 2022. In December 2022, the Lido reopened as an international music theater under the name Lido 2 Paris. Click here for the Lido 2 Paris program and ticket options.

I decided to keep the Lido show review as an homage to one of the most fabulous cabarets in the history of Paris. If you have visited the Lido in the past, comparing the Lido to other cabarets may help you decide what cabaret show you want to see during your next trip to Paris.

Address: 116 Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Paris 8; Metro Station: Georges V, Line 1

Lido Cabaret Show “Paris Merveilles”

Le Lido cabaret show, “Paris Merveilles,” was a fantastic tribute to Paris, the City of Light. The show was usually watched over dinner with friends or your partner and a glass of champagne.

The Lido show “Paris Merveilles” was about dancing, singing, cancan girls, colorful costumes, and feathers. It was a joyful show full of glamour and bubbles, lots of bubbles.

Click here to read about other Paris Attractions

Back to Homepage

Pin it now & read it later