Burlesque Paris
Cabarets are one of the most iconic things to do in Paris and one of the most popular things to do in Paris at night. 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?
If you are looking for the best cabaret Paris has to offer, our Paris Cabaret Guide will help. Learn about cabaret and burlesque, compare the best shows in Paris, and ticket options so that you can find the best cabaret in Paris for you.
Crazy Horse or Moulin Rouge? Moulin Rouge or Lido? Lido or Paradis Latin? So what is the best cabaret show in Paris?
Disclaimer: this is Paris Nightlife for adults.
Compare and Find the Best Cabaret Show in Paris for You
CABARET | LOCATION | TYPE OF SHOW | OPTION DINNER | CANCAN DANCE | DAYS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paris 8 | Art du Nude | NO | NO | Everyday | ||
Paris 5 | Burlesque Show | YES | YES | Wednesday to Monday | ||
Paris 18 | Burlesque Show | YES | YES | Everyday | ||
Paris 18 | Traditional Cabaret | NO | NO | Tuesday to Sunday |
Quick Answers: Paris Cabaret Shows
Which is the best Cabaret in Paris? They are many good and unique cabarets in Paris; we recommend reading this Paris Cabaret Guide and deciding for yourself.
What is the most famous Cabaret in Paris? Almost everybody says it’s the Moulin Rouge. We have a divided opinion on the matter and cannot decide between Lido to Moulin Rouge.
Where to see cancan shows in Paris? The Paris cabaret shows offering cancan shows are Moulin Rouge, Paradis Latin, and Folies Bergère. The cancan dance, however, is only a part of the cabaret show.
What are the most famous cancan girls? the Doriss Girls from the Moulin Rouge
What is the most affordable Paris cabaret show? Au Lapin Agile, in Montmartre
What is the best cabaret dinner in Paris? Head to the Paradis Latin Cabaret
What is the best nude show in Paris? Crazy Horse Cabaret Show
What is a Cabaret? All About Cabarets in Paris
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, cabarets in Paris turned into ‘café-concert,‘ with cheap prices 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 entertained all kinds of public, from rich people 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.
Famous cabarets in Paris during the Belle Epoque were Le Chat Noir (1881-1897) and Les Folies Bergère (since 1869).
What are Cabaret Shows in Paris Today?
In Paris, burlesque shows, drag shows, nude shows, one-man shows, or solo vocalists with pianist shows are often advertised as Paris Cabaret Shows. The truth is that only a few ‘old style’ French cabarets like we described above remain in Paris.
Today, the best shows in Paris correspond to ‘music halls’ or burlesque shows offering lavish musical and theatrical productions, with elaborate costumes, singing, and dancing. There is a stage for the show, and the audience is sitting at tables (often dining or drinking) and watching the performance, which is introduced by a master of ceremonies. It is an evening of entertainment and fun.
In Paris, cabaret shows are traditionally served with champagne and dinner paired with good French wines into an all-evening extravaganza. You can also go only to the show.
DID YOU KNOW? A Burlesque Show is humorous theatrical entertainment involving parody and sometimes extreme exaggeration. Burlesque comes from the Italian word ‘burla,’ which means ‘joke.’
Parisian cabarets are a great way to enjoy Paris at night in style and a popular option for special dates like birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor parties, Paris at Christmas time, or a special New Year’s Eve in Paris.
Without further ado, let’s go through the best cabarets in Paris.
Paradis Latin Paris – Locals’ Favorite
28 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, Paris 5; M. Cardinal Lemoine, Line 10
The Paradis Latin is the oldest cabaret in Paris, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte back 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, the Paradis Latin was destroyed by a big fire, and Gustave Eiffel later rebuilt it for the Universal Exhibition of Paris. Indeed, just like the Eiffel Tower, the new Paradis Latin turned 130 years in 2019!
Paradis Latin is the locals’ favorite cabaret, probably because of its high-quality cabaret dinner and affordable prices compared to other cabarets. If you want to enjoy Paris Like a Local, Paradis Latin is the best cabaret show in Paris for you.
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.
Paradis Latin Cabaret Show ‘L’Oiseau Paradis’ – What to Expect
Since May 2019, Kamel’s troupe of dancers, lead by ravishing Iris Mittenaere (Miss France and Miss Universe 2016) review the classical cabaret and its famous French cancan with ‘L’Oiseau Paradis,’ an amazing show which combines to perfection sound, music, light, and dreamy costumes.
As spectators arrive through the famous Paradis Latin 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 (our two favorites!), the Pegasus horse flying from the sky, or the Grande Finale.
Expect an audacious, joyful, and creative cabaret show, which it’s already being talked about as one of the best cabaret shows in Paris!
Paradis Latin Show Options
BOOK NOW:
Le Crazy Horse Paris – L’Art du Nude
12, Avenue George V, Paris 8; M. Alma-Marceau, Line 9
Le Crazy Horse is the sexiest cabaret in Paris. Their burlesque show Totally Crazy is an ode to feminine beauty, combining eroticism and sophistication.
Indeed, the Crazy Horse Paris reviews are the only ones where you can see naked female dancers that are actually 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
Totally Crazy is a sexy and classy cabaret show where the Crazy Horse dancers execute superb choreographies, and there is an amazing use of song, dance, and special effects. What is clear is that you don’t come to the Crazy Horse Paris to see spectacular costumes and leathers!
This show is one of Paris’s best shows in its genre, so it usually sells out very soon. To ensure you don’t miss this cabaret show while in Paris, we recommend booking your tickets well in advance.
Crazy Horse Show Options
BOOK NOW:
- Le Crazy Horse ‘Totally Crazy’ Show
- Le Crazy Horse “Totally Crazy” Show + luxury dinner at the Ginger (South Asian menu) Get Your Guide’s exclusive offer!
- Le Crazy Horse Show + Meet a Dancer before the show Viator’s exclusive offer!
Moulin Rouge Paris – The Most Famous
82, Boulevard de Clichy, Paris 18; M. Blanche, Line 2
The Moulin Rouge Paris is the most famous cabaret show in Paris, known worldwide. 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. There is only one Moulin Rouge Cabaret, and it’s in Paris.
Moulin Rouge Show, Féerie, is an amazing show where 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.
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.
Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show ‘Féerie’ – What to Expect
Moulin Rouge’s Féerie is a magical and unforgettable show with a great atmosphere. There are amazing international attractions, cancan girls, and lots of bubbles.
In the past, the place was considered a little bit cramped. After the 2019 lockdown, they have reduced the number of spectators, so this should not be an issue anymore. Book your tickets well in advance.
Moulin Rouge Show Options
It is possible to book the show only, but in our opinion, the dinner at the Moulin Rouge Cabaret is part of an awesome night in Paris. Other ticket options include the show + champagne glass or the possibility of a hotel pickup.
BOOK NOW:
Le Lapin Agile Paris – The Traditional Cabaret
22 Rue des Saules, Paris 18. M. Lamarck-Caulaincourt, Line 12
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 or Pablo Picasso and Modigliani. This Parisian establishment continues to display new talents, and it 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 present their shows. That said, the show is only in French, and there is no translation or explanation for non-French speakers; just follow the music!
Le Lapin Agile Cabaret Show – What to Expect
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.
Le Lapin Agile Show Options
The drink and cabaret show cost 28€. There is no dinner option inside, but there are plenty of good restaurants in Montmartre, not far from the cabaret. Space is limited inside the cabaret, so bookings are essential. Send your booking request with names and dates to infos@au-lapin-agile.com.
Lido Paris – Always in our Memories
116 Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Paris 8; M. Georges V, Line 1
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. After running for 76 years, sadly, the Lido closed its doors in summer of 2022. The Lido Paris will reopen as a music venue in 2023.
We decided to keep our Lido cabaret show review as an homage to one of the greatest cabarets in the history of Paris. If you visited the Lido in the past, comparing the Lido to other cabarets may help you decide what Paris cabaret to visit next.
The Lido Paris is the world’s most famous nightclub and one of the most mythical establishments of Champs Elysées.
Founded in 1946, Le Lido de Paris offers a traditional burlesque show composed of beautiful dancers dressed up in fantastic costumes. On stage, the legendary Bluebell Girls and the Lido Boys will entertain you with their songs, choreographies, and acrobatics. Le Lido Show, Paris Merveilles, is a fantastic tribute to Paris, the City of Light.
Lido Cabaret Show ‘Paris Merveilles’ – What to Expect
The Lido cabaret show is usually watched over dinner with friends or your partner and a glass of champagne.
The Lido show ‘Paris Merveilles‘ is about dancing, singing, cancan girls, colorful costumes, and feathers. It is a joyful show full of glamour and bubbles, lots of bubbles.
Cabaret Paris Dress Code
The dress code at Moulin Rouge, Paradis Latin, and Crazy Horse could be defined as ‘elegant casual wear.’ For men, a tie and jacket are not necessary, but shorts and short pants, sports shoes, and sportswear are not allowed
At Le Lapin Agile Cabaret, people can dress more casually. Whatever cabaret you choose, avoid shorts, Bermuda shorts, flip-flops, sportswear, and trainers.
Best Cabaret in Paris F.A.Q.
Crazy Horse vs Moulin Rouge? Lido vs Moulin Rouge? These are our users’ frequently asked questions that we try to answer here below:
Lido or Moulin Rouge (Lido vs Moulin Rouge)?
Moulin Rouge vs Lido is the eternal question in Paris! Both are great cabaret shows on the Right bank of Paris. Usually, the Lido tickets are cheaper than the Moulin Rouge tickets. You can also decide based on the neighborhood: Champs Elysées vs. Montmartre.
Crazy Horse vs Moulin Rouge (Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse)?
These are two different kinds of cabaret shows, so expect two different experiences. In Moulin Rouge, naked artists are just a few, while the Crazy Horse show is based on the art of the nude.
Depending on what you want to see (a nude show in Paris? cancan girls?), you will choose Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse.
Another thing to consider when comparing Moulin Rouge vs. Crazy Horse is the dining option: the Crazy Horse show does not include any dining options whilst you can book the Moulin Rouge show with or without dinner.
Lido or Crazy Horse (Crazy Horse vs Lido)?
These are two different kinds of cabaret shows and two different experiences. In the Lido Paris, the nude is very limited, while the Crazy Horse is a nude cabaret show.
Depending on what you want to see (nude show in Paris? cancan girls? beautiful Paris?), you will choose Crazy Horse vs Lido.
The dining option is another thing to consider: the Crazy Horse show does not include dining options whilst you can book the Lido show with or without dinner.
Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin (Paradis Latin vs Moulin Rouge)?
The main difference, in our opinion, is the price, being the Paradis Latin much cheaper. Also, Paradis Latin is more appreciated by locals, with 71% of French guests (2011 data).
Perhaps, you want to consider other things like their location or their dinner options? What do you prefer: a night out in Pigalle (Moulin Rouge) or in the Latin Quarter (Cabaret Latin)?
Is Moulin Rouge a Nude Cabaret Show?
In the Moulin Rouge show, some ladies are naked (topless), but it’s tastefully done. However, we don’t consider Moulin Rouge a nude show in Paris; honestly, there are other addresses for those who really want to see Paris nude shows.
Beware that you will find nudity also in Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, and other museums in Paris, even male frontal! Aaah, these cheeky Parisians.
Click here to read about other Paris Attractions
Some interesting articles in the blog
- Traveling to Paris for the first time? Read here
- Learn where to find the best food in Paris here
- We tell you the top reasons to visit Paris here
Pin it now & read it later
Cover photo courtesy: Le Crazy Horse Paris ©
