Here’s Your Quick Guide to Burlesque Paris
When it comes to experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Paris, cabarets are one of the best things to do in Paris tonight – or any night! From dazzling performances to lively music and an electrifying atmosphere, Paris’ cabaret scene is unparalleled.
If you’re looking for the best cabaret show in Paris, this cabaret guide will help. Learn about the best cabarets in Paris and what to expect from their shows. Compare Paris cabaret shows and ticket options and enjoy an unforgettable night out!
Moulin Rouge vs Crazy Horse; Paradis Latin vs Moulin Rouge; La Nouvelle Eve vs Moulin Rouge… So, what is the best cabaret in Paris?
Table of Contents:
- Compare the Best Cabaret Shows in Paris
- What is a Cabaret? All About Cabarets in Paris
- Paris Cabaret Shows Today
- Crazy Horse Paris – L’Art du Nude
- Moulin Rouge Paris – The Most Famous
- 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
Compare the Best Cabaret Shows in Paris
If you don’t have time to read this cabaret guide, here is a quick overview of the best cabaret shows in Paris, so you can easily compare them.
CABARET | LOCATION | TYPE OF SHOW | OPTION DINNER | CANCAN DANCE | DAYS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paris 8 | Art du Nude | NO | NO | Every day | ||
Paris 18 | Burlesque Show | YES | YES | Every day | ||
Paris 5 | Burlesque Show | YES | YES | Wednesday to Monday | ||
Paris 18 | Burlesque Show | YES | YES | Thursday to Tuesday | ||
Paris 18 | Traditional Cabaret | NO | NO | Tuesday to Sunday |
Best Cabaret in Paris – Quick Answers
What is the most famous Cabaret in Paris? The Moulin Rouge!
Where to see cancan shows in Paris? The Paris cabaret shows offering cancan are Moulin Rouge, Paradis Latin, La Nouvelle Eve, and Folies Bergère. The cancan dance, however, is only a part of the cabaret show (there are many other performances)
What are the most famous cancan girls? The Doriss Girls at the Moulin Rouge
What is the most affordable Paris cabaret show? Au Lapin Agile, in Montmartre
What is the best cabaret dinner in Paris? Since 2017, Moulin Rouge‘s table is one of the referenced places for French Gastronomy in Paris, according to the prestigious Gault & Millau guide
What is the best nude show in Paris? The Crazy Horse show
What are the Moulin Rouge alternatives? The best alternatives to Moulin Rouge – similar quality shows but cheaper prices – are La Nouvelle Eve in the Right Bank (also in Montmartre) and Le Paradis Latin in the Left Bank.
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 became “café-concerts,” 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 in Paris entertained all kinds of public, from burgeois 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 Epoque 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?
In Paris, burlesque shows, drag shows, nude shows, one-man shows, or solo vocalists with pianist shows are often advertised as “Cabaret Shows.” The truth is that only a few “old style” French cabarets like I 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 (usually sold with a glass of champagne).
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 and their cabaret reviews (that’s the name in France for the cabaret shows).
Crazy Horse Paris – L’Art du Nude
12 Avenue George V, Paris 8; Metro Station Alma-Marceau, Line 9
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 Show Options
- Le Crazy Horse “Totally Crazy” Show
- Le Crazy Horse Show + Meet a Dancer before the show Viator’s exclusive offer!
- Le Crazy Horse Show + Dinner at the Ginger (Asian food) Tiqets’ exclusive offer!
Crazy Horse Cabaret Show “Totally Crazy” – What to Expect
Crazy Horse’s Totally Crazy is a sexy and classy cabaret show where the Crazy Horse dancers execute superb choreographies, and there is a fantastic 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 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, I recommend booking your tickets well in advance.
Crazy Horse Paris Dress Code: The Crazy Horse 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.
Crazy Horse vs Moulin Rouge – Crazy Horse or Moulin Rouge? Crazy Horse and Moulin Rouge are the two most famous cabarets in Paris, but I prefer the Moulin Rouge for its total experience cabaret show + dinner. Also, the cancan dance is a must of a cabaret in Paris (and my favorite part!), and the Crazy Horse doesn’t have it.
Moulin Rouge Paris – The Most Famous
82, Boulevard de Clichy, Paris 18; Metro Station Blanche, Line 2
The Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret 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’s 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.
Moulin Rouge Show Options
It is possible to book the Moulin Rouge dinner and show or the show only, usually with a glass of champagne. Experience an unforgettable night in Paris, complete with other Paris attractions like the Eiffel Tower or a Seine River cruise.
Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show “Féerie” – What to Expect
Moulin Rouge’s Féerie is a magical and unforgettable burlesque show with a great atmosphere. There are amazing international performances, 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 Paris Dress Code: The Moulin Rouge 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
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 vs Crazy Horse – Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse? These are two of the best cabaret shows in Paris, but they are totally different, 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 Crazy Horse or Moulin Rouge. For a unique Parisian night experience, I vote for Moulin Rouge.
Moulin Rouge vs Paradis Latin – Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin? In my opinion, the main difference is the price (the Paradis Latin is much cheaper). Also, Paradis Latin is more appreciated by locals, with 71% of French guests (2011 data). Perhaps, you can choose based on the area you are staying in or the neighborhood you want to explore (Montmartre vs Latin Quarter) before the show.
Paradis Latin Paris – Locals’ Favorite
28 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, Paris 5; Metro Station: Cardinal Lemoine, Line 10
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. Indeed, 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. If you want to enjoy Paris like a local, Paradis Latin is the best burlesque show Paris offers.
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 Show Options
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.
Expect an audacious, joyful, and creative cabaret show, which is being talked about as the best burlesque Paris show!
Paradis Latin Dress Code: The Paradis Latin 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
Paradis Latin vs Moulin Rouge – Paradis Latin or Moulin Rouge? Both shows are very similar, but prices at Paradis Latin are cheaper. I also prefer the Latin Quarter vs Montmartre for a night out in Paris before or after the show.
La Nouvelle Eve Paris – The New (Not so New) Cabaret in Paris
25 Rue Pierre Fontaine, Paris 9; Metro Station: Pigalle, lines 2 and 12
La Nouvelle Eve is not a new cabaret. Actually, it is one of the oldest cabarets in Paris! I call it “new” because it started to pop up as one of the best Moulin Rouge alternatives on websites like Viator or GetYourGuide when we all learned about the closure of the Lido.
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 Epoque style, you’ll love the starry ceiling and its softened and intimate atmosphere.
La Nouvelle Eve Paris 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.
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 Cabaret dress code: 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.
La Nouvelle Eve vs Moulin Rouge – La Nouvelle Eve or Moulin Rouge? If you are looking for Moulin Rouge alternatives, La Nouvelle Eve is a great option. Literally, right down the block, La Nouvelle Eve is smaller and more intimate (300 seats vs. 1000 seats), and the audience is, in general, younger. The price of the La Nouvelle Eve cabaret show is much cheaper than the Moulin Rouge show, and the reviews are equally good. The main difference, besides de price, is the opening times: while the Moulin Rouge is open all year round, La Nouvelle Eve only works from April to October.
Le Lapin Agile Paris – The Traditional Cabaret
22 Rue des Saules, Paris 18. Metro Station: 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, 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. 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 Show Options
The drink and cabaret show cost 40€. 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 – click here for days and times. Send your booking request with names and dates to infos@au-lapin-agile.com.
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.
Lapin Agile Dress Code: The dress code at Le Lapin Agile Cabaret is casual.
Lido Paris – Always in Our Memories
116 Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Paris 8; Metro Station: 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. 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.
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 burlesque show you want to see during your next trip to Paris.
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. Le Lido Show, “Paris Merveilles,” was a fantastic tribute to Paris, the City of Light.
Lido Cabaret Show “Paris Merveilles”
The Lido cabaret 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.
