Nightlife in Paris: spectacular French cabarets

Paris is not only about visiting museums, climbing the Eiffel Tower and walking along the Seine. Paris lives at night, too! And if I say the nightlife in Paris, then you are probably thinking about spectacular French cabarets. And you are right. Paris is a capital of the cabaret. The Moulin Rouge, Lido, Crazy Horse, Chez Michou, the Paradis Latin - let me just name some of them. And they are all about music, dance, glamour and entertainment. Do I need to continue or you are already booking your ticket for tonight's show? But first, check my top 3 cabarets in Paris. Let the show begin!

The Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is the most famous Parisian cabaret. The iconic red windmill on its roof is worldwide well-known. Opened in 1889, The Moulin Rouge has become the spiritual birthplace of the modern form of the French cancan. The French painter Toulouse-Lautrec immortalized this cabaret in 1891, by drawing its first advertising poster. Many stars, musicians, actors and famous people passed through its doors. The cabaret is decorated in a beautiful “belle époque” style and red velvet, with typical burlesque frescoes. This is a wonderful place to enjoy two hours of a sophisticated choreography, a delicious French food, served with champagne - the official drink of the cabaret. A great way to spend a fabulous night in Paris.

Le Moulin Rouge

82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France

The Lido

The Lido is the largest cabaret in Paris. Opened in 1946, this cabaret is best known for its dancers – the "Bluebell Girls". They are all classical dancers but had grown too tall to become professional ballerinas. This disability is a benefit at Lido, since the minimum height required for the dancers in this cabaret is 1.75 m. Many famous stars like Edith Piaf, Marlene Dietrich, Josephine Baker, the Kessler sisters, Laurel and Hardy, Dalida, Shirley MacLaine and Elton John, performed on the Lido stage. In this cabaret, you will spend a beautiful and glamorous night.

Cabaret Le Lido

116 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France

The Folies Bergere

In 1881, Edouard MANET painted one his most famous impressionist paintings: “Le Bar des Folies Bergère” and spread worldwide the glory of this Parisian cabaret. Opened in 1869, the building of the Folies Bergere was completely renovated in 1926. The cabaret was enlarged and decorated with a magnificent Art Deco facade by Maurice Pico, a French architect, decorator and painter. It is no surprise that the building of this cabaret has been listed as a historical monument since 1990. Today, although the place has kept its style and musical spirit, on the stage of the Folies Bergere, you can also see other kinds of shows, like concerts, musicals, one-man shows, etc.

The Folies Bergère

32 Rue Richer, 75009 Paris, France

Practical information

To make the best of your nightlife in Paris, don’t miss the show in some of spectacular French cabarets. The cabarets are open 365 days a year and often have two shows a day. At the cabarets like the Moulin Rouge end the Lido, you can even have dinner before the show.