Moulin Rouge - The Most Iconic Paris Cabaret

Let's say you want to take your significant other out for a Paris experience that is a step up from chatting over a café noisette while people watching.  You want a good dinner, but also a bit of a thrill. Where do you go? My suggestion is one of the most iconic places in town, renowned all over the world and reminiscing of pleasure even by its name: Moulin Rouge.

Not very many people need an introduction to the place. Originally built in 1889 by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, who also owned the Paris Olympia, it became strongly associated with the French can-can, the lascivious, provocative dance that was born right there, at the intersection of bohemian Montmartre and sinful Pigalle.

Photo credit: © Moulin Rouge© MO

The days of the can-can are long gone, but the attraction remains, thanks to a century-long metamorphosis that took the old cabaret through various stages but never lost its gaiety and joie de vivre.

Photo credit: © Moulin Rouge

The name of the game today is Féérie. Just like the title promises, this show will transport you from one dreamy tableau to another, resplendent with strong colors, everchanging lights, live music, and seductive dance - feather boas and sparkly, minuscule, rhinestone-studded costumes included, of course.

Photo credit: © Moulin Rouge

I don't want to reveal much of the show as I don't want to spoil the surprise, but you can expect to be shocked, and awed, and charmed all at once. The stars of the show are the 60 Doriss girls, flashing their bright red-stained smiles. They will mesmerize you with their graceful bodies and seductive gazes, taking you from exotic landscapes, pirate coves and secret treasures to circus acts, complete with acrobats, clowns and even miniature horses. 

Photo credit: © Moulin Rouge

And no, the can-can is not entirely forgotten. You will be treated to a modern version of it, every bit as exciting and energetic as the original. 

Add to this free-flowing champagne and a gourmet dinner (alas, not free though) and there you have it: you just gifted your partner a magical night to remember.