The Best Cabaret Shows in Paris

The Best Cabaret Shows in Paris

Coming to Paris and not watching a cabaret show is like coming to Paris and not eating a single croissant. These live performances make up an integral part of the city’s history and culture, and are a must-see for anyone who wants to leave feeling the full weight of what this part of the world has to offer. 

It helps to note that all cabarets are unique; what’s standard for one likely won’t be included at another. Whether you’re in the mood for a dinner show, or just an intimate bar-like setting, there’s something for everyone. Read on and take your pick!

Cabaret – by Archeologo – Wikimedia Commons

Moulin Rouge in Paris

The Moulin Rouge is an institution to Paris and needs to be mentioned on every cabaret roundup, whether its regarding the show itself or simply the venue.

The Moulin Rouge has called the same spot home since its inception in 1889. It sits on Pigalle’s main entertainment strip at the foot of Montmartre hill in the 18th arrondissement. You’ll see it coming a mile away thanks to the bright red windmill that crowns the top of the entrance. 

Moulin Rouge – by Mickey Løgitmark – Wikimedia Commons

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The Moulin Rouge building, however, is not the original. Early in the 1900s the entire cabaret theatre burnt down in a tragic fire. It took six years for the owners to reconstruct the venue from the ground up, making it bigger and better than before. The revamp was so big that there was even space to add an additional night club to the property. La Machine du Moulin Rouge is a three story entertainment venue with dance floors and bars.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: NIGHTLY

ADDRESS: 82 BOULEVARD DE CLICHY, 75018 PARIS, FRANCE

METRO STATION: BLANCHE

Le Lido in Paris

Le Lido is in some ways a more worthwhile cabaret experience compared to the famous Moulin Rouge. From the outside the theatre is unassuming, those who stroll past it from the Arc de Triomphe almost never spot the entrance first time. 

Le Lido – by le Lido – Uploaded by them

It is bigger than the Moulin Rouge and far more opulent. Instead of regular arena theatre seating, the floor is divided into sectioned booths made with dining tables that face one another. You’ll dine with your party in a regular dinner table set up, and you’ll turn to either your left or right when it comes time to face the stage. 

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The building may be old, but the infrastructure is able to handle impressive standing effects including giant chandeliers that retract up and down from the ceiling with dancers hanging off of them.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: NIGHTLY

ADDRESS: 116 AV. DES CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES, 75008 PARIS, FRANCE

METRO STATION: GEORGE V

Le Crazy Horse in Paris

Known for being the most risqué of all Parisian cabaret venues, le Crazy Horse is a must-see for anyone looking to make the utmost of the city’s nightlife. Interestingly, this is the smallest and most intimate of all the cabarets, so don’t expect dinner with your show!

The Crazy Horse – by inazakira – Wikimedia Commons

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To put it mildly, this is an intense cabaret experience through and through. So much so that children under the age of 13 are not permitted to enter. The all female cast are beautifully choreographed to put the feminine form right under the spotlight. 

Keep an eye on their schedule as they typically have a variety of guest appearances throughout the year. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: NIGHTLY

ADDRESS: 12 avenue Georges V 75008

METRO STATION: GEORGE V or Alma-Marceau

Aux Trois Mailletz in Paris

Aux Trois Mailletz is the Latin Quarter‘s local hideaway. The cabaret venue is situated deep inside the building at 56 Rue Galande, in the medieval cellars that have withstood the test of gentrification in these parts.

Aux Trois Mailletz in Paris – by Aux Trois Mailletz – Uploaded by them

The space is actually a restaurant, but the art of jazz and cabaret have been part of the dining experience here since the 1950s. It’s an escape from the city if Paris both figuratively and literally. A time warp of eras as well as a physical removal from the city streets, plunging you deep into the cellars that once functioned as hideaways during the prohibition years.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO SUNDAY – 6pm to 6am

ADDRESS: 56 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

Paradis Latin in Paris

This cabaret venue on the Left Bank across from the Seine is thought to have been architecturally inspired by Gustave Eiffel, the man behind many of the bridges and railways in Paris.

It’s often referred to as a “pleasure garden” rather than a regular theatre venue. The performances take place above and around the audiences who dine banquet style on the floor in the center. 

In true Parisian cabaret style the theatre opts for plush red carpeting, booths, wallpaper and  balconies. It’s done in a way that manages to avoid the kitsch element of this theme and embraces a rather classic ambiance. Because of the high ceilings at the Paradis Latin theatre there are some banquet tables that are blocked by pillars. Be sure to cross check your seats at the time of booking.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY – 7:30PM TO 11:30PM

ADDRESS: 28 RUE DU CARDINAL LEMOINE, 75005 PARIS, FRANCE

METRO STATION: JUSSIEU