Top 5 fun facts about the Moulin Rouge

Top 5 fun facts about the Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is without a doubt one of the most iconic Paris attractions, but there’s also a lot of history behind it! In this article, I’ll be sharing with you my top 5 fun facts about the Moulin Rouge. From a devastating fire to an endless supply of champagne, there’s a lot you didn’t know about this cabaret. Read on to discover more fun facts about the Moulin Rouge!

The legendary cabaret first opened its doors in 1899, and quickly developed quite the reputation. During the extravagant Belle Époque, the bright red windmill of the Moulin Rouge became symbolic of Paris’ Red Light District. Burlesque shows, dance performances and magic shows all became part of the Moulin Rouge legacy. Since its’ grand opening, the Moulin Rouge has attracted crowds by the thousands,of  both tourists and Parisians alike, and is still one of the most popular spectacles in Paris.

Fun fact n°1: There are 80 full-time performers

The first of my top 5 fun facts about the Moulin Rouge is the incredible number of performers! The classic Féerie show features 80 different dancers called Doriss’s, there are 60 female Doriss and 20 male dancers in every show. Most people associate the Moulin Rouge with dancing girls, but while this is perhaps the most famous aspect, there’s a lot more to a Moulin Rouge show. In addition to seeing the French cancan, you can see talented acrobats, magicians and even exotic animals performing.

The Moulin Rouge is a cabaret, so you have the option to have dinner while enjoying the famous show! While somewhat of a cliché, this is definitely the way to enjoy the full Moulin Rouge experience. If you prefer the dinner option, I would recommend getting tickets in advance on their website, as it’s often full.

Fun fact n°2: The champagne

Another of my top 5 fun facts about the Moulin Rouge is the champagne consumption! Champagne is served during every performance, and has been for over 100 years. Today, the cabaret is actually the world’s largest consumer of champagne! The Moulin Rouge serves more than 240,000 bottles of bubbly every year, which even earned them a spot in the Guinness World Records. Tickets to the show usually come with a half bottle of champagne per person, though more is served if you take the dinner option. Cheers!

Fun fact n°3: The Moulin Rouge was rebuilt

The bright lights and classic red windmill have been beckoning visitors to the Moulin Rouge for over a century. But did you know that this institution was completely rebuilt? Another of my top 5 fun facts about the Moulin Rouge is that it’s actually been rebuilt since its original construction. Following a devastating fire in 1915, the Moulin Rouge was closed for 6 years of renovation works. The cabaret opened again in 1921, just after the end of WWI.

Though the Moulin Rouge has been reconstructed, it still preserves the same standout architecture and flashy lights as before. It’s been over 100 years since the Moulin Rouge first opened, but step inside and you’ll take a step back to Belle Époque Paris.

Fun fact n°4: It was the first electric building in Paris

Now known as the City of Light, it’s hard to imagine a time when Paris wasn’t full of lights. Which brings us to the next on my list of top 5 fun facts about the Moulin Rouge! Opening in 1899, the Moulin Rouge was one of the first buildings to have electric lights in Paris! At the end of the 19th century, electric lighting was just catching on across Paris. The iconic red lights of the Moulin Rouge became some of the first bulbs to light up the city!

Even today, the glittering lights at the Place Blanche beckon visitors to the Parisian cabaret. Stroll by at night to see the Moulin Rouge in all its glory.

Fun fact n°5: It’s always full

The next fact on my top 5 fun facts about the Moulin Rouge is that it’s nearly always full. There are actually more than 600,000 people who visit the Moulin Rouge each year! For a cabaret with 850 seats, this means it’s almost at full occupancy every night, and has been since its opening! The Moulin Rouge is one of Paris’ favorite attractions, and captured the hearts of locals years ago. Even after more than 100 years, the Moulin Rouge averages 96% occupancy for its shows. With numbers like that, it’s worth it go and discover the magic for yourself!

Now you’ve read my top 5 fun facts about the Moulin Rouge! I hope you learned something new from reading this article, and that you’ll decide to experience this legendary cabaret for yourself. Of course you now know the top 5 fun facts about the Moulin Rouge, but there’s still so much more to learn! Join us on our free walking tour of the Montmartre neighborhood, from the Moulin Rouge to the Sacré-Coeur. Our guides will show you the ins and outs of this charming neighborhood, and explain the areas’ rich history.

Please let us know if you need any more information about anything, and don’t forget to comment with your own fun facts. We love hearing from you guys!

See you soon in Paris!