Parisian Cabarets to Discover or Rediscover

Unique moments, unmistakably Parisian

When night falls over Paris, the City of Light reveals one of its most spectacular faces: its cabarets. True institutions of French cultural heritage, these legendary venues have blended dance, music, boldness and elegance for over a century. Attending a Parisian revue is an immersive, festive and timeless experience, where the art of performance meets the French art of living.

Among the must-see cabarets in Paris, three names naturally stand out: Paradis Latin, Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse. Three atmospheres, three stories, but one shared promise: an unforgettable evening.

Paradis Latin, the oldest of Parisian cabarets

Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, Paradis Latin is the oldest cabaret in Paris still in operation. Listed as a historic monument, it alone embodies over two centuries of celebration, spectacle and artistic effervescence.

A history closely intertwined with that of Paris

The story begins in the early 19th century, when Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned the construction of the Théâtre Latin, soon frequented by Parisian artists, intellectuals and free spirits of all kinds. Destroyed during the war of 1870, the venue was reborn in 1889 under the direction of Gustave Eiffel, who showcased his mastery of metal architecture, giving the space a bold, elegant and visionary design.

From its opening, Paradis Latin captivated audiences with an eclectic program of operettas, ballets, pantomimes and eccentric performances, all delivered in a joyfully uninhibited atmosphere. The success was immediate, attracting renowned artists and curious spectators eager to experience this new form of entertainment.

After several rebirths, the cabaret regained its full splendor in the late 1970s, before entering a new era in 2019 with the creation of L’Oiseau Paradis, directed by Kamel Ouali. A modern, sensual and poetic revue, true to the spirit of the venue, blending tradition with contemporary creativity.

Add to this a gastronomic experience curated by Guy Savoy, and the result is a dinner show that delights every sense.

Moulin Rouge, the icon of Montmartre

It is impossible to talk about Parisian cabarets without mentioning the Moulin Rouge. With its illuminated red windmill, it is one of the most instantly recognizable symbols of Paris worldwide.

The birth of a myth during the Belle Époque

The Moulin Rouge opened its doors in 1889, at the foot of Montmartre, during a time of unprecedented artistic and social excitement. Paris was living to the rhythm of the Belle Époque: social boundaries blurred, artists embraced new freedoms, and celebration became an art form in itself.

Designed as a place of freedom and entertainment, the Moulin Rouge quickly won over audiences with its extravagant atmosphere, spectacular décor and famous dance floor. It soon became the temple of the French Cancan, a daring and exuberant dance that shocked, delighted and endlessly fascinated.

Frequented by artists, bourgeois society, night owls and curious minds alike, the Moulin Rouge embodies a carefree and flamboyant Paris, immortalized by Toulouse-Lautrec and still celebrated today through meticulously crafted revues.

Crazy Horse, the elegance of artistic nudity

More intimate yet equally iconic, Crazy Horse offers a radically different vision of the cabaret. Here, no excess of feathers or lavish sets: the true star is the human body, enhanced by light.

An avant-garde and resolutely artistic cabaret

Founded in 1951 on Avenue George V, Crazy Horse quickly established itself as a show unlike any other. Its signature lies in perfectly choreographed tableaux, where dancers appear sculpted by light. Each silhouette becomes a graphic artwork, each act a piece of visual art.

The dancers, known by evocative stage names, carry on a unique legacy that blends sensuality, freedom and modernity. Since its creation, Crazy Horse has continued to innovate, collaborating with renowned artists, choreographers and designers, while welcoming international guest stars.

The result is a bold, elegant and hypnotic show that celebrates Parisian glamour in its most contemporary form.

Why experience a cabaret in Paris?

Spending an evening in one of these quintessentially Parisian venues means diving into the city’s history, feeling its nocturnal energy, and discovering a celebration unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you are drawn to tradition, grand revues or more intimate artistic creations, there is a Parisian cabaret for every taste.

And after the show? Simply extend the magic over a drink — either in the lively neighborhood of your chosen cabaret or at our Honesty Bar at Hôtel FABRIC, where our doors are always open to welcome you.

In brief

• Paradis Latin: the oldest cabaret in Paris, located in the Latin Quarter. A historic venue rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel, now blending heritage, modernity and enchantment through contemporary, sensual revues and a high-end gastronomic experience.

• Moulin Rouge: a global icon of Montmartre and symbol of the Belle Époque. Famous for the French Cancan, spectacular décor and grand revues, it embodies the festive, flamboyant spirit of Paris by night.

• Crazy Horse: an avant-garde, intimate cabaret known for its distinctive aesthetic. Sensuality is elevated through lighting and precise choreography, offering a bold, artistic and resolutely modern spectacle.

Photo ©Liam McGarry - Unsplash