Paris is well-known for their cabaret shows. Not only do they have some of the best cabaret shows in the world, but Paris is also home to the popular Moulin Rouge show.
When looking for the best shows to see in Paris, just remember that some cabaret shows may not be suitable for younger travelers. But if you’re looking for a unique and creative cabaret show, Paris is the place to find it.
Be sure to see our list of the top 10 things to do in Paris for some more ideas!
Best Cabarets in Paris
| Moulin Rouge Show Paris | Lido de Paris “Paris Merveilles” Dinner and Show | Crazy Horse Cabaret Show | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
 |  |  | |
| Departure Point | Moulin Rouge, Central Paris | Lido de Paris, Central Paris | Le Crazy Horse de Paris, Central Paris |
| Departure Time | Several Shows Nightly | 7:00pm | Two to Three Shows Each Night |
| Duration | 2 hours (approx.) | 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) | 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) |
| Includes | Your ticket to the show and free non-alcoholic drinks, upgrades available | A ticket to the show and one of three available three-course dinners that change based on seasonal tastes and availability | Tickets to the show, free drinks and appetizers, or several drink or dinner and drinks upgrade options |
Quick Answer: The 5 Best-Rated Cabaret Shows in Paris
- Moulin Rouge Show Paris
- Lido de Paris “Paris Merveilles” Dinner and Show
- Crazy Horse Cabaret Show
- Paris by Night Illuminations Tour and Paris Moulin Rouge Show
- Moulin Rouge Paris Dinner and Show
Best Cabarets and Shows in Paris Reviews
#1 Moulin Rouge Show Paris
- Departure Point: Moulin Rouge, Central Paris
- Departure Time: Several Shows Nightly
- Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
- Includes: your ticket to the show and free non-alcoholic drinks, upgrades available
here’s nothing quite like the original Moulin Rouge in Paris. As one of the best shows in Paris, you’ll take in the sights of plenty of feathers, a lot of sequins, and beautiful, on-stage performances. In addition to that, the music is all original to the show – you won’t hear it anywhere else.
This show is usually sold out and they take reservations weeks in advance. When planning your trip, you won’t want to miss the best Cabaret show in Paris.
Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended. Be sure to look at the options available at the Moulin Rouge Paris Show. You can opt to share a bottle of champagne with your guest or enjoy a full meal as only Paris can provide.
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
#2 Lido de Paris “Paris Merveilles” Dinner and Show
- Departure Point: Lido de Paris, Central Paris
- Departure Time: 7:00pm
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Includes: a ticket to the show and one of three available three-course dinners that change based on seasonal tastes and availability
While nearly all of the best Cabarets in Paris will have some element of nudity, a lot of fun, and great dancers and music, Lido Paris has kicked all that up a notch.
The Lido de Paris has been producing some of the best Paris shows for over 70 years, but their latest production takes the traditional Cabaret show a bit further.
With fun and flare, the Lido is sure to offer the experience of a lifetime. Your ticket to the show offers you a choice of three different three-course meals. You may not want to take your eyes off the stage to enjoy it though.
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Other Experiences You May Enjoy:
#3 Crazy Horse Cabaret Show
- Departure Point: Le Crazy Horse de Paris, Central Paris
- Departure Time: Two to Three Shows Each Night
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Includes: tickets to the show, free drinks and appetizers, or several drink or dinner and drinks upgrade options
Crazy Horse tickets often sell out well before the show begins, which means it’s important to purchase them in advance. There are also several ticket packages based on what drinks or meals you’d like to enjoy during the show.
The Crazy Horse Paris has lent its space to many different shows in Paris and it seems like each new production just brings more and more of the avant-garde experience it’s become known for.
Not only are there several acts that harken back to the classic days of Cabaret shows in Paris, many of their newest acts will have you pulled into the entertainment and burlesque beauty of one of the most well-known Cabarets in Paris.
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
#4 Paris by Night Illuminations Tour and Paris Moulin Rouge Show
- Departure Point: Pyramides, Central Paris
- Departure Time: Various Times Available
- Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
- Includes: Paris by night tour with headphones for recorded commentary, free drinks, a ticket to the Moulin Rouge show
You’ll experience the busy café nightlife, the light-trimmed, tree-lined streets, and more. The Arc de Triomphe and the Notre Dame Cathedral are just two of the many stops on this tour.
How can a tour like this get any better? By following it up with the best burlesque show in Paris, Moulin Rouge. This show has been updated with the times and has even gotten a bit more risqué as the decades have passed. However, there is nothing like enjoying the world-famous Moulin Rouge Paris show.
There may be other Moulin Rouge shows around the world, and even on Broadway, but this show is best seen where it was created.
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
#5 Moulin Rouge Paris Dinner and Show
- Departure Point: Moulin Rouge, Central Paris
- Departure Time: 7:00pm
- Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
- Includes: three-course dinner followed by the Moulin Rouge show and free drinks
Your dinner will be served before the show as you mingle and chat with others who are there to enjoy the Moulin Rouge Paris show. You’ll also be served a half-bottle of champagne to truly enjoy the experience.
After dinner, you’ll attend the first show of the night. Enjoy the French Cancan like no other venue can offer, with beautiful dancers on one of the most famous Cabaret stages in all of Paris.
Original music will have you singing, or even dancing, along. With moving staircases the dancers will strut effortless up and down as well as swings and various settings, there’s just nothing quite like Moulin Rouge, the best Cabaret in Paris.
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Your Guide to Visiting Paris
While visiting the City of Lights may not be just as you expect after watching An American in Paris, a vacation in Paris is like nothing else. With so many tourist spots to explore, you may find it difficult to plan everything you’d like to see and experience into just one vacation. I guess that just means you’ll have to come back to see this beautiful city again.
Our travel guide below can help you plan a vacation to Paris whether you are staying for 2 days or 10 and whether it’s your first visit or fifth.
- Airports & Entry
- Planning Tips
- Restaurants & Eating Out
- Nightlife & Entertainment
- Getting Around
- Accommodations
- Weather
- Attractions
Airports & Entry
When headed to France, you won’t need to apply for a visa so long as your expected stay is less than 90 days. You also need to have at least three months before your passport expires past the date you expect to leave the country. An emergency passport will not be accepted unless you also have an approved visa, no matter the length of your stay. There should be at least one page available for a stamp when you arrive.
There are three major airports in the area of Paris, France. The one you fly into will most likely be determined by the airline you are using. That airline will fly into the airport it is contracted with. With that in mind, when flying to France you will most likely land at one of the following airports:
- Paris Beauvais Airport
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Paris Orly Airport
Planning Tips
Paris is unlike most other vacation destinations. The French, especially Parisians, live life a little differently. This means that while you’re there, you may have to get used to eating at different times and you may need to plan your attire.
On your first day, taking a guided tour of the city will help you zero in on areas you would like to spend more time in will help a lot.
These are our top 5 tips for visiting Paris. Have you been there and have tips of your own? Let us know!
Tip #1: Stay in a Central Location
Everywhere you’re going to want to go as a tourist in Paris will be centrally located or have provided travel that leaves this area. Most of the hotels, many museums, and a lot of restaurants are all centrally located. You’ll also find that the pickup and drop-off locations for many tours are located here. It makes things much easier if you find accommodations close to central Paris.
Tip #2: Always Have Euros on Hand
There are many stores and even restaurants that don’t accept debit or credit cards. Some taxis won’t accept plastic either. If an establishment does accept a card, they often won’t allow you to leave a tip on your receipt. This means it’s important to always have a few euros on hand. Many ATMs in the city will allow you to use a foreign card to withdrawal euros.
Tip #3: Have Snacks on You
Parisians often eat their dinner very late. While you may be used to a dinner time of between 4 and 6 pm, it’s not uncommon for those in Paris to eat as late as 9 or 10. You’ll want to keep this in mind when making reservations, but you should always have a small snack with you just in case you get hungry and it’s still a few hours to dinner.
Tip #4: Avoid Traveling to Paris in August
Most Parisians are used to taking off the entire month of August. This means that while you will most likely be able to find accommodations, many restaurants and attractions will not be open. If you’re traveling to Paris in August, this can be a very quiet time to visit the city. However, if you’re looking forward to seeing the sights, it’s best not to travel to Paris in August.
Tip #5: Dress Appropriately
While those in Paris can still be found wearing sneakers, most dress in a business casual or a simple but chic style. Most attractions and restaurants will frown on those wearing beat up shoes, blue jeans, and other very casual clothes. Some places will even require a more elegant or fancy appearance, such as certain high-end restaurants.
Bringing a set of casual clothes might not be a bad idea but be sure to bring enough clothes you can wear while out and about. If you don’t have much in the way of the chic style that Paris requires, at least you’re in the perfect place to go shopping to stock up on some.
Restaurants & Eating Out
The Ciel de Paris is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. It is located in the Montparnasse Tower with beautiful views of the city. You’ll also find a well-stocked champagne bar available to you.
The Polidor is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris. It dates back to 1895 and the interior decor hasn’t changed much since. This is one of those restaurants that only take cash, so have a few euros on you.
In Paris, it’s hard to find a truly casual restaurant. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure that you’re dressed for the occasion. If you’re not sure what you could or should wear to a particular establishment, some will list their dress code online or you can always give them a call.
You should consider taking a French cooking class while you are in Paris. Learn from the best and make the dishes you love at home!
Nightlife & Entertainment
Harry’s New York Bar was actually once located in New York City. The entire bar, just as it was, was moved over to Paris in the early 1900s. This bar is credited with inventing some of the most popular cocktails we know today, including the Bloody Mary and the Sidecar.
Wine and champagne are something most Parisians are very proud of. If you’re looking for an upscale wine bar, you’ll want to try out Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. You’ll be able to try nearly every wine and champagne local to Paris. However, there are wine bars located in nearly every corner of the city. To visit some of the better ones we would recommend a Paris wine tasting tour.
From backroom speakeasies to modern nightclubs, Paris has a little bit of everything for everybody when it comes to nighttime entertainment.
Getting Around
There’s no shortage of ways to get around in Paris. The most popular, effective, and affordable way is the Metro. You may find it a bit intimidating at first due to the sheer number of lines and routes, but after a few trips to an attraction or restaurant, you’ll be riding the Metro like a pro. You can purchase single ride tickets or a batch of 10. If you’re going to be in Paris longer there are also ride passes.
While traditional taxis can be quite expensive in the city, Uber offers some fairly inexpensive ways to get around town if traveling by car is best. Walking between destinations is very doable in Paris but if you’d like to ride a bike instead, there’s plenty of kiosks that rent them. In fact, this can be a great way to tour the city and do some sightseeing on your own.
Accommodations
You’ll find everything from small and inexpensive hostels too large, luxury resorts in Paris. There are even small boutique hotels with spas and other amenities. Where you decide to stay while visiting Paris will largely depend on the type of experience you’re looking for.
If you wish to spoil yourselves, the Le Roch Hotel & Spa is perfectly located between restaurants, the Louvre Museum, and many tourist pick up spots. If you’re looking to meet other tourists, learn more about the city from those who’ve been here several times, and have a quieter stay, one of the many hostels around town are ideal. We recommend The Generator Hostel Paris.
Weather
On average, July is the warmest month in Paris. While the weather is much better during the summer months, there are usually more crowds. If you don’t want to have to fight the crowds and don’t mind cooler weather, traveling in late winter or early spring might just give you the blend of comfortable weather and fewer crowds. January is the coldest month, on average, with temperatures in the low 40s Fahrenheit.
Attractions
Paris is full of attractions. The Louvre Museum is a popular stop for tourists. The Mona Lisa exhibit here can be quite busy, however. Use your limited time at this world-famous museum by taking in the many other exhibits, many of which are quite interesting and just as important to French history.
If you like to visit museums, you might want to try the Musee d’Histoire de la Medecine. You might just learn more about how modern medicine came to be. The Museum of Modern Art is a popular stop as well.
Visiting the Palace of Versailles, exploring the Paris catacombs, taking a river cruise down the Seine River, and making it to the top of the Eiffel Tower usually top most tourist’s lists of attractions.
Remember that traveling to or visiting these places can be much easier if you go as a group on a tour. You may get priority access, free souvenir photos, and more, just for traveling with a tour group. This is often the most affordable way and makes it easier to plan the days you’re planning to spend in Paris. If you are interested in seeing some of the surrounding regions and are a lover of champagne we recommend a day trip to the Champagne region for tastings and seeing the castles this area is known for.
Disneyland Paris
Also outside the city, despite its name, is Disneyland Paris, 20 miles to the east. This famous theme park is the most visited attraction in France. If you’re visiting Paris with children, you’ll probably want to devote two days to Disney because there are two separate parks here: Disneyland Park opened in 1992 and Walt Disney Studios Park opened in 2002.
Inside both, you’ll find thrill rides for all ages as well as classic attractions, like actors dressed up as your favorite Disney characters and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. The easiest way to get to Disney Paris is with a shuttle and entrance ticket deal.
Entertainment
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The Moulin Rouge Show Paris is our Editor's Choice for the best Paris cabaret show.
