Visiting the Moulin Rouge In Paris – Everything You Need to Know!

There are some activities in Paris that are just so quintessentially Parisian that you can’t imagine doing them anywhere else. And one of those, in our mind, is attending a cabaret show. The most famous cabaret show in Paris, and probably the world, is the show at the Moulin Rouge.

This was where the Can Can dance was born during that magnificent period in French history, the Belle Époque.

In this post we’re going to share everything you need to know to visit the Moulin Rouge in Paris, from how to get here, to how to get tickets, the dress code, pricing, and more. This is all based on our own experience visiting the Moulin Rouge.

Who is the Moulin Rouge Show For?

The Moulin Rouge show is for everyone, although there is a minimum age of six to attend. We think all ages will enjoy the spectacle on stage and the acts of the dancers. We did.

One thing to be aware of: the show does feature a lot of topless women. If that bothers you, this is not the show for you. There is no full nudity, but the topless element is a consistent part of the performance.

Does the Moulin Rouge have a Dress Code?

Yes, but it’s not a black-tie affair. The requirement is for smart dress, which means shorts, flip-flops, sportswear, leisurewear, and trainers are not permitted. You don’t need a suit and tie, but smart casual is the minimum. Most people do dress up a bit for the occasion, and it does add to the atmosphere.

You can find more information on the dress code and other questions on the official Moulin Rouge FAQ.

When is the Moulin Rouge Show?

The Moulin Rouge runs two shows every night, at 9pm and 11pm, seven days a week. If you want to have dinner with your show, this is served at 7pm, with the show following at 9pm after your meal has been cleared.

There are occasional matinee performances throughout the year, though these aren’t regular. Check the official booking page for current dates and availability.

How to Get to the Moulin Rouge in Paris

The Moulin Rouge is at 82 Boulevard de Clichy, in the Pigalle district, just down the hill from Montmartre.

The closest metro stop is Blanche on Line 2, which is directly across the road. It’s also walkable from Pigalle station (Lines 2 and 12).

If you prefer a taxi or ride-hailing app (Uber, Bolt, or Free Now all operate in Paris), note that there is a taxi rank across the road from the Moulin Rouge. By law, you need to use the taxi rank rather than flagging one down near a rank.

The 11pm show finishes around 1am, sometimes a little later. Most public transport in Paris stops running around 2am, so plan your return journey in advance. A pre-booked ride-hailing app is usually the most practical option at that hour, especially given the crowds all leaving at the same time.

Is there Parking at the Moulin Rouge?

There is no on-site car park, but the Moulin Rouge has an arrangement with the Clichy Montmartre car park, a couple of minutes walk away. Choose the “Forfait Moulin Rouge” option when booking online for a discounted rate.

Is Photography Allowed at the Moulin Rouge?

No. Photography or filming of any kind is not permitted during the show. All camera bags must be checked. If you are caught taking a photo, you may be asked to leave and your photos will be deleted. We saw this happen during our visit and it was extremely distracting, so keep your phones and cameras in your pocket.

All the performance photos in this post were provided by the Moulin Rouge press office.

Is there a Cloakroom at the Moulin Rouge?

Yes, there is a cloakroom for coats and small bags. Larger items like backpacks and camera cases need to be checked. Full-size luggage and travel bags are not permitted for security reasons, so don’t arrive with a suitcase.

There is a small fee for the cloakroom (a couple of euros).

Is Food and Drink Available at the Moulin Rouge?

Yes, and you have several options. You can book a dinner and show package, which includes a full French meal before the 9pm performance, with seasonal menus designed by Chef Arnaud Demerville. There are standard, premium, and vegan menu options.

You can also book a show ticket with half a bottle of champagne per person, which was the option we took. Alternatively, you can buy drinks separately during the show.

How Much Does the Moulin Rouge Cost?

Prices vary depending on the show time, whether you include dinner, what drinks you want, and the date you go. As a rough guide for 2026:

A show with half a bottle of champagne starts from around €120-140 per person. A dinner and show package with a multi-course meal and champagne runs from around €245-450+ per person depending on the menu and seating. Prices tend to be higher on weekends and lower for the 11pm mid-week show.

Prices change frequently, so always check the current rates on the official Moulin Rouge booking page and compare with third-party booking sites like GetYourGuide and Tiqets, which sometimes have lower prices by waiving the booking fee.

Our research suggests the 11pm mid-week show without dinner is the best value option if you’re looking to save.

How to Get Tickets for the Moulin Rouge

There are several ways to buy tickets, and it’s worth comparing prices across a few of them. Different sites run different offers, and booking fees vary.

Here are the main options we recommend:

• Show with half a bottle of champagne on GetYourGuide (this is the option we booked)
• Dinner and show on GetYourGuide
• Eiffel Tower + Seine Cruise + Moulin Rouge combo on GetYourGuide (great value if you want to combine activities)
• Seine Cruise + Moulin Rouge combo on GetYourGuide
• Moulin Rouge tickets on Tiqets
• The official Moulin Rouge booking page (note there is a booking fee per transaction, so this isn’t always the cheapest option)

There are also combination tours available that bundle the Moulin Rouge with other Parisian experiences like a Seine River cruise. You can browse the full range of Moulin Rouge options on GetYourGuide to see what’s available for your dates.

We recommend comparing prices across at least two or three of these sites before booking, as prices and offers change regularly.

Accommodation Near the Moulin Rouge

If you want to stay within walking distance of the Moulin Rouge, the Pigalle and Montmartre areas are ideal. Here are some options we suggest.

• Le Relais Montmartre, a well-rated 4-star property three minutes walk from the Moulin Rouge
• Le Village Montmartre Hostel, a good-value hostel about 800 metres from the Moulin Rouge
• Libertel Montmartre Opera, a 3-star hotel just 350 metres away with easy metro access
• Mercure Paris Pigalle Sacre Coeur, a 4-star hotel five minutes walk away

Our Experience at the Moulin Rouge

So what was the Moulin Rouge actually like? Pretty spectacular, as you’d hope.

Neither of us had been before, so the whole experience was new to both of us. We booked the 9pm show with half a bottle of champagne per person but no dinner.

After queuing and going through security, we were shown to our table. This was on a raised area toward the back, around 50-70 feet from the stage. The views were good, though we were sharing a table of four with another couple. They’d been in for the 7pm dinner and were staying for the show. We were a little surprised to be sharing, and having people in front of us had the potential to block our view, but we rearranged our chairs and ended up with an excellent sightline. We also chatted with them, and they were a lovely couple from the US, so it all worked out well.

The champagne helped, of course.

And then the show began, and any concerns about seating or visibility floated out the window.

The Moulin Rouge show is an amazing spectacle, with up to 100 artists on stage in the “Féerie” show (which has been running since 1999 and is still the current production). We were transported through four separate adventures, including a circus and an Indonesian pirate sequence, all featuring performers in extraordinary costumes of feathers, rhinestones, and sequins.

Naturally, the girls performed the Can Can during the evening, which is the dance the Moulin Rouge was built on. The energy of it is infectious.

Between the main set pieces, there were smaller performances featuring one to four people doing acrobatic acts. Jess was particularly taken by these. Very circus-like, and a great way to fill the time while the big sets were being changed.

Since you can’t take photos during the show, I could actually just sit and enjoy the 90-minute performance. And enjoy it I did. Watching talented people in extraordinary costumes over a bottle of champagne with the woman I love in one of our favourite cities was never going to be a disappointment.

We can definitely recommend the Moulin Rouge if you’re visiting Paris. It’s a great show and a lot of fun. It is a bit risqué (many scenes involve topless dancers), but there’s nothing trashy about it. The Moulin Rouge opened in 1889 and has been running shows continuously since then, and the production quality shows.

Further Reading for Your Paris Visit

That covers everything we think you need to know to visit the Moulin Rouge. Here are some of our other Paris guides that might help with planning the rest of your trip.

• Our detailed one day in Paris itinerary, 2-day Paris itinerary, and 3-day Paris itinerary
• Our guide to getting around Paris
• Our guide to the best photography locations in Paris
• Our guides to choosing a Seine cruise and Seine dinner cruises
• Jess’s guides on ITC to buying Paris Opera tickets, attending a fashion show in Paris, saving on Michelin restaurants, and the Paris Pass review
• Jess also has a guide to the best afternoon tea in Paris
• For walking tours, we recommend both Context Travel and TakeWalks
• If you want a guidebook, the Rick Steves Paris and Lonely Planet Paris are both solid picks

Frequently Asked Questions About the Moulin Rouge

How much are Moulin Rouge tickets?

A show with half a bottle of champagne starts from around €120-140 per person. Dinner and show packages with a multi-course meal run from about €245-450+ depending on the menu and date.

The 11pm mid-week show tends to be the cheapest option. Prices vary across booking platforms, so compare GetYourGuide, Tiqets, and the official site before booking.

What is the dress code for the Moulin Rouge?

Smart casual is the minimum. Shorts, flip-flops, sportswear, and trainers are not allowed. You don’t need a suit and tie, but most people dress up for the occasion. Think smart trousers or a dress, closed-toe shoes, and something you’d wear to a nice restaurant.

What time is the Moulin Rouge show?

There are two shows every night at 9pm and 11pm. Dinner is served at 7pm for those who have booked a dinner and show package, followed by the 9pm show. The show runs for about 90 minutes.

Can you take photos at the Moulin Rouge?

No. Photography and filming are strictly prohibited during the performance. Camera bags must be checked at the cloakroom. The Moulin Rouge enforces this rule, and people caught taking photos are asked to leave.

Is the Moulin Rouge show suitable for children?

There is a minimum age of six. The show does feature topless dancers throughout, so keep that in mind when deciding whether it’s appropriate for your children.

How do I get to the Moulin Rouge?

The nearest metro station is Blanche on Line 2, directly across the road from the venue. Taxis, Uber, Bolt, and Free Now are all good options, especially for the late finish after the 11pm show (which ends around 1am).