# Moulin Rouge, Paris > The Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret in Paris and the world, its red windmill on the roof, on Boulevard de Clichy at the foot of Montmartre. It opened in 1889 and is the birthplace of the modern cancan. Today a grand revue of dancers in feathers and sequins, acrobats and music plays every night, in an interior that keeps the spirit of the Belle Époque. Entry is by show ticket, often with dinner; the show lasts about two hours. Web page: https://yesgo.io/france/paris/moulin-rouge - City: [Paris](https://yesgo.io/france/paris), France - YesGo score: 53/100 (Yes, go) - Time on site: 2 h 30 min - Opening hours: Daily, evening shows - With kids: Better without small kids - Entry: Show ticket, with or without dinner - Shows: Daily, two or three evening shows - Duration: ≈ 2 hours - Age: Children per the cabaret's rules - Dress code: Smart, no shorts or trainers - Location: Boulevard de Clichy, metro Blanche - Coordinates: 48.88417, 2.33222 - Facts checked: 12.11.2026 ## Key facts - **1889** — the cabaret opened (source: English Wikipedia) - **1925** — reopened in the current building (source: English Wikipedia) - **Cancan** — its modern form was born here (source: English Wikipedia) - **Pigalle** — the district below Montmartre (source: English Wikipedia) ## About the Moulin Rouge The Moulin Rouge, the Red Mill, is a cabaret on Boulevard de Clichy at Place Blanche, in the Pigalle district below [Montmartre](https://yesgo.io/france/paris/montmartre). Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller founded it in **1889**, and the current building opened in **1925**. The red windmill on its roof became a symbol of Paris by night. This is where the modern **cancan** was born, the high-kicking dance of swirling skirts. Montmartre's artists made the cabaret famous, above all Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec with his paintings and posters of its dancers, followed later by countless films and musicals. ## What to expect at the show - **The revue** — a big show with dozens of performers. - **The cancan** — the evening's climax. - **Costumes** — feathers, sequins and lavish outfits. - **Acrobats and illusionists** — acts between the dances. - **Dinner before the show** — depending on your package. - **A Belle Époque interior** — red tones and lamps. ## How the show works Every evening the hall stages a **revue**, a production with dozens of dancers, changing sets and hundreds of feathered, sequinned costumes. Acrobats, jugglers and illusionists perform between the dance numbers. The climax is the famous **cancan**, performed here for more than a century. Guests sit at tables in a large red-toned hall with lamps and Belle Époque décor. You can come for the show with a glass of champagne or choose a package with dinner served before the performance. > **Buying tickets** Book show tickets ahead on the official website, as weekends and holidays sell out weeks in advance. Dinner packages cost more but get better seats near the stage. There's a dress code: smart clothes, no shorts, sportswear or flip-flops. Arrive early, as seating is in order of arrival. ## The Moulin Rouge and Montmartre In the late 19th century the Moulin Rouge was where everyone met: artists, writers, aristocrats and workers. **Toulouse-Lautrec** spent his evenings here sketching the dancers, and his posters for the cabaret now hang in museums worldwide. It became a symbol of Montmartre's carefree Belle Époque life. Before or after the show, climb Montmartre to the Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre. Other cabarets and small theatres line the same boulevard, and Rue Lepic nearby is full of cafés and bakeries. ## The red windmill from outside Even without a show ticket, it's worth coming to see the famous **red windmill** with its turning sails and glowing sign. It looks best in the evening when Boulevard de Clichy lights up, and it's one of the most photographed spots in Paris. The surrounding Pigalle district is a lively nightlife area of bars and clubs. It's busy in the evening, so keep your belongings close and avoid dubious venues touting on the street. ## How to get there 1. Metro line 2 to **Blanche**, exiting right by the cabaret. 2. Metro lines 2 and 12 to **Pigalle**, a 5-minute walk. 3. From Place du Tertre on Montmartre, a 15-minute walk downhill. 4. At night, a taxi or night buses. ## Tips for your visit Choose a late show if you'd rather dine elsewhere first, or an early one with dinner at the cabaret. The show lasts about two hours, and photography and filming are not allowed. The cabaret sets age limits for children, so check before booking. With kids, it's better to see the windmill from outside and explore Montmartre by day. For a cheaper visit, look at show-only tickets with a drink, noticeably more affordable than dinner packages for the same performance. ## Before you go Tick off what's ready — your ticks are saved in this browser. - [ ] Book tickets ahead - [ ] Choose show-only or with dinner - [ ] Check the dress code - [ ] Arrive early - [ ] Photograph the windmill at night ## Places in Paris: compare and choose Places in Paris rated by YesGo. - [Eiffel Tower](https://yesgo.io/france/paris/eiffel-tower) — YesGo score 65/100 (Yes, go) · 2 h 30 min · Timed ticket, lift or stairs - [Champs-Élysées](https://yesgo.io/france/paris/champs-elysees) — YesGo score 61/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h 30 min · Free - [Moulin Rouge](https://yesgo.io/france/paris/moulin-rouge) — YesGo score 53/100 (Yes, go) · 2 h 30 min · Show ticket, with or without dinner - [Seine river cruise](https://yesgo.io/france/paris/seine-cruise) — YesGo score 34/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · ≈ 1-hour cruise, dinner costs more ## Don't mix it up The Moulin Rouge is the cabaret below Montmartre; the Moulin de la Galette is the old windmill on the hilltop from Renoir's painting. ## Tips - Book ahead. - Dress smartly. - No filming the show. - See the windmill at night. ## Questions ### How much is a Moulin Rouge ticket? It depends on show-only with a drink or with dinner; book on the official website. ### How long is the Moulin Rouge show? About two hours. ### Is there a dress code? Yes, smart clothes; shorts and sportswear aren't allowed. ### Can children go? The cabaret sets age limits; check before booking. ### How do I get to the Moulin Rouge? By metro to Blanche station. ## How we checked Facts from English Wikipedia. Prices, schedules and rules weren't confirmed with an official source — hence the 'checking' badge. ## Sources - English Wikipedia: Moulin Rouge - Official website, moulinrouge.fr --- This is the Markdown version of a YesGo page for AI assistants. Quote the web page link above, not this file.