One of the most iconic institutions in all of Paris – and that's really saying something in such a famous and beautiful and beloved city – has to be the Moulin Rouge. Immortalised in the distinctive and vibrant posters of Toulouse-Lautrec in the 19th century and cemented in the public's imagination and hearts by the 1990s cult movie hit about and named after the place, it is surely one of the city's absolute must-see attractions. If you have found a vacation rental in Paris, you must make time to stop by to see the iconic exterior or, better still, catch dinner and a show at the venue!
Opened in 1889, the Moulin Rouge was co-founded by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, who also owned the Paris Olympia. Located close to Montmartre in the Paris district of Pigalle, on Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement, it is immediately recognisable by the big red windmill and neon signs that crown the roof of the building. While the original building burned down in 1915, it was reconstructed carefully and beautifully and, thankfully, can still be visited today.
The building is best known as the spiritual birthplace of the modern form of the can-can dance, which lead to the creation of a new form of entertainment and type of performance that, in turn, later lead to the introduction of cabarets all across Europe. It still offers musical dance entertainment for visitors and still contains much of the romantic fin de siècle France decor, with plush red velvet interiors and burlesque frescoes. The entertainment, decor and iconic status of the building are, of course, all great reasons to visit but the gourmet French food and champagne that are served at the Moulin Rouge are another wonderful incentive to drop by. Bear in mind, that suitable attire is required and shorts, sportswear and flip-flops will result in not being admitted inside. It is worth being admitted so be sure to be prepared!
The building is best known as the spiritual birthplace of the modern form of the can-can dance, which lead to the creation of a new form of entertainment and type of performance that, in turn, later lead to the introduction of cabarets all across Europe. It still offers musical dance entertainment for visitors and still contains much of the romantic fin de siècle France decor, with plush red velvet interiors and burlesque frescoes. The entertainment, decor and iconic status of the building are, of course, all great reasons to visit but the gourmet French food and champagne that are served at the Moulin Rouge are another wonderful incentive to drop by. Bear in mind, that suitable attire is required and shorts, sportswear and flip-flops will result in not being admitted inside. It is worth being admitted so be sure to be prepared!