Moulin Rouge

Let’s say you want to take your significant other out for a Parisian experience that is a step up from chatting over a café noisette while people-watching. You want a good dinner, but also a bit of a thrill. Where do you go?

My suggestion is one of the most iconic places in town, renowned all over the world and reminiscing of pleasure even by its name: Moulin Rouge.

Not very many people need an introduction to the place. Originally built in 1889 by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, who also owned the Paris Olympia, it became strongly associated with the French can-can, the lascivious, provocative dance that was born right there, at the intersection of bohemian Montmartre and sinful Pigalle.

Discover more of Paris’s magical cabarets.

The days of the traditional can-can are long gone, but the attraction remains, thanks to a century-long metamorphosis that took the old cabaret through various stages but never lost its gaiety and joie de vivre.

The name of the game today is Féerie. Just like the title promises, this show will transport you from one dreamy tableau to another, resplendent with vibrant colors, ever-changing lights, live music, and seductive dance — feather boas and sparkly, minuscule, rhinestone-studded costumes included, of course.

I don’t want to reveal too much of the show so as not to spoil the surprise, but you can expect to be shocked, awed, and charmed all at once. The stars of the show are the 60 Doriss girls, flashing their bright red-stained smiles. They will mesmerize you with their graceful bodies and seductive gazes, taking you from exotic landscapes, pirate coves, and secret treasures to circus acts, complete with acrobats, clowns, and even miniature horses. 

And no, the can-can is not entirely forgotten. You will be treated to a modern version of it, every bit as exciting and energetic as the original. 

Add to this free-flowing champagne and a gourmet dinner (alas, not free though) and there you have it: you just gifted your partner a magical night to remember.

Dinner and a show starts at 255€ per person, with late shows starting at 118€. Reserve your tickets here.