The Most Iconic Paris Cabarets

Whether you’re looking for a sultry and oh-so Parisian way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or simply want to spice up a romantic trip to Paris, these can’t-miss cabarets know how to entice and entertain.

While there are many cabarets in Paris to choose from like the historic Lapin Agile in Montmartre for chanson française sing-alongs or Pigalle’s Madame Arthur for high-energy drag shows, we’ve selected the emblematic venues offering that classic Parisian experience.

Expect quality stage performances, talented dancers, incredible costumes, sexy shows, and plenty of surprises. And, before you ask, oui, topless review numbers are generally part of the act, but shows also include acrobats, magicians, musicians, and so much more!

Moulin Rouge

This world-famous cabaret is likely one of the first things that pop into your mind when you think of Paris, and for good reason! Built back in 1889 by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, the Moulin Rouge quickly became a symbol of Belle Epoque Paris, the birthplace of the can-can and immortalized by the artworks of Toulouse-Lautrec. 

The iconic red windmill still stands tall over the neighborhood of Pigalle, delighting visitors with two spectacular shows every night of the year. Champagne is always flowing (indeed, the Moulin Rouge is the world’s largest private consumer of champagne!) and the performances are always exciting.

Moulin Rouge
82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris
Metro Blanche
Tickets starting at 87€

Crazy Horse Paris

Putting on what may be the sexiest shows in Paris, Crazy Horse gives audiences an eyeful! Part performance art, part visual art, the nude burlesque shows are a game of light and shadows, the dancers’ bodies scintillating under the seductive lights. Mimes, illusionists, and more add to the magic of the evening, with acts alternating for an hour and a half of evocative entertainment.

Opened in 1951, this legendary lieu has welcomed and inspired artists like Dita Von Teese, The Rolling Stones, and Beyoncé who filmed part of her music video “Partition” in the Parisian cabaret.

Crazy Horse Paris
12 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris
Metro Alma-Marceau or George V
Tickets starting at 87€

Lido

Update: Unfortunately, the Lido closed its doors in Summer 2022. The legendary cabaret has since reopened as a music venue.

For an elegant evening at the cabaret, look no further than the Lido on the Champs Elysées. The moment you walk into the luxurious golden lobby, you know you’re in for a treat.

The glitzy and glamorous Bluebell Girls have been thrilling audiences for over 70 years, welcoming some of the world’s biggest stars onstage with them, such as Edith Piaf, Frank Sinatra, and Elton John.

Remaining true to its heritage while changing with the times, today, the Lido uses innovative technology and impressive stage machinery to put on a stunning modern cabaret show.

Le Lido
116 bis Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Metro George V
Tickets starting at 67.50€

Folies Bergère

This mythical music hall is perhaps the classic Parisian cabaret which has changed the most over the years. Once known for its risqué reviews and Josephine Baker’s famous barely-there banana skirt performance, today, the Folies Bergère welcomes all kinds of acts, including comedy shows, musical theater, and burlesque performers. There are even kid-friendly events.

While the atmosphere is less salacious than when this cabaret first opened its doors in 1868, the building still retains all of its old-world charm.

Folie Bergère
32 Rue Richer, 75009 Paris
Metro Cadet, Le Peletier, or Grands Boulevards
Tickets starting at 21€ for certain shows

Whichever Paris cabaret show you choose to see, it’s sure to be a night you’ll remember!