Discover Paris’s Iconic Cabaret Shows: Crazy Horse, Moulin Rouge, and Lido

Paris, often hailed as the "City of Light," has been a global center of art and entertainment since the 19th century. Cabaret shows, a vital part of Parisian nightlife, reflect the city's rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit. These performances, which combine music, dance, theatrical arts, and elaborate costumes, have attracted visitors from around the world. The origins of cabaret can be traced back to the period of social change following the French Revolution when people sought new forms of entertainment to escape the pressures and turmoil of the time.

Among the most famous of these shows are Paris’s "Big Three"—Crazy Horse, Moulin Rouge, and Lido de Paris. Even the newest of these, Crazy Horse, has been running for over 70 years, with each show offering its unique charm and deep cultural history. This article will delve into the most famous of Paris cabaret shows: Crazy Horse, Moulin Rouge, and Lido de Paris.

Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse was founded in 1951 by French entrepreneur and artist Alain Bernardin to celebrate the beauty of the female. It is one of Paris's most distinctive adult cabaret shows, known for its carefully crafted lighting effects and artistic performances featuring female nudity. Each dancer at Crazy Horse is meticulously selected, with performers required to be between the ages of 18 and 24, 175 cm tall, and meet specific body proportion standards (such as leg length and breast size). Every move in the show is precisely choreographed to showcase the perfect beauty of the human form.

The style of Crazy Horse is avant-garde, sensual, and artistic, with the unique aspect of all performers being topless throughout the show. Compared to other cabarets, Crazy Horse offers a more modern and innovative experience. Even former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and surrealist artist Salvador Dalí were fans of Crazy Horse. In September 2023, Lisa, a member of the Korean girl group Blackpink, performed at Crazy Horse, further boosting the show's popularity.

Address:12 avenue George V – 75008 Paris

Show Length: 90 minutes

Important Notes: Formal attire is required. Photography and filming are strictly prohibited.

Crazy Horse, Source:Crazy Horse Show

Moulin Rouge

Located in the red-light district of Paris's 18th arrondissement, Moulin Rouge has been a symbol of Parisian nightlife since its establishment in 1889. The famous French Cancan dance originated at Moulin Rouge. Each show at Moulin Rouge is filled with luxury and passion, featuring performers in extravagant costumes dancing to lively music, creating a dazzling spectacle.

Moulin Rouge offers two performances every evening, featuring a mix of singing, dancing, acrobatics, and more. The program is updated annually with new acts.

Address:82 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France

Show Length: 2 hours

Important Notes:No admission for children under 6 years old. Formal attire is required.

Moulin Rouge, Source: Moulin Rouge

Both Crazy Horse and Moulin Rouge are must-see attractions in Paris, offering not just entertainment but a glimpse into nearly a century of Parisian history in performance and art. For visitors, a cabaret show is often the perfect way to end a day, which is why tickets to Crazy Horse and Moulin Rouge are frequently sold out, even on weekdays.

If you’re interested in experiencing one of Paris’s historic cabaret shows, we recommend scheduling it for the first evening of your trip. After landing in Paris, consider using a luggage delivery service like LuggAgent. We offer luggage delivery from the airport to your hotel in Paris, so after you arrive in Paris, you can leisurely enjoy the day view in Paris and go watch the fantastic cabaret shows in the evening.

Lido de Paris

There’s a famous saying in France: "Daytime Paris is at the Eiffel Tower, nighttime Paris is at Lido." This highlights the importance of Lido de Paris in the city’s cultural landscape. Located on the Champs-Élysées, Lido was established in 1946 and is renowned for its exotic, romantic performances, luxurious stage designs, and captivating shows. Compared to Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse, Lido places more emphasis on visual effects, often using extensive stage props and lighting effects to enhance the drama of the performances.

Ticket Price:Around €30

Adresse:116 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France

Lido de Paris, Source: Viator

The Big Three cabaret shows in Paris—Crazy Horse, Moulin Rouge, and Lido de Paris—are undoubtedly the crown jewels of Parisian nightlife. These shows are not just entertainment but a reflection of Parisian culture and history. From the avant-garde artistic performances at Crazy Horse to the classic Cancan dance at Moulin Rouge, and the luxurious visual extravaganza at Lido, these performances showcase the artistic allure and innovative spirit of Paris.

Ending your day by immersing yourself in these magnificent shows is the perfect conclusion to a Parisian journey. If you want to head to the airport stress-free after enjoying the performances, consider using a luggage delivery service to enjoy every last moment in this magnificent city.