The outrageous moves of the girls performing the Frech Cancan and the extravagant atmosphere of Moulin Rouge have been attracting people from around the globe to the district of Pigalle in Montmartre since 1889. The famous building with a huge red windmill on the roof remains one of the Parisian attractions. At the beginning of the 20th century Montmartre was the area where painters, writers, singers, dancers and all the other free souls gathered to live "la vie de bohème". Moulin Rouge was the epitome of decadent entertainment - French novelist Colette caused a riot back in the 1910s by miming copulation onstage and baring one breast. Painter Toulouse-Lautrec was one of the regulars at Moulin Rouge and included numerous scenes from the cabaret life in his works. Mistinguett, Le Pétomane, La Goulue, Yvette Guilbert, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra performed on the stage of Moulin Rouge.

The Moulin Rouge shows are still going strong despite the rather mediocre and pricey food and Vegas-type atmosphere the cabaret has gained over the years. Over 100 dancers, acrobats and mimes covered in feathers and sequins gather every night to entertain the audience and the French Cancan is still performed.

Shows start at 9pm and 11pm every night. Formal attire is required. There is a no smoking policy.

82 bd. Clichy, 75018 Paris
Metro: Blanche
Tel: 01-53-09-82-82
Fax: 01-46-06-40-06
Email: information@moulinrouge.fr
http://www.moulinrouge.fr