In short
- Moulin Rouge: the most famous cabaret in Paris, open since 1889. A show with music, singers and cancan dancers. There’s also a package that adds a Seine cruise and a ride back.
- Crazy Horse: the cabaret Parisians themselves love most, an erotic, artistic dance show built on lighting and silhouettes. VIP packages include a backstage tour.
- Paradis Latin: the oldest cabaret in Paris, housed in a building designed by Gustave Eiffel. For families there’s a dedicated matinee called Mon Premier Cabaret.
- The authentic gem: Au Lapin Agile in Montmartre, no feathers and no sequins, just French songs, humor and cherry brandy.
- Not only cabaret: the page also covers dinner shows, musicals, concerts and comedy in English.
- Q&A section: at the end of the page you’ll find answers to common questions about cabaret in Paris, including the dress code.
When people ask me how to spend an evening in Paris, I immediately recommend going to stand on the Pont Alexandre III, the Pont Neuf or the Pont des Arts, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle for a few minutes and then… going to bed (after a good dinner, of course). It may sound pretty boring, but after walking more than ten kilometers a day on endless quests to uncover the secrets of the City of Light, nothing beats a night in a soft, comfortable bed.
However, for those of you who were smart enough to save some energy (not easy, because there are so many places to go in Paris), the City of Light has a wide range of shows, cabarets and performances to offer. With you in mind, I put together the best night shows in Paris, from the famous Moulin Rouge to lesser-known shows, hidden gems in Montmartre and excellent dinner shows.
So put on that jacket or evening dress, add a touch of perfume, and let’s go through my list of cabaret shows in Paris!
The big cabarets I recommend
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Best value! 💎

Dream evening: Moulin Rouge + cruise
A VIP package that takes care of your whole evening: a romantic cruise on the Seine, entry to the famous Moulin Rouge show (champagne included!) and a comfortable bus ride back to the city center.
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Moulin Rouge (regular ticket)
The most famous cabaret in Paris, open since 1889. The show has music, singers and, of course, cancan dancers. Tip: check out the new vegan options on the menu!
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Crazy Horse
The cabaret Parisians love most. An erotic, artistic dance show built around lighting and silhouettes. New: a backstage tour with a dancer before the show (in the VIP packages).
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Matinee show for kids!

Paradis Latin
The oldest cabaret in Paris, housed in a building designed by Gustave Eiffel. The show L’Oiseau Paradis is colorful and impressive. My tip: the “Mon Premier Cabaret” matinee, made especially for families.
Hidden gems
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Most authentic! 🍷

Au Lapin Agile
The soul of old Montmartre. No feathers and no sequins, just French songs, humor, cherry brandy and an old-time atmosphere in the historic cottage where Picasso used to sit. A must for true Francophiles.
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La Nouvelle Eve
The intimate, affordable alternative to the Moulin Rouge. A beautiful Belle Époque theater, a classic cancan show (Paris je t’aime) and a tribute to Édith Piaf. The best part: you get a great view from every seat, and the price is reasonable.
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Madame Arthur
Pigalle’s legendary drag institution. A young, cheeky experience with songs in French (sung live, no lip-syncing!) and lots of humor. The ticket usually includes a dance party that goes late into the night.
Dinner shows
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Don Camilo
A gastronomic cabaret in Saint-Germain. The place is known for its excellent food and for its entertainers and singers (chansonniers). Note: the show is in French and is best suited for French speakers.
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Oh! César
The full package in Montparnasse: dinner, a dazzling show and a dance party at the end of the night. A perfect choice for groups or a birthday celebration.
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Brasil Tropical
Escape from Paris to Rio de Janeiro for one night. A huge Brazilian cabaret with samba dancers, wild carnival costumes and the feel of a party that never ends.
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Artishow
A warm, family-run drag cabaret in the 11th arrondissement. It’s especially known for its elaborate holiday menus (New Year’s Eve and Christmas) and for how it interacts with the audience.
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Very romantic! 🎶

Bel Canto
Opera on a plate. The waiters are professional opera singers who serve the dishes and burst into famous arias in between. An upscale cultural and culinary experience.
Musicals
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Great for families!

The Lion King
The world’s most successful musical continues its run at the Théâtre Mogador. A spectacular production and a great pick if you’re looking for a show for kids and the whole family in Paris.
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Notre-Dame de Paris (2025)
The most successful French musical of all time is back in Paris! From December 2025 at the Palais des Congrès. A rare chance to see the classic with its famous songs.
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Les Demoiselles de Rochefort (Lido 2 Paris)
The legendary cabaret has been transformed into a musical theater, and it now hosts the colorful, nostalgic stage version of the French cult film. Opening in October 2025.
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Les Misérables
The new production at the Théâtre du Châtelet isn’t expected to return until late 2026. It’s a huge event, so I recommend signing up for updates or checking availability early.
Concerts in Paris
Now that we’ve covered cabarets and musicals, I have to mention the live concerts happening in Paris right now:
Comedy in English
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How to Become Parisian in One Hour
A hilarious stand-up show in English by Olivier Giraud. He makes fun of every Parisian habit and explains where their famous “friendliness” comes from. Highly recommended!
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Oh my god she’s Parisian!
The funny, female take on life in Paris. A one-woman show in English that reveals why French women stay slim, whether everyone really drinks wine, and how you run into the president in the street.
Special experiences
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Great for couples! ❤️

Romantic dinner cruise
A relaxed alternative to a cabaret: a magical night cruise with a full dinner, wine and live music on a Bateaux Mouches boat.
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A culinary treat! 🍫

Festive cooking class
Don’t just watch, do it yourself! A traditional French cooking class in the heart of Paris. A great, and very tasty, experience for anyone who loves French cuisine.
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Private bike tour
Want to see the city from a different angle? A private bike tour that takes you to the hidden corners of Paris. Healthy, fun and highly recommended.
Looking for more shows in Paris?
Sadly, I don’t have time to keep this page constantly updated. If you didn’t find a show you like, I recommend this link:
