Shows in Paris 2026: My Guide to Cabarets (Moulin Rouge) and Shows

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Shows in Paris 2026: My Guide to Cabarets (Moulin Rouge) and Shows
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In short
My guide to evenings in Paris: from the big cabarets to the small gems tourists don’t know about.
  • 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

  1. Best value! 💎

    Dream evening: Moulin Rouge + cruise

    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.

  2. Moulin Rouge (regular ticket)

    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!

  3. Crazy Horse

    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).

  4. Matinee show for kids!

    Paradis Latin

    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

  1. Most authentic! 🍷

    Au Lapin Agile

    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.

  2. La Nouvelle Eve

    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.

  3. Madame Arthur

    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

  1. Don Camilo

    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.

  2. Oh! César

    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.

  3. Brasil Tropical

    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.

  4. Artishow

    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.

  5. Very romantic! 🎶

    Bel Canto

    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

  1. Great for families!

    The Lion King

    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.

  2. Notre-Dame de Paris (2025)

    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.

  3. Les Demoiselles de Rochefort (Lido 2 Paris)

    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.

  4. Les Misérables

    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

  1. How to Become Parisian in One Hour

    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!

  2. Oh my god she’s Parisian!

    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

  1. Great for couples! ❤️

    Romantic dinner cruise

    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.

  2. A culinary treat! 🍫

    Festive cooking class

    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.

  3. Private bike tour

    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:

Cabaret in Paris: questions and answers

Should I buy a cabaret ticket with dinner?
The dinner at the shows is decent, sometimes even tasty, but don’t expect an amazing culinary experience. On the other hand, people who book show + dinner get the best seats, while those who book a ticket with just a drink, or the show only, get the less desirable seats.
Can I take kids to a cabaret show in Paris?
If you have young children, the classic cabarets (like the Crazy Horse) are less suitable because of partial nudity. The exception is the Paradis Latin, which has a special matinee (“Mon Premier Cabaret”) with no nudity and a focus on acrobatics, and it works very well for families!
What should I wear to a cabaret in Paris?
You’ll be glad to know that the days when they wouldn’t let you in without a suit and tie are gone. However, most places still ask for “smart casual”. Avoid flip-flops, shorts and sportswear. Dark jeans and a button-down shirt will do the job.
Can I take photos during the show?
At almost all cabarets (especially the Moulin Rouge and the Crazy Horse) photography is strictly forbidden, even with your phone. The staff are very strict about it and may ask you to leave if you take pictures. At places like the Paradis Latin the rules are a bit more flexible, but it’s always best to ask.