Culture & Art
Paris, Capital of Cabarets
7 years ago - Pauline P.
The symbols of glamor and festive spirits are tied to the French capital; the Parisian cabarets make tourists from all around the world dream of coming here. Revue, burlesque, circus, magic... there's something for everyone, with a common denominator: the happiness of having fun and filling ourselves with wonder all together!
The Paradis Latin, The oldest Parisian cabaret
Founded in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Paradis Latin is at the time the most popular place in the capital. Its history is closely linked to the cultural life of Paris: many artists, intellectuals, politicians, and journalists would go there; Balzac, Dumas father and son and even Mérimée are regulars, but it is Gustave Eiffel, figure of the Parisian landscape, who rebuilt this cabaret after a fire, all at the same time he was building the iconic Eiffel Tower for the 1889 universal exhibition. After a long period of closure and abandonment of the premises, from 1894 to 1977, the Paradis Latin is reborn once more to host music hall revues, shows combining songs, magic and circus acts. The cabaret has regained the splendor of its debut, attracting more than ever the immense crowds...
The Paradis Latin, 28 rue du Cardinal Lemoine 75005 Paris. Diner at 20h, show at 21h30
The Moulin Rouge, From the Belle Epoque to present day
At the foot of the Butte Montmartre, a place of celebration and art since the end of the 19th century, the Moulin Rouge reinvented the spectacle in 1889, with extravagant magic and circus numbers. Then the revues debut, and the biggest names of the French scene begin and firm their success on the stage of the Moulin Rouge: Goulue, Mistinguett, Maurice Chevalier then later Edith Piaf, Yves Montand or Charles Aznavour. This Cabaret welcomed the Queen of England for a private show, and multiplied the gala soirées, inviting the greatest international stars: Liza Minelli, Ray Charles and Elton John who performed on this mythical scene. A myth that lasts until today, with revues that are regularly produce abroad, and a French Cancan that is always and still is iconic.
The Moulin Rouge, 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris. Diner at 19h, show at 21h or 23h
The Lido, Glitter and Glamor on the Champs Elysées
On the Champs Elysees, the most beautiful avenue in the world, The Lido opened its doors in 1946, and from then on, all spectators from all over the world are dazzled with the extravagant costumes and talented dancers that perform there. The Bluebell Girls company has become a true myth: these dancers with endless legs (they must measure at least 1.75m to be able to integrate in this troop) and of legendary elegance offer each evening an exceptional representation. 200 kilos of feathers, an ice rink, 300,000 bottles of champagne a year... the Lido is the temple of excess, to delight and astonish all spectators.
The Lido, 116 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris. Diner at 19h, show at 21h or 23h
The Crazy Horse, strip-tease glamor in Paris
A true temple of chic eroticism, the Crazy Horse was created in the 50's to renew the genre of the cabaret, mixing the art of striptease with polished and sophisticated aesthetics. Dazzling heels, fringed wigs and exaggerated false eyelashes, the dancers of the Crazy Horse are plucked into an atmosphere of shadows and lights. Guest-stars are regularly invited to join the troop, to make the show even more unforgettable...
The Crazy Horse, 12 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris