Beyond Moulin Rouge: Paris’ Other Famous Cabarets

Situated in the foothills of Montmartre, La Nouvelle Eve transports you to the glamorous world of Belle Époque Paris with its stunning art nouveau decor and live music. Built in 1898, the cabaret has hosted works by popular playwrights, including Georges Feydeau and Eugene Labiche. Its current revue, "Paris je t’aime," celebrates the Parisian spirit and pays tribute to Edith Piaf through original music by Nicolas Skorsky and choreography by Lianne Scrivener. Performance highlights include a modern twist on "La Vie en Rose" and a traditional French cabaret cancan set to music by the 19th century composer Jacques Offenbach.

Established in 1951 by avant-garde artist Alain Bernardin, the Crazy Horse's burlesque showcase brings the sensual side of Paris cabaret center stage. The dancers—wearing specially crafted red-soled Louboutin heels, bob wigs, and cherry red lipstick—deliver intricately choreographed routines that include pole dancing and acrobatics. The cozy underground venue, decorated in red velvet furnishings accented by warm yellow lights, creates an intimate atmosphere that you won’t find in more expansive cabaret theaters. If you want to add some exclusivity to your cabaret experience, you can opt for Crazy Horse’s VIP package, which includes a private booth, champagne, and canapes.

Au Lapin Agile, a beloved haunt of 19th-century artists like Pablo Picasso and Maurice Utrillo, is a storied locale that often goes unnoticed by foreign visitors nowadays. Unlike the can-can revues at neighboring venues, Au Lapin Agile’s show presents dressed-down musicians performing everything from Edith Piaf classics to 16th-century folk tunes. Whatever the set list for the night, sitting down in this unaltered tavern lets you feel like you’ve gone back in time to a bygone Parisian era. To learn more about this cabaret style (and the venue) join a Montmartre walking tour that includes a night at Au Lapin Agile with a guide who will share insights into the legendary cabaret’s past guests.

Nestled in the city’s Latin Quarter, near Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paradis Latin holds the distinction of being the city’s oldest cabaret. It was originally built in 1803 and was restored by Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel) in 1887. More than 200 years after it first opened, this site is still home to an enchanting revue. The show blends can-can dancing, music, and acrobatics, providing an enchanting and historically infused performance. You can also upgrade the event with a champagne dinner served during the show.

Insider tip: If the cabaret show inspires you, you can learn how to kick like the dancers of Paradis Latin by taking a can-can class.

Located in Montmartre, Chez Michou is an iconic Parisian cabaret renowned for its vibrant drag queen performances. Established in 1956, it stands out as France's original drag cabaret, and the show continues to offer delightful impressions, non-stop humor, and bold burlesque in the authentic cabaret tradition. With a lively atmosphere, dazzling costumes, and energetic shows, Chez Michou delivers a non-traditional but glamorous experience. The cabaret offers both lunch and dinner shows as well as special holiday events. Be sure to book in advance.

Tucked away in a 13th-century building in the Latin Quarter, Aux Trois Mailletz stands out among Parisian cabarets for its cozy setting and live music. The venue, which opened in 1948, has also hosted a number of iconic musicians including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Dizzy Gillespie. Today’s shows vary in style, offering everything from jazz to world music, rock, and funk, and performers range from world-famous recording artists and up-and-coming musicians. Aux Trois Mailletz also boasts an impressive menu and wine list, making it the perfect cabaret destination for epicurean travelers.

Insider tip: If you want to learn more about the Latin Quarter’s jazz history, you can take a Harlem in Paris tour and learn about the African American musicians who shaped the city’s jazz culture.

Established in 2007, Oh! Happy Paris (a relative newcomer in the Paris cabaret scene) is renowned for its interactive show, which features professional musicians and singers performing a more contemporary setlist, ranging from ’80s hits to today's most popular songs. Audience participation is encouraged, and guests sing and dance along. You can even seize the opportunity to become the star of the evening by performing a karaoke number accompanied by the live musicians. You can also elevate the evening at the on-site restaurant, which serves gourmet French cuisine and offers a diverse wine list. (Note that you must make restaurant reservations in advance.)

Located in the heart of Paris, against the lively backdrop of Montmartre, Madame Arthur Cabaret brings an avant-garde flair to the cabaret scene with a fresh act each week. Drag queens known as “Madame Arthur's creatures,” deliver acts ranging from an ABBA-themed revue to a WWII-inspired 1-woman act, all accompanied by live music. After the main performance, you can catch additional drag shows and participate in a French music trivia contest. If you want to keep the excitement going, stick around until midnight, when the venue transforms into a nightclub where DJs spin songs until dawn.

While cabaret performances usually take place in theaters, it’s not a requirement of the art form. For a completely different kind of experience, book a dinner cabaret show in an artist’s home and studio. The multi-talented host, who has over 20 years of professional stage experience, will provide a delightful spread of French dishes then change gears and perform an entertaining cabaret. The intimate show—each performance is limited to a maximum of 16 audience members—also offers an opportunity to enjoy an unorthodox style of cabaret, as the artist puts his own spin on classic French music.