When people think of Paris nightlife, the Moulin Rouge is usually the first cabaret that comes to mind. Its iconic red windmill and musical adaptation have made it famous. You may be wondering is Moulin Rouge worth it? Here’s my honest review and recommendations for other cabarets.
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The Good: Beautiful Building and a Fantastic Can-Can Performance
Let’s start with the positives. The Moulin Rouge building is stunning, especially at night when it’s all lit up. If you’re already exploring the Montmartre area, it’s definitely worth walking past and snapping a few photos. It’s an energetic neighborhood and it’s fun to see such an iconic piece of Paris in person.
The can-can performance was fantastic. It’s easily the highlight of the show and a reminder of the cabaret’s historic roots. The dancing was impressive and this was the most enjoyable part of the show.
The Bad: Outdated and Problematic Elements
Unfortunately, that’s where my praise ends. The rest of the show feels very outdated and hasn’t kept up with times. Some of the performances include cultural appropriation which feels uncomfortable and out of touch.
Until recently, the show even featured live snakes as part of one of the acts, dumping them in a tank of water. According to The Guardian, you can read the article here, these were land snakes that were not meant to be thrown into a tank of water. There were also complaints about how snakes were stored and transported to performances. It took a lot of protesting to stop this inhumane practice. For a performance that charges high ticket prices, I expected better.
Better Alternatives to Moulin Rouge
If you’re looking for a cabaret experience in Paris, I’d recommend skipping Moulin Rouge and checking out other options.
On my second trip to Paris, I went to Paradis Latin and I enjoyed it so much more. The performances were excellent with some humor added in and the overall experience was a better reflection of modern Parisian entertainment.
Another option I haven’t personally seen, but have heard great things about, is Crazy Horse. This show is apparently more risque, so that may affect your decision depending on who you are planning to take with you.
Final Thoughts: Is Moulin Rouge worth it?
So, is Moulin Rouge worth it? In my opinion, no, not for the price and the overall experience. While it’s worth walking by for a photo and to see the famous red windmill, the show itself needs to be updated. I am glad to hear they no longer use snakes, but seeing that performance along with cultural appropriation in the acts did not sit well with me.
If you want a memorable Paris cabaret night, head to Paradis Latin or Crazy Horse instead. You’ll get a more enjoyable evening.