Paris Expert Guide: How to Choose Cabaret Shows, Paris tours & activities, fun things to do in Paris | VELTRA

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Paris Expert Guide: How to Choose Cabaret Shows
A nostalgic remnant of the Bohemian Belle Epoque days, the Parisian cabaret is an authentically French entertainment celebrating all things beautiful, glamorous and elegant in cheeky, artistic flair. But with so many cabarets in Paris, it could be tricky to choose which revue or show to see. Here's a certified Paris expert guide comparing the four best cabaret shows so you can decide better. We summarize the things you need to know before booking for the best Paris evening cabaret experience!
Most Famous: MOULIN ROUGE
Topped with an iconic red windmill, Le Moulin Rouge is undisputedly the most popular cabaret in Paris and on the world stage. Located on the border of Montmartre (a typical Parisian district where many artists and painters stayed during the 19th and 20th centuries), the cabaret gained international notoriety with the jukebox musical film "Moulin Rouge" directed by Baz Luhrmann.

Signature Features: The revue entitled "Feerie" is known for being lavish and high-spirited, punctuated by performances led by surprising artists. Moulin Rouge celebrates the 19th-century festive atmosphere. If you're looking for a cabaret in an authentic neighborhood, this is it. And yes, the French cancan dance tradition is still alive and kicking.

Key Points: This is a must-see for Paris first-timers, if just to take a photo with the windmill. The Parisian cabaret boasts traditional scenography, superb artistry and outstanding performers with a show experience that is both immersive and transportative. The venue allows in children provided they are accompanied by an adult but do note that there is some partial nudity. It is recommended to book early as demand is usually high for the internationally popular cabaret and there are some areas with restricted visibility.

Glamour Chic: LIDO DE PARIS
Le Lido de Paris is centrally located on the Champs Elysées, touted as the most beautiful avenue in the world. With an extravagant staging, Lido has a Las Vegas-style entertainment with a show entitled "Paris Merveilles" recently revised by Franco Dragone, artistic director of Cirque du Soleil and world-renowned for creating the shows "The House of Dancing Water" in Macau and "A New Day" by Celine Dion in Las Vegas.

Signature Features: This cabaret is famous for its statuesque Bluebell Girls, a dance troupe founded in 1932 with exceptional performers selected for their height and beauty.

Key Points: You can't get more classically Parisian than spending an evening at the legendary Champs Elysees. With a set conceived by Oscar-nominated art director Jean Rabasse, you can expect lavish production design with elevated stages complete with an ice rink and swimming pool. The topless performances are done with class and sophistication. Le Lido has a large venue, but it's still recommended to book early to enjoy good visibility. Seats are also insulated and the cuisine is something to rave about.

Truly Parisian: PARADIS LATIN
Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter just a few minutes walk from the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Pantheon, Paradis Latin is a theatre built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 showcasing the most traditionally Parisian of all the great cabarets. This Paris landmark is home to the cabaret show "Paradis à la Folie" performed by a troupe of 35 dancers, with 14 numbers and 2 major international attractions.

Signature Features: A historic cabaret set in a theatre built by the creator of the Eiffel Tower (at the same year the iconic attraction was completed), the Paradis Latin cabaret boasts a fabulous cocktail of musical comedy, lavish fanfare and modern ballets featuring the famous French Cancan.

Key Points: Located on a quiet street near the Notre Dame, Paradis Latin maintains an authentic and intimate Parisian atmosphere that appeals to local audiences. The food is also noted for being exceptional as well.

En Vogue: CRAZY HORSE PARIS
Located in the Golden Triangle of Paris between the famous Champs-Elysées Avenue and the Seine River, Le Crazy Horse is one of the newer cabarets inaugurated in 1951 by avant-garde artist Alain Bernardin, highlighting femininity and the female body in a glamorous and chic strip-tease style.

Signature Features: Crazy House has celebrity collaborators and guest stars such as burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese, choreographer Philippe Decouflé, shoe designer Christian Louboutin, lingerie designer Chantal Thomass and more.

Key Points: The show is one of the most modern and must-sees in Paris for its sophisticated, stylish and sensual scenography, enhanced by dramatic light and shadow effects. As the venue has limited capacity, cabaret goers must book early. That said, the area has good visibility and an intimate atmosphere with mature audiences. Nudity is a central theme of the show but handled in an elegant display. Dinner is not served so it's best to eat before the show, but champagne can be enjoyed.

Exclusive: Go behind-the-scenes with a backstage visit at Crazy Horse Paris led by one of the cabaret's dancers, off-limits to the general public. Enjoy a few glasses of champagne or cocktails before taking your VIP seats to enjoy the show.
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