The Moulin Rouge is one of the most iconic performance venues in Paris, France. Known for its extravagant cabaret shows featuring feathered showgirls, the Moulin Rouge has attracted visitors from around the world since opening its doors in 1889.
With its prime location in the Montmartre neighborhood and dazzling productions, it’s no surprise that tickets to performances at the Moulin Rouge are highly coveted. As an immensely popular tourist destination, shows at the cabaret frequently sell out in advance.
So do Moulin Rouge tickets really sell out? How far in advance do you need to buy tickets to ensure you can experience one of its famous cabaret spectacles? Here we’ll break down everything you need to know about snagging tickets to the iconic Moulin Rouge.
Background on the Moulin Rouge
To understand the demand for Moulin Rouge tickets, it helps to first understand what makes this cabaret venue such a coveted destination. Here are some key facts about the storied establishment:
– The Moulin Rouge first opened in 1889 in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris. Its founders, Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, were inspired by the cabarets and dance halls of Montmartre’s vibrant nightlife district.
– The original building had a classic windmill on its roof, which is how the cabaret got its name “Moulin Rouge” (Red Windmill in French). The windmill was removed in 1915 when the venue was rebuilt after a fire.
– Over 130 years later, the Moulin Rouge still operates in the same location at 82 Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement of Paris.
– Its dazzling cabaret shows feature French cancan dancers, showgirls adorned with extravagant costumes and feathers, live music, and risqué performances. Some shows also incorporate animals like snakes.
– Iconic French artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec were inspired by the venue and featured the Moulin Rouge in their artwork in the late 19th century.
– The Moulin Rouge has appeared in many popular films, further adding to its global recognition. Films like Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! (2001) and John Huston’s Moulin Rouge (1952) spotlighted the venue.
– While best known for its cabarets, the Moulin Rouge has hosted many forms of entertainment over the decades including operettas, fashion shows, concerts, and more.
– Today, the Moulin Rouge offers 1-2 shows per evening that run 90-120 minutes long. Performances typically take place at 9pm and 11pm.
Do Moulin Rouge Tickets Sell Out?
Short answer: Yes, Moulin Rouge tickets frequently sell out in advance of performances.
As one of the most iconic performance venues in Paris, demand for tickets to see the dazzling Moulin Rouge cabarets remains extremely high. From locals to tourists, the opportunity to see a show at this world-famous venue is on many people’s Paris bucket lists.
Approximately 600,000 spectators attend performances at the Moulin Rouge each year. With limited seating capacity, shows can and do sell out on a regular basis, especially during the busy spring and summer tourist seasons.
It’s not unheard of for all tickets to be fully booked days, weeks, or even months in advance of a performance. This is especially true for weekend shows, special holiday performances like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and the most popular 9pm show time slot.
While more tickets may open up last minute due to cancellations, it’s risky to wait until the last minute to buy. To ensure you’re able to see a show on your preferred date and time, it’s highly recommended to purchase tickets well ahead of your visit.
How Far in Advance Do Tickets Sell Out?
As a general rule of thumb, it’s advised to purchase Moulin Rouge tickets at least 2-3 months in advance if visiting during peak spring and summer travel seasons.
For lower season visits, such as November to March excluding the holidays, you may be able to purchase tickets 1-2 months in advance. But even then, the most popular weekend shows can still sell out further ahead of time.
During the busiest weeks in July and August, shows can be completely booked a half year in advance or more. If you’re planning a trip to Paris in the height of summer, you’ll want to buy tickets as early as possible.
Keep in mind certain dates like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day and Bastille Day (July 14) also tend to sell out further in advance, up to 6-12 months ahead.
No matter when you’re visiting Paris, the further ahead you can purchase Moulin Rouge tickets, the better. This ensures you can experience the iconic cabaret on the date and time you prefer.
How to Buy Tickets to the Moulin Rouge
Wondering where and how to actually purchase tickets to the acclaimed Moulin Rouge? Here are the best methods:
– Buy Online in Advance: The easiest way to secure tickets well ahead of your trip is to purchase them online directly through the Moulin Rouge’s official website. Tickets can be purchased online up to 60 days in advance. This is by far the best option to ensure you get tickets before they sell out.
– Visit the Moulin Rouge Ticket Booth: You can also buy tickets in person at the Moulin Rouge ticket booth during opening hours. However, the ticket booth usually has very limited last minute availability, if any. This method is risky and not recommended.
– Go Through a Reputable Reseller: Some reputable ticket resellers, like Stubhub and Viator, also offer Moulin Rouge tickets. Just be wary of counterfeits when purchasing through 3rd party vendors and inspect your tickets carefully. Buying directly from the Moulin Rouge online is still the safest choice.
– Consider a Package Deal: Booking a Moulin Rouge package deal through a tour operator is another route to secure tickets. Packages may include a pre-dinner, champagne, transport to the show, etc. This takes the hassle out of buying tickets yourself, but is generally a more expensive option.
– Don’t Buy from Scalpers: Avoid buying tickets from unauthorized scalpers outside the Moulin Rouge. These are likely counterfeit or stolen tickets that will not be accepted. Only buy from authorized, reputable sources.
How Much Do Tickets Cost?
Moulin Rouge ticket prices can range from €105-€200+ per person depending on the following factors:
– Type of Show: The standard cabaret show is called the “Féerie Show” and is the most popular option. There are occasionally special seasonal shows that may have different pricing.
– Meal Option: You can add on a dinner option for an additional cost, such as just a champagne toast or dinner and champagne. No dining is the basic ticket.
– Date/Day of Week: Tickets are more expensive on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays). Prices also increase slightly from November to March.
– Time of Show: The late 11pm show is typically less expensive than the standard 9pm show.
– Seating: Front row “premium” seated tickets cost more than regular seats in the back rows. “Dinner-show” seating right beside the stage is also pricier.
– Packages: Booking through a tour operator typically adds on a range of package options for additional cost like transport, photos, gift shop items, etc.
As a baseline, standard tickets currently start around €105-135 for the 9pm cabaret show. But Moulin Rouge prices are dynamic and can rise during peak periods when demand is very high, so book early.
Insider Tips for Buying Tickets
Follow these handy tips when booking your Moulin Rouge tickets:
– Book your tickets directly through the official Moulin Rouge website for reliability and security.
– Purchase tickets at least 2-3 months in advance if visiting during busy spring and summer months. For lower seasons, 1-2 months ahead may be sufficient.
– For the highest availability, opt for the later 11pm show or a midweek show date over weekends. Fridays and Saturdays sell out fastest.
– Standard back row seats provide the full experience at a lower cost than premium front row or dinner seating options.
– Consider adding the champagne toast or dinner package for a more immersive, romantic experience if it fits your budget.
– Read the ticket policies carefully before buying. Some packages have stricter cancellation policies than others.
– Don’t wait until the last minute! Selling out quickly is common. Buy early for the date, time and seat option you prefer.
What If Tickets Are Sold Out For My Dates?
If you waited too long and the Moulin Rouge is sold out for your ideal show dates, don’t panic. You still have options:
– Join the Waiting List: Sign up for the online waiting list on the Moulin Rouge website. You’ll be contacted if tickets become available due to cancellations.
– Change Your Date: Be flexible and opt for a different date that still has availability, even if it’s not your first choice date. As long as you can experience the show, the actual date doesn’t matter as much.
– Choose the Late Show: Opt for the 11pm show if the 9pm show is sold out. Tickets sell slower for the late performance.
– Try a Weeknight: Weekend shows sell out first, so switch to a Tuesday-Thursday show date if possible for better luck.
– Buy Separate Tickets: If you’re in a group, try searching for single tickets online to cobble together enough seats. Even pairs may be easier to find than large groups.
– Book a Package Deal: Booking through a tour operator can open up more availability, albeit sometimes at a premium cost.
– Check Resale Sites: As a last resort, double check safe resale sites like Stubhub for pricey resale tickets. Just ensure they are valid before buying.
Act fast using the strategies above if the Moulin Rouge is initially sold out for your dates. With persistence, you can often find available tickets in some form. Don’t miss out on the chance to see this iconic Parisian cabaret.
What Are the Show Hours & Typical Schedule?
The Moulin Rouge presents 1-2 cabaret shows per evening with the following typical schedule:
– Doors Open: Around 30-45 minutes before each show (8:15pm for the 9pm show, 10:15pm for the 11pm show)
– Dinner Served: Before the 9pm show only starting at 7pm. Dinner packages holders should arrive by 7:15pm latest to be served.
– Show Start Time: 9pm show starts at 9pm sharp, 11pm show at 11pm sharp. Arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime.
– Show Runtime: Performances run approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours with no intermission.
– Nightly Shows End: Around 11pm for the 9pm show, 1am for the 11pm show.
So in summary, you can expect an evening at the Moulin Rouge to last around 3-4 hours if attending the 9pm dinner and show option or 2-3 hours for just the show itself. Allow extra time to enjoy drinks and nightlife in Montmartre before or after.
While schedule variations can occur on holidays or for special performances, the above outlines the standard schedule you can expect when attending an evening cabaret at the Moulin Rouge.
What Should You Wear to the Moulin Rouge?
The Moulin Rouge enforces a formal dress code for its evening performances. Guests must adhere to these standards when dressing for an evening at the cabaret:
– Gentleman: A jacket is mandatory, along with dress pants and formal shoes. Ties are recommended but not required. Jeans, sneakers, shorts and other casual attire are prohibited.
– Ladies: Evening wear is required, including cocktail dresses, gowns, dressy skirts, etc. Formal accessories like heels and clutches are recommended.
– Exceptions: If you book a costume package through the Moulin Rouge, you may be permitted to wear that costume instead of formal attire. Some packages also include boas, hats or masks.
While historically avant-garde, today’s Moulin Rouge shows maintain this sense of old world formality and elegance. Guests are expected to dress accordingly out of respect for the venue’s traditions.
Opt for your finest formal evening wear when attending a show. For gentlemen, a well-fitted suit or tuxedo is always a safe, stylish choice. Ladies cannot go wrong with a sleek black cocktail dress paired with heels and jewelry.
Dressing up contributes to the ambiance and memories of your Moulin Rouge experience. Look and feel your best when gracing this iconic stage.
What’s Allowed Inside the Venue?
To maintain the prestige and proper decorum of performances, the Moulin Rouge enforces rules regarding prohibited items and behavior:
Prohibited items:
– Casual attire like shorts, jeans, sneakers, etc.
– Large bags and backpacks exceeding 30cm x 15cm in size
– Professional photography equipment like DSLR cameras
– Selfie sticks
– Food, candy, gum, drinks (unless part of your package)
– Weapons and illegal substances of any kind
Prohibited behavior:
– Using flash or any photography/video during the show
– Excessive noise or disorderly conduct disturbing others
– Standing or dancing in aisles or along the stage
– Throwing items or garbage
In summary, be on your best behavior with no excessive noise or disruptions. Come prepared with well-fitting formal attire and leave bags, food and large photography gear behind.
Respecting these rules ensures all guests can properly enjoy the full magic and intimacy of the iconic Moulin Rouge stage.
Conclusion
A dazzling fixture of Montmartre’s nightlife history, the Moulin Rouge remains one of the most popular attractions in all of Paris over 130 years since first opening its doors.
Due to consistent substantial demand from locals and tourists alike, Moulin Rouge tickets do frequently sell out in advance of cabaret performances. Following the tips provided, you can secure your tickets successfully in the early stages of trip planning.
From online ticket purchases to dress codes and schedules, you’re now equipped with the key guidance needed to make the most of your visit to the sensational Moulin Rouge. Soak in all the glitz and grandeur of this historic venue during your memorable Parisian night out. Your evening with the iconic Moulin Rouge showgirls awaits!