Moulin Rouge
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return” ~ Christian, Moulin Rouge!
Moulin Rouge 1900
When I began planning a trip to Paris, people kept telling me that I had to visit Moulin Rouge. Why is Moulin Rouge so famous and intriguing? I became increasingly interested in the Féerie, a French theatrical genre incorporating fantasy, visuals, and lavish scenery. I heard all kinds of things from snakes in tanks to live ponies. Some warned that it was in a bad part of the city. I really wasn’t sure what to expect and was contemplating taking my mom, but still really didn’t quite know what exactly it was. There is a strict rule of no photography inside which simply adds to the mystery. I won’t spoil it for you by recapping the show, but I will say it is a MUST SEE! While the dancers are topless during much of the production, it is very tasteful and entertaining for all adults. Experience 60 artists as they sparkle and perform for 2 hours on stage wearing unbelievable costumes of feathers, rhinestone and sequins. What used to be considered a run down part of town, is now full of restaurants and night clubs offering an array of shows and entertainment. I just got chills thinking of the history and many people who have entered Moulin Rouge such as~ Edward VII, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Tony Curtis, Jerry Lewis, Jeanne Aubert and many, many more.
Poster by Jules Chéret, 1890
I can’t tell you how many times I have said “Moulin Rouge” and people respond by saying, “Oh, I saw that movie”. Moulin Rouge is a screenplay which is based on a 1950 novel by Piere La Mure about the life of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. In 1952, Moulin Rouge was made into a film and, more recently, in 2001 starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor which was nominated for 8 Oscars. The story is about an artist and is set in the Bohemian district of Paris in the late 19th century. Moulin Rouge which translates to “Red Mill” was known as a burlesque palace. Moulin Rouge club is famous for it’s red windmill on the roof that lights up at night and the decor exuding romance. Moulin Rouge introduced French can-can to the world which evolved into European cabarets. The Moulin Rouge was created by Joseph Oller who was Spanish and lived in Paris for most of his life.
Fun facts: Moulin Rouge opened it’s doors in the fashionable district of Montmartre the same year that the Eifell Tower was constructed in 1889. This marked a period of peace, rich culture and optimism. Christina Aguilera, Pink, Lil’ Kim and Mýa all filmed music videos at the Moulin Rouge.
Tickets: Buy tickets in advance! The line is ridiculously long year round and the shows sell out. Purchase 
tickets from your hotel concierge or even on line before you arrive. We booked our tickets through a company called Paris Trip. The company picks up guests at any central Paris hotel location, drives them to the door of the Moulin Rouge and then picks the guests up and returns them to their hotel immediately after the show. This is the way to go! Our driver even took pictures of us in front of the club. We were there in December and it looked very crowded and would be difficult to find parking. We had first class service as the driver walked us to the front of the line. Our driver’s name was Hervé and he was the best tour guide we had the entire 16 days spent in Europe. Check out their site at http://www.paris-trip.com/index.asp
Moulin Rouge, Dec. 2014
“Come what may. I will love you until my dying day.”~ Moulin Rouge
$$ Saving Tips: Moulin Rouge tickets are sold as dinner & show or just the show. You can also find some matinee dates offered. We purchased an evening show which came with a bottle of champagne. After speaking with several guests who paid for the dinner & show, concierge staff and tour companies, we decided to do the show without the dinner. It would be a nice date night to include dinner. We went out to dinner on our own and then enjoyed the fabulous “Féerie”!!
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5 Wheels to 5 Star 