Paris Tickets

Paradis Latin vs Moulin Rouge

Paris has two legendary cabarets that visitors often debate: the historic Paradis Latin in the Latin Quarter and the world-famous Moulin Rouge in Montmartre. Both promise feathers, sequins, champagne, and high energy cancan yet the setting, show format, and prices differ. Below, we compare everything so you can pick the right night out or plan for both.

Quick comparison – Paradis Latin vs Moulin Rouge

FeatureParadis LatinMoulin Rouge

Location

5th arrondissement (Latin Quarter)

Montmartre/Pigalle, 18th arrondissement (Blanche station)

Price

Show from €80; Dinner+Show from €175 (premium menus higher).

Show from €110; Dinner+Show from €225.

What is it?

Belle-Époque cabaret theatre rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel; immersive pre-show + review.

Iconic Paris cabaret with the Féerie revue and the famous red windmill.

Built / Age

Origins 1803; rebuilt 1889 (Eiffel structure).

Founded 1889; long-running “Féerie” revue tradition.

Timings

Dinner 7:30 pm; Show-only 9:30 pm. Closed Mon & Tue (subject to calendar).

Dinner 7 pm; Shows 9 pm & 11 pm; open daily.

Duration needed

1 h 45 m–2 h for show; 3–3.5 h with dinner.

1 h 30 m for show; ~3+ h with dinner.

Queues / Wait

Moderate; arrive 30–45 min early for seating.

High; line forms early, especially for 9 pm show—arrive in advance.

Best time to visit

Mid-week nights for easier availability; plan around closures.

Any night; weekends sell out first—book ahead.

Accessibility

Historic venue; check seating options in advance.

Many steps; not recommended for those who can’t climb stairs.

Kid-friendly

Adult-oriented; check venue policy for minors.

Children 6+ admitted with adult.

Highlights

Eiffel-engineered hall, immersive pre-show with artists, modern French cabaret + cancan.

High-glam Féerie with grand sets, 60+ artists, feathers & French cancan.

Dining options

3-course menus; dinner starts 7:30 pm.

Multiple dinner menus; dinner at 7 pm before 9 pm show.

Nearby attractions

Notre-Dame, Panthéon, Jardin des Plantes, Seine quays.

Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, Rue Lepic, Pigalle nightlife.

Verdict – Which Should You Visit?

Short on time or want the most iconic name? Choose Moulin Rouge—nightly shows, classic cancan spectacle, and central Montmartre vibe.

Prefer an atmospheric hall with Eiffel-era charm and a playful, immersive pre-show? Go for Paradis Latin.

Have two nights in Paris? Do both—Moulin Rouge first, Paradis Latin the next evening for contrast.

Make the most of your Paris nights

Bundle a cabaret with dinner, transport, or a Seine cruise to save planning time and lock prime seating—great for weekends and holidays.

Major differences between Paradis Latin and Moulin Rouge explained

History and architecture

Paradis Latin: Rebuilt in 1889 with Gustave Eiffel’s ironwork, the theatre feels intimate and authentically Belle-Époque.

Moulin Rouge: Opened in 1889; the red windmill façade and plush auditorium scream Parisian cabaret grandeur.

Show format and vibe

Paradis Latin: Artists mingle during a lively pre-show before a modern cabaret that blends comedy, acrobatics, and cancan.

Moulin Rouge: The fixed Féerie revue focuses on large tableaux, glittering costumes, precision choreography, and the French cancan.

Timings and frequency

Paradis Latin: One main 9:30 pm show; dinner at 7:30 pm; typically closed Mon–Tue.

Moulin Rouge: Two nightly shows at 9 pm and 11 pm; dinner at 7 pm; open daily.

Pricing and value

Paradis Latin: Show from €80; dinner+show from €175—good value for an Eiffel-era venue with immersive elements.

Moulin Rouge: Show from €110; dinner+show from €225—premium for the brand’s fame and scale.

Location and surroundings

Paradis Latin: In the scholarly Latin Quarter—easy to pair with Notre-Dame or the Panthéon.

Moulin Rouge: At Blanche (Line 2) by Montmartre—combine with Sacré-Cœur views or a Montmartre bistro crawl.

Access and suitability

Paradis Latin: Historic seating; contact the venue for accessibility arrangements.

Moulin Rouge: Lots of steps; not advised for those who can’t climb. Children 6+ welcome with an adult.

What you’ll see at Paradis Latin

Guests dining at Paradis Latin cabaret in Paris.

Eiffel Ironwork

19th-century structure frames the hall with exposed iron and balconies.

Performers in vibrant costumes dancing at Paradis Latin, Paris New Year's show.

What you’ll see at Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge entrance with iconic red windmill, Paris cabaret at night.

The Red Windmill

Paris’s most famous cabaret façade, glowing over Boulevard de Clichy.

Cabaret dancers performing at Moulin Rouge in Paris with vibrant costumes.

Visiting Paradis Latin and Moulin Rouge

  • Paradis Latin: Show-only seats start around €80 with options up to premium categories; Dinner+Show menus from €175. Book direct for exact seating maps; note the single late show and Mon–Tue closures.
  • Moulin Rouge: Show-only from €110; Dinner+Show from €225. Two nightly showtimes (9 pm/11 pm) help with availability; weekends and holidays sell out early.
  • Doing both on one trip: Plan Moulin Rouge on a weekend night (more slots), then Paradis Latin mid-week. This staggers late nights and maximizes seat choice.
  • Independently vs. guided packages: Independent booking is easy online. If you want transfers, guaranteed window tables, or a Seine cruise + cabaret combo, look for packaged tours to simplify logistics.

Morning – Montmartre walks & Sacré-Cœur (9 am – 12 pm)

  • Take the metro to Anvers or Abbesses and explore Montmartre’s lanes on foot.
  • Visit Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, and scenic viewpoints over Paris.
  • Optional timed entry to Espace Dalí Museum nearby.

Lunch (12:30 pm – 1:30 pm)

  • Eat at casual bistros around Place du Tertre or Boulevard de Clichy.
  • Take the metro to the Latin Quarter (20–25 minutes).

Afternoon – Latin Quarter & Saint-Germain (2 pm – 5 pm)

  • Walk from Saint-Michel through Shakespeare & Company and the Panthéon.
  • Relax at Jardin du Luxembourg or explore Saint-Germain cafés.
  • Head back to hotel for rest before the evening shows.

Evening (Optional)

  • Paradis Latin: Pre-show dinner cruise or Latin Quarter dining.
  • Moulin Rouge: Dinner in Pigalle, followed by nightlife on Boulevard de Clichy.

Paradis Latin:

  • Address: 28 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris, France | Find on Maps
  • By train: RER B or C (Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame)
  • By metro: Line 10 (Cardinal Lemoine), Line 7 (Place Monge)
  • By bus: 24, 47, 63, 86 (Cardinal Lemoine stop)
  • By car: Via Quai de la Tournelle or Boulevard Saint-Germain [Getting to Paradis Latin →]

Moulin Rouge:

  • Address: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France | Find on Maps
  • By train: RER B or D (Gare du Nord + metro)
  • By metro: Line 2 (Blanche station) By bus: 30, 54, 68, 74 (Blanche stop)
  • By car: Via Boulevard de Clichy or Rue Lepic [Getting to Moulin Rouge →]

Paradis Latin:

  • Evening cabaret shows usually run daily from around 8 pm or 9 pm, with dinner-show and show-only options.
  • Matinee shows operate occasionally on selected dates. [Detailed Paradis Latin timings →]

Moulin Rouge:

  • Two nightly shows usually start at 9 pm and 11 pm, all year round.
  • Dinner-show combinations begin earlier in the evening. [Moulin Rouge timings →]

Duration needed & best time to visit:

  • Paradis Latin: 2.5–3 hours with dinner. Best visited midweek for better seating and calmer crowds.
  • Moulin Rouge: 2 hours show-only or 3 hours with dinner. Book early for weekends and peak travel seasons to avoid sell-outs.
  • Dress smart-casual: Both venues lean elegant; avoid sportswear to match the setting (Moulin Rouge requests smart attire).
  • Book ahead for weekends: Prime categories sell out days to weeks in advance especially at Moulin Rouge.
  • Arrive early: Paradis Latin’s pre-show unfolds before curtain don’t miss it by cutting arrival fine.
  • Mind the stairs: Moulin Rouge has many steps; request assistance if mobility is limited.
  • Choose your format: Dinner+Show is a full evening; Show-only is budget-friendlier and starts later good after a day of sightseeing.
  • Nearby photo ops: Snap the windmill at blue hour in Montmartre; at Paradis Latin, pair with twilight shots along the Seine and Notre-Dame (when accessible).

Frequently asked questions about Paradis Latin vs Moulin Rouge

Can you visit both in one trip?

Yes—plan Moulin Rouge one night and Paradis Latin on another. With different start times and vibes, they complement each other without overlap.

Which is more budget-friendly?

Generally Paradis Latin starts cheaper for show-only tickets, while Moulin Rouge commands higher prices for its brand and scale. Compare exact dates and categories before booking.

Which is better for first-time visitors to Paris?

For the “I went to the Paris cabaret” feeling, Moulin Rouge wins. For Eiffel-era ambiance and playful interaction, Paradis Latin is fantastic.

Which is better for families?

Both are adult-oriented. Moulin Rouge admits children 6+ with an adult; check Paradis Latin’s policy if traveling with minors.

How far apart are they?

Roughly 35–45 minutes by metro across the city—Latin Quarter (5th) to Montmartre (18th). Factor transfers and show call times.

What if I only have time for one?

Pick Moulin Rouge for a bucket-list spectacle with late-night show options. Choose Paradis Latin for an intimate hall, lower starting prices, and a fun pre-show.

Which has better accessibility?

Moulin Rouge involves lots of steps and isn’t advised for those unable to climb; contact the venue. Paradis Latin is historic—email ahead to arrange suitable seating.

How long are the shows?

About 1 h 45–2 h at Paradis Latin and 1 h 30 at Moulin Rouge (longer with dinner).

Which area is nicer to explore before/after?

Paradis Latin: stroll the Seine, Île de la Cité, Panthéon. Moulin Rouge: climb to Sacré-Cœur, then bistros around Montmartre.

Do they serve dinner?

Yes. Paradis Latin dinner starts 7:30 pm; Moulin Rouge dinner starts 7 pm—both offer multi-course French menus before the first show.