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

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

Frequently asked questions about Paradis Latin vs Moulin Rouge

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