Moulin Rouge (The Red Mill), Paris

Moulin Rouge (The Red Mill), Paris (must see)

Since its opening in 1889, the same year as the Eiffel Tower's construction, Moulin Rouge has been offering world-class dance entertainment, becoming a meeting place for Parisians and visitors from all walks of life. The elegant cabaret attracted the uber-rich, society ladies, middle class, artists, and foreign visitors who rubbed shoulders and enjoyed the popular can-can dance, which was first popularized here. Today, visitors can book a table, savor dinner and champagne, and experience a magical dance performance.

Over the years, the venue has hosted numerous celebrities and royal guests. In 1890, the Prince of Wales, the future Edward VII, visited the cabaret to witness the new and riveting can-can dance. A year later, artist Toulouse-Lautrec created his first poster for Moulin Rouge.

Ginger Rogers graced the stage for the 90th anniversary in 1979, while Queen Elizabeth II attended a private show in 1981. Other members of the British royal family that have visited Moulin Rouge include Prince Edward, Princess Anne, Prince Charles, and Princess Diana. Liza Minnelli, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra also took part in special galas. The 100th anniversary celebration featured a star-studded gala with Lauren Bacall, Ella Fitzgerald, and Jerry Lewis.

Moulin Rouge has been featured in countless books, plays, and films. The 2001 film "Moulin Rouge!", directed by Baz Luhrmann, re-popularized this vibrant and one-of-a-kind place, which burned down in 1915 and was rebuilt in 1921. An intensive renovation took place in 1951, and the same decor remains in place today.

Why You Should Visit:
Moulin Rouge has been the center of Parisian nightlife for over 130 years, influencing entertainment across the world. It's a must-visit destination to witness the unique atmosphere that has attracted celebrities, artists, and royalty.

Tip:
Visit at sunset for photos of Moulin Rouge's iconic windmill and neon signs lit up against the backdrop of a darkening sky.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Moulin Rouge (The Red Mill) on Map

Sight Name: Moulin Rouge (The Red Mill)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Disco/Nightclub
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Paris, France

Create Your Own Walk in Paris

Create Your Own Walk in Paris

Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Montmartre Walking Tour

Montmartre Walking Tour

Originally named “Mons Martis”, meaning the “Mount of Mars”, Montmartre is one of the most famous and visited neighborhoods in Paris. Beyond the Sacré-Coeur, the Moulin Rouge and notable landmarks, the district is also about the atmosphere, the narrow streets, and the artsy culture that has made Paris famous. Once home to artists such as Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh, Montmartre continues...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Le Marais Walking Tour

Le Marais Walking Tour

The district known to locals as "Le Marais" used to be a bourgeois area in the past and a major center of the Paris Jewish community that still exists today. Here, you will find different bookshops specializing in Jewish books, restaurants with traditional Jewish food and a synagogue. As one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city, it also has no shortage of narrow medieval streets,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Latin Quarter Walking Tour

Latin Quarter Walking Tour

Paris’ Latin Quarter is situated on the left bank of the Seine and dates back to the Middle Ages. For years, it was known as a bohemian enclave, attracting students, writers and intellectuals. Centered on the Sorbonne University's main university campus, the area was so named a few centuries ago because the students were speaking and learning in Latin. It remains very lively, with a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour

The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour

The French Revolution had a huge impact on France's history as it gave rise to a radical democratic republic and resulted in quite a bit of violence during the infamous "Reign of Terror". Even though many of Paris’ buildings were damaged in the course of the bloody conflicts, the sites they occupied – which you can find on this self-guided tour – are of a great historical...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Walk

Souvenirs Shopping Walk

Being one of the world's premier shopping destinations, the French capital attracts thousands of shopaholics every year. Even those who hate shopping, enjoy doing it here. Renowned for its luxury and sophistication, Paris is a great place for finding unique and elegant souvenirs to cherish. Here are some must-visit places for souvenir shopping in the City of Light.

Lafayette Galleries...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour

St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour

This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Prés, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

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