The Moulin Rouge

[Sparx]

No. Not the movie.

The real thing.

Anyone ever been to paris and seen it?

I'm doing a report over it in history right now.

I'm having a hard time finding the information I want. I can find a ton, just nothing I really want to use.

I am going to touch on Toulouse-Lautrec, since he basically made it famous. But I'd really like basically a first person recount of being there.


thanks!

 

[CarolG]

I've never been there, but just wanted to suggest you ask this on the UK Community Board. There may be more people there who have been to Paris than on this board.

 

[Sparx]

I've never been there, but just wanted to suggest you ask this on the UK Community Board. There may be more people there who have been to Paris than on this board.

I'll try that. thanks!

 

[BelleBoo&AmisMum]

Have you checked Trip Advisor? There are a ton of reviews there of the Moulin Rouge. We've passed it but never been, DH always said it was for tourists.

 

[pogo791]

One place you might start is
http://www.moulinrouge.fr/html_gb/frameset_service.htm

I've been to a show there. It's definitely touristy; I doubt the locals would even think of dropping in (unless they were entertaining clients from out of town). It's on the tourist circuit, and so just about any hotel you go to in Paris has brochures from different sightseeing companies offering "Paris by night" tours that offer a show at the Moulin Rouge. The buses are lined up on side streets all around.

The shows change with the seasons, but the basic mix is a lot of dancing with elaborate outfits, singing, some acrobat acts and some comedy. Lots of bare skin is in evidence, but all in all, there's nothing that you're aunt would find offensive. (At least my aunt ...)

The staging is very elaborate, the shows tend to get very loud (no one comes here for a quite tete-a-tete), and the prices are rather steep. But hey, if it's French cabaret you want, this is the place to find it.

 

[ashjohnson80]

From what I've heard it's a tourist trap now, nothing like what it was around 1900. I would do some research on Toulouse Lautrec and Montmarte and Bohemian history of Paris if I were you, that might help you find more of what you're looking for.

 

[SandraVB79]

I have never been to a show yet, but have seen many shows on TV about it.

Basically, there are strict audition rules. Once you get through teh auditon, as a woman, you are left the choice between dancing topless or with a bra. BTW, they never dance naked, like at the Crazy Horse

The ones that choose to dance topless, are paid way more than those that don't.

 

[Sparx]

Thank you.

I have researched Toulouse Lautrec, and I have plenty of information about the place. I was looking for someone who had been to give me a first hand recount. I have that now. Thank you all, so much!

 

[Muushka]

I went to the show way back in the early 80's. I think we paid about $80 a person for the dinner and the show. That was a LOT of $$ back then. The dinner was blah. The show was pretty good, but I NEVER want to see that many breasts again. Yup, a tourist trap for sure. I think that show is what turned me off from pretty much any tourist event. Scarred for life.....

 

[shortbun]

I went a loooong time ago. As reported, I could not imagine that it was particularly authentic but the women did dance topless(most of them) and we were supposedly in the original cabaret. Bad food then by Paris standards and I went because my greatgrandmother had been there in "the day" and I wanted to recreate her visit. The area was seedy then and I think it still is. My last visit to Paris(5 yrs ago) took me through that area and it was edgy. Have you looked at any Paris city tour companies? They would still have tours and maybe some information in the tour description.

 

[RadioFanatic]

Funny you should mention it, I was just there this past Saturday! We didn't go inside though. What I can do, however, is fax you the page from my Frommer's Memorable Walks Book I bought for the trip - let me know.