Montmartre and its hillock, Montmartre and its vineyards, Montmartre and its Place du Tertre, its Sacré-Cœur, and finally…Montmartre and its cabarets ! This is something that cannot be stolen from Parisians, and that it is difficult to imitate. The picturesque atmosphere of this district of Paris conceals historical secrets which give it an authenticity that everyone comes to seek in the capital. Between the sulphurous glamor of the little women of Pigalle, and the casual French cancan of the Moulin Rouge, this is the history of the cabarets of Paris.
THE HISTORY OF CABARET IN PARIS
There was a time when Paris was not yet the legendary city it is today. Some neighborhoods looked like shantytowns, with gangs of thugs robbing passers-by after dark.
Montmartre was one of these neighborhoods. During the 19th century, the place is still located on the other side of the toll barrier, where all goods are taxed before entering Paris. Everything is cheaper on this side. Alcohol especially.
This explains the nocturnal activities in the area: music, dancing, parties, more drinking than eating, in places more like gambling dens than show cafés.
It was the rise in prices in the artistic district of the time, Montparnasse, which would shape the Montmartre we know. Having become inaccessible for many bohemian artists, they had no other choice but to come and settle near the hill.
And this is the birth of the true artistic cabaret in Montmartre.
The very first, in 1881, is called the Black Cat. We perceive the entry of the intellectual community into this place mixing literary evenings and gently festive shows.
Shortly after, the Moulin Rouge opened: the year was 1889.
THE MUST-SEE CABARETS OF PARIS
Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to attend a cabaret revue, in one of the Meccas of French shows . You know their name, but do you know their story?
THE MOULIN ROUGE, EMBLEMATIC IN MONTMARTRE
Relive the Belle Époque in a muted red setting that only shows its true strengths after dark. The legacy of the two entertainment professionals, Oller and Zindler, who also opened the Olympia, still pulsates.
When they put on this incredible scene, everyone flocks to be spectators. It’s a music hall , the dinner takes place among the acts and the animals. The French Cancan dancers perform there , this dance now emblematic of France, formerly banned. The Moulin Rouge balls became famous throughout Paris. It is the rise of the new Parisian phenomenon.
Also attend the Moulin Rouge de Montmartre revue, over dinner and a glass of champagne , or simply to see the show. A must-have in Parisian life.
THE LIDO, ON THE CHAMPS-ELYSÉES
Nothing predisposed this place to become a prestigious cabaret , since originally, it was a swimming pool to which access was strictly reserved for the bourgeoisie. La Plage, its first name, however, did not survive the financial difficulties.
It was thanks to a man in the entertainment industry, Léon Volterra, that the swimming pool was transformed into a cabaret. The magazines are luxurious, the costumes sparkling with feathers and sequins.
After the Second War, the cabaret changed hands and became the property of the Clérico brothers. They invite the Bluebell Girls to perform there. They became an institution in Lido. The whole world knows them and hears about their Parisian shows. Led by Margaret Kelly, we owe them the magazines “Bonheur” and “Plaisirs de Paris”. But also the feather boa top hats, which have become the symbol of these mythical creatures.
The completely renovated room is ready to welcome you at 116 bis avenue des Champs-Élysées.
THE CRAZY HORSE, AN EROTIC-GLAMOROUS SHOW
It is because we are at the height of the liberation of morals, around the 1960s, that Bernardin is enjoying such success. This artist worships the female body and decides to put on shows like paintings, and not like a rhythmic show. It reveals voluptuousness, sensuality. The costumes are particularly erotic, the crazy girls wear ebony black wigs which contrast with their bright red lipstick. This is their distinctive sign.
For 70 years the recipe has been a success. You can attend a dinner show or just see the revue. You can also, thanks to certain event agencies who have their own entrances, plan a pre-show to visit the backstage of the cabaret in the company of a crazy girl, free glass of champagne.
OTHER FAMOUS CABARETS IN PARIS
There are still many of them that are world famous. Like the Paradis Latin, the oldest music hall in Paris mixing burlesque comedy and circus acts. Or the very small but so Parisian Chez Michou. Michou launches transformist shows (called “les Michettes”). All French people have seen it on TV, in magazines. He became the symbol of the Parisian jet set until his disappearance. The cabaret survives him, in Montmartre.
The Follies Bergère is also a historic place with its 150 years of existence. From café-concert to café-theatre, then to music scene. Here we had a review led by “les cocottes”. Josephine Baker loved this little art-deco paradise.
CLUBS, DINNER DANCES AND INTIMATE CABARETS
Dancers, singers, Paris offers festive alternatives depending on an atmosphere, a cuisine, a universe.
In Paris we dream of exoticism, which is why we appreciate the warmth of Latino show restaurants, like the Pau Brazil cabaret, or the Brasil Tropical cabaret. The Rio carnival show, the samba, the caipirinha, we never tire of it.
To enjoy the night as if we were still 20 years old, we appreciate the quality of the club restaurant Oh! Happy, today managed by one of the Clérico brothers, former CEO of Lido. We can dance, sing, and party like a nightclub, but restaurant style… at night.
PARIS CABARETS ARE A TRADITION FOR ALL AUDIENCES
It’s true, depending on the theme, all ages can make very good cabaret spectators. The historical universe immerses the public in a magical cultural experience. Experienced Parisians generally prefer to reserve a table outside and then watch the show. It is true that in cabarets, meals are served in groups, not individually. Why not let yourself be tempted by a terrace towards the Eiffel Tower , before enjoying your evening in paradise?
