Paris has its beauty by day however comes alive at night; with wonder, magic, and mystery! Can, Can, Can you do the Cancan everyone knows the old song but have you seen it in real life? Sparkles, Sequins, High pitched singing and of course lovely ladies with legs for days. Tonight we are having an evening out with the world-famous Cabaret in Paris as well as a very unique and traditional spot for dinner. Dress to impress ladies and gentlemen for tonight we watch the stage come to life; in Paris.

The first stop on your evening in Paris is Montmartre

Montmartre is a historic part of Paris that is exploding with excitement, history, promiscuous pubs, and clubs. After dark is when you have to keep an open mind as the nightlife of Paris begins. But before the sun goes down and you are bedazzled by the lights, treat your sensors to an amazing piece of architecture standing proud at the top of Montmartre Hill. At the base of the hill is a huge tourist market; selling all kinds of souvenirs; please watch your personal belongings as this is unfortunately where tourists are targeted.  As you make your way through the market, towards the base of the hill your eyes will be captivated by the big beautiful white majestic church perched up on top of the hill; overlooking the whole of Paris.

Sacre-Coeur

The exquisite Sacre- Coeur! is also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris. Being the second-highest point in the city; you will find absolutely stunning panoramic views. The Sacre-Coeur was built in 1919 as an offering to the Church after the Franco-Prussia war; this was to repent for their sins since the French Revolution. Not only is the basilica breathtaking; but it is made out of an amazing stone that actually cleans itself, well sort of. The stone is very resistant; water does not affect it when it rains the stone releases a substance; which cleans it and keeps its white colour.

There are 197 steps to the top; at various levels, there are viewing and lookout points. It is also a good opportunity to get different photos and angles of both the city and the Sacre-Coeur. If you don’t fancy taking the stairs to the top you can take the funicular; it takes about 1 minute and 30 seconds. Located to the left of Montmartre the Funicular is Open from 6 am until 12:45 am. The ticket is the same cost as a Paris Metro Paper ticket of 1.90 Euro; make sure you have one spare if you want to take the funicular.

Secrete Dinner spot – La Mere Catherine

After all those stairs and working up an appetite; it is time for that special dinner location. Standing in front of the Sacre-Coeur follow the street around to the left (Rue Azaiis); then follow that around turn right (Rue Du Mont-Cenis) slight left; there will be a big square in front of you. To the right-hand side, there will be a restaurant with a red awning called La Mere Catherine; this is where you will find beautiful authentic French food.

Alfresco dining overlooking Tertre square which is always buzzing with buskers, artists, and market stalls the La Mere Catherine is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris. Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere is traditional and full of pride. Try the French onion soup; traditional french onion soup should be sealed under layers of bread; on top of that bread is cheese and it is all melted together. This creates a crunchy lid for your soup; you should have to crack your spoon. For the main dish you have to try the Duck L’Orangne; the meat melts in your mouth as the flavours bounce around your taste buds. As you sit back sipping your French wine bask in the melodic and traditional sounds of talented artists playing tunes, on the piano or violin.

Cabaret in Paris

The beauty, glitz, glam, and magic of the Cabaret is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. Even if dancing and Cabaret is not your thing; you have to take a step out of your comfort zone, and see one of the magical shows of the Cabaret in Paris. This glamorous event lights up the theatre; with song, dance, music, costumes, and beautiful tall ladies with legs for days. It is the energy and passion that goes into each and every performance; that is what draws people from all around the world.

It is a prestigious event; the French are so proud of their Cabaret and is a perfect opportunity to feel like the star you are. Dress to impress, or you will not be allowed in, as there is a very strict dress code.

There are two main shows; La Nouvelle Eve and Moulin Rouge. If you are on a bit of a budget then Nouvelle will fit in well; if you’re splashing the cash head to the Moulin Rouge

La Nouvelle Eve

25, Rue Pierre Fontaine, 75009 Paris

Nouvelle was built in 1898 as a theatre; during World War II it became a cinema, and then in 1949 it became the elegant Cabaret that we see today.  There is burlesque style French can can, singing, dancing, magic shows and defiantly a lot of surprises.

Take a step onto the red carpet; you will be greeted by the host who checks your tickets; they will show you through the beautifully decorated, quaint sitting area. Each table is facing the main stage and you may get sat with others depending on your group size. The tables closest to the stage usually get picked for the stage show performances, which is a lot of fun.

Tickets

The shows run every night from April to October from 6:30pm to midnight. You can see the show for 49 €; or a Show and Champagne deal for 59€ per person; you get a bottle of Champagne (per couple). There is also the option of Dinner and show it is a 4-course set menu; from around 98€ per person; if you choose to do the dinner option you will be coming to a much earlier show.

You will walk out of Nouvelle feeling this sensation of happiness; wonder and full of energy it won’t disappoint.

The World Famous Moulin Rouge

82 Boulevard De Clichy 75018 Paris France

When you think Moulin Rouge most people’s minds go straight to the movie with Nicole Kidman in it; the story is retold and re-masted from the original which was released in 1928.

The Red Windmill that was placed on the roof; is still the icon of the Cabaret today. The name Moulin Rouge actually means “Red Windmill” in French. In 1889 Moulin Rouge opened its doors as a high-class seductive cabaret show; becoming somewhat risqué and causing problems with the locals. Over the years they have transformed their routines into showcasing cabaret girls dancing amazingly and of course; the Can-Can “Can-Can”. That French dance where all the girls are in a line; with frilly dresses and they kick one leg up and scream.

A show will also include acrobats, magicians, clowns, the stage turning into one big swimming pool, snakes, lights. In addition to the cast, there are 1000 costumes of feathers, rhinestones, and sequins. The seating area in the Moulin Rouge is HUGE; they have different tiers of seating all facing the main stage & the décor of the building is spectacular; maintaining its turn-of-the-century charm.

Tickets

Choose to buy the ticket just for the show, or the show and a drink, or really go all out for dinner and the show. The tickets are roughly $180 AUD; it then increases quite significantly if you want to add dinner that will cost you roughly $350 AUD. There are a lot of companies in which sell tickets with all sorts of different offers; so check it out to see if there is a deal that interests you and go for it. This is defiantly the more expensive of the two shows but it is worth every penny; absolutely jaw-dropping, energetic, and magical show not to be missed.

Things you should remember when attending the Cabaret in Paris

• Dress to impress it, this is a glamorous night out! No shorts, singlets, thongs (flip flops)
• Absolutely NO photography is allowed inside the show itself
• No inappropriate behaviour will be tolerated (they will kick you out with no refund)
• There is a certain amount of nudity (girls with their tops off) Children are allowed if they are accompanied by an adult.

Both shows are similar in traditional dances and costumes however are so unique in the production; whichever show you choose it will be a night to remember. Step out of that comfort zone, dress to impress, and enjoy the Cabaret in Paris with a Unique Dinner Experience.