Moulin Rouge: Tickets, Show Times, Dress Code & How to Get There (Paris Guide)

If you’re planning a classic Paris night out, Moulin Rouge is the name everyone recognizes—and for good reason. This legendary cabaret sits at 82 Boulevard de Clichy (75018), right at the edge of Montmartre, with the famous red windmill glowing above the street.

This guide covers exactly what you need: ✅ where it is, ✅ how to get there, ✅ show times and arrival rules, ✅ tickets and typical price ranges, ✅ what to wear, and ✅ common mistakes that can ruin the evening.

Why Moulin Rouge is still a “must-do” in Paris 🎭✨

Moulin Rouge is a historic Parisian cabaret that first opened in 1889 and today runs its signature revue (“Féerie”) with large-scale choreography, elaborate costumes, and classic French Cancan energy. The vibe is unapologetically theatrical: you’re not going for subtle art-house drama—you’re going for spectacle.

One important note for visitors: the show includes topless passages and is designed as a traditional cabaret revue. That’s normal here, but it matters if you’re choosing this for a family evening.

Moulin Rouge Tickets & Prices 💳

Prices vary a lot depending on show-only vs dinner-show vs “Prestige” packages and the date you pick. Official online pricing can change and availability may open/close by season; a reliable typical range (used by the Paris Region tourism authority) is:

*These are published ranges; exact prices depend on the specific date/offer.

Booking tip ✅: If your travel dates are fixed, book early—Moulin Rouge is one of the most in-demand nighttime experiences in Paris.

Moulin Rouge Show Times & Arrival Rules ⏱️

Moulin Rouge typically runs two shows nightly and offers dinner earlier in the evening:

• Dinner: from 7:00 pm
• Shows: 9:00 pm and a late show (listed as 23:00, with late-show start details provided by the venue)

Arrival timing (this matters)

Moulin Rouge is strict about arrival flow:

• Doors open about 1h15 before show time.
• Dinner-show 7pm: arrive from 6:45 pm.
• 9pm show: arrive from 8:15 pm (doors open around 8pm depending on the offer).
• Late show: arrive from 10:45 pm; the venue lists the late show starting at 11:30 pm on its offer page.
• Doors close 10 minutes before the show—and late entry may be refused.

Show length: roughly 1h40–1h45 (varies slightly by program).

How to Get to the Moulin Rouge 📍🚇🚌

Address: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris.

By Metro (fastest) 🚇

The easiest routes:

• Line 2 → Blanche (the classic stop right by Moulin Rouge)
• Lines 2 or 13 → Place de Clichy, then a short walk

By Bus 🚌

Official venue access info lists buses 30 / 54 / 68 / 74.
(Place de Clichy is also a major bus hub, useful late in the evening.)

By Taxi / Ride-hailing 🚖

At night, taxis and ride-hailing are common around Pigalle/Blanche/Place de Clichy. If you’re dressed up and it’s raining or late, this is often the most comfortable last-mile option.

✈️ Airport Connections (CDG & Orly) — step-by-step

From Charles de Gaulle (CDG) → Moulin Rouge ✈️🚆🚇

1. Take RER B from CDG toward Paris.
2. Exit at Gare du Nord.
3. Transfer to Metro Line 2 toward Blanche (or go to Place de Clichy via Metro).

Airport rail ticket: Paris transport authorities list a dedicated airport ticket at €14 full fare for rail trips to/from CDG (and Orly).

From Orly (ORY) → Moulin Rouge ✈️🚇

1. Take Metro Line 14 from Orly toward central Paris.
2. Change toward Metro Line 13 to Place de Clichy, or connect to Line 2 depending on your route.
3. Walk to Moulin Rouge.

Ticket note: Orly via Metro 14 uses the Paris Region <> Airports ticket (listed at €14 full fare, Navigo Easy may be required depending on purchase method).

Moulin Rouge Dress Code, Bags & On-site Rules 👗🧥⚠️

Dress code (don’t gamble here) ✅

Moulin Rouge requires elegant attire. The venue explicitly forbids things like shorts, flip-flops, sportswear, and for men, open shoes; you’ll also be asked to remove hats/caps inside.

Cloakroom & luggage 🧥

• Cloakroom is available (fee listed as €2 per item).
• Large bags/backpacks/suitcases are restricted—don’t show up with travel luggage.

Photos/videos: strictly forbidden 📵

Photography/filming/recording is strictly forbidden during the show (and even the theatre/show area), for copyright and security reasons.

Age policy 👨‍👩‍👧

Children are accepted from age 6+ (must be accompanied by an adult). The venue also warns that the revue includes topless passages.

Accessibility & comfort notes ♿✅

Moulin Rouge advises guests using a wheelchair or with reduced mobility to contact the reservation team in advance so they can prepare access and seating.
There’s also a hearing-aid solution offered via Wi-Fi with an app-based setup.

Tips & Common Mistakes (read this before you go) ✅⚠️

1) Arriving “on time” is often too late ⏱️

If your show is 9pm, arriving at 8:55 is risky. The venue closes doors shortly before showtime, and late arrivals can be refused entry.

2) Under-dressing will ruin the night 👟❌

Paris has relaxed a lot—but Moulin Rouge hasn’t. Treat it like a dress-up evening (smart evening attire).

3) Don’t bring big bags 🧳⚠️

If you’re coming straight from travel, store your luggage first. Large luggage may not be accepted in cloakroom/inside.

4) Beware of “ticket resellers” and street hustles 🎟️⚠️

Stick to official booking channels and reputable sellers. Around tourist hotspots in Paris, it’s common to see aggressive selling.

5) Plan your route home 🌙🚇

After the late show, metro frequency can be lower and it’s easy to end up waiting. Decide in advance: night bus, taxi, or a short walk to a better pickup point.

FAQ (Moulin Rouge)

Can I take photos during the show?
No—photos/filming/recording are strictly forbidden.

What time should I arrive?
Doors open about 1h15 before; for 9pm show they recommend arriving from 8:15pm; late show from 10:45pm.

How long is the Moulin Rouge show?
About 1h40–1h45 depending on the program.

What should I wear to Moulin Rouge?
Elegant attire required; avoid sportswear, shorts, flip-flops, and similar.

Is Moulin Rouge suitable for children?
Children 6+ may attend with an adult; the show includes topless passages.

What’s the closest metro station?
Blanche (Line 2) is the classic nearest stop; Place de Clichy (Lines 2 & 13) is also convenient.

Conclusion

Moulin Rouge is the definition of a “big Paris night”: iconic location, strict-but-fair rules, and a show built to impress. If you book early, arrive with time to spare, dress properly, and plan your transport, it’s one of the smoothest “legendary” experiences you can do in Paris—especially if you want a nightlife highlight that feels unmistakably French.