The Inside Scoop by our Local Expert
The Moulin Rouge, which means “Red Windmill” in French, is a cabaret in Paris built in 1889 by Joseph Oller, who also owned the Paris Olympia. Located close to Montmartre in the Paris red-light district of Pigalle on Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement, the famous caberet is easily recognized by the facsimile of a red windmill on its rooftop. The Moulin Rouge is a popular tourist destination, offering musical dance entertainment and turn-of-the-century décor for adult visitors from around the world.The Moulin Rouge is best known as the original site where the modern form of the can-can dance was born. Originally introduced as a seductive dance by courtesans, the can-can dance review evolved into a form of entertainment all of its own and led to the introduction of cabarets across Europe. Notable performers at the Moulin Rouge have included Ella Fitzgerald, Liza Minelli, Elton John, Josephine Baker, Frank Sinatra, and many others. The Moulin Rouge is also the subject of paintings by post-impressionist painter Toulouse-Lautrec and has been featured in both book and movie form.Many inviting hotels are located near the Moulin Rouge, offering visitors a welcoming array of amenities and features. Many hotels offer complimentary breakfast and Internet access and all of them are conveniently situated near tourist attractions, shopping, galleries, and more. Here is a look at some of the area's hotels to help you make the most of your Paris vacation.