[ENQUÊTE]: Parisian Cabarets, the Secrets of Lasting Success

These are singular places, enchanting, that manage to leave an indelible mark in the minds of those who visit. A true world unto itself where red velvet mingles with sparkling chandeliers, where prestige blends with intimacy, and where one comes to applaud a multitude of arts performed in sumptuous settings, cabarets are as fascinating as they are intriguing. “I like to think of them as a jewel box where you place your most precious gems ,” shares Kathleen Tamisier, sociologist, author, and former Crazy Girl⁽¹⁾. The Moulin Rouge, the Paradis Latin, the Crazy Horse, as well as the Nouvelle Eve or the César Palace… The names of the greatest Parisian cabarets are known to all and resonate internationally as the epicenters of celebration, nightlife, and more.

Every year, French cabarets attract over 2.6 million⁽²⁾ audience members. But behind this sparkle lies a more complex reality. In 2022, the Accor group announced the closure of the iconic Lido. In June 2024, the cabaret Chez Michou⁽³⁾ , which had been a staple of Pigalle nights since 1956, was forced to close its doors. Yet, the interest in the world of musical entertainment seems stronger than ever in the capital. To keep raising the curtain every night and maintain their prestigious image, cabarets are implementing numerous strategies and working daily to reinvent their acts.pectacle and their offer. 

The cabaret, a world of a thousand and one lives

While the common imagination paints cabaret as a place where artistic performances unfold, it hasn’t always been this way. The meaning of the term "cabaret" has greatly evolved over the years. In the Middle Ages, it referred to a drinking establishment, already embodying a social function and a warm atmosphere. It wasn’t until the 16th and 18th centuries that the world of drinks mingled with that of performances, giving rise to venues where artists, writers, and intellectuals gathered. Establishments like Procope, the Café de la Régence, and the Cabaret of Rue des Fossés preceded the iconic Parisian cabarets such as the Paradis Latin, founded in 1803 — the oldest Parisian cabaret still in operation — which was then rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel in 1889.after a fire, the Chat Noir in 1881, the Moulin Rouge in 1889, and later, the Crazy Horse brought to life by Alain Bernardin on George V Avenue, in 1951.

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©Sandie Bertrand/Moulin Rouge

Although Paris is often mentioned as the epicenter of the entertainment world in France, the entire country is actually involved. Nationwide, there are around 260 cabarets, with just about thirty located in the capital. Near Bordeaux, L’Ange Bleu stands out as the largest French cabaret, boasting 1200 seats. In Kirrwiller, Alsace, Le Royal Palace can accommodate up to 1000 people. « In the regions, cabarets are sometimes the only performance venues and there is a genuine artistic creation », emphasizes Jean-Victor Clerico, managing director of the Moulin Rouge, which has just celebrated its 135 years.  

Authenticity Serving Modernity

Creating, reinventing, renewing… To thrive and continue to captivate audiences, the three major Parisian cabarets are clear: it’s essential to remain true to one’s roots while adding a touch of innovation. « We need to keep what people love to see at the Moulin Rouge, especially the French Cancan. Modernity is at the service of authenticity », explains Jean-Victor Clerico. « We rely on the foundations and originality of the venue created by Bernardin, while modernizing performances by incorporating, for instance, new technologies », adds Kathleen Tamisier. In the same vein, Paradis Latin called upon choreographer and director Kamel Ouali in 2019 to enhance the experience. ```e;er The Paradise Bird, a magazine that reinterprets the spirit of the cabaret in a modern way: “I drew inspiration from the history of the place by evoking Napoleon and Gustave Eiffel, he explains. Then, I wanted to use the codes of cabaret to transpose them to today’s energy, to my universe, and to everything that current events inspire me to explore, like ecology addressed in one of the scenes.”

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©Lucie Guerra/Le Bonbon

Without being in competition, the three institutions offer different shows that complement each other and are constantly evolving, catering to a clientele that is both from the Paris region and international. « You can go see several cabarets in a week, and each will be a totally different experience every time», claims Jean-Victor Clerico. More classic, the revue Féérie has been performed at the Moulin Rouge since 2000 and stands out as the quintessence of traditional cabaret, although it has gone through many changes in 24 years. On stage, about sixty dancers, impressive sets, and lavish feather costumes make up the four acts of this must-see show.