This is the Moulin Rouge Show in Paris

The year 1889 was the year of birth of two of the main symbols of Paris. One was the Eiffel Tower, and the other that concerns us today is the Moulin Rouge. At the foot of Montmartre rose this peculiar entertainment venue that over time has become the most famous cabaret in the world.

Outside its famous red mill is one of the most photographed icons of Paris. But what happens behind its doors? How is the show? Well if you join me we'll find out what the show is like and all the information you need to know about it.

The first thing you should know is that the Moulin Rouge show is so famous that they hang the "sold out" sign in each and every show they do. So the best and almost the only way to get your tickets for the Moulin Rouge with dinner is to do it online. And as far in advance as possible if you want a seat on the dates you want.

My recommendation is to get your tickets at least one month in advance. And if you are going to go on Friday or weekend with even more prevention. As a last minute resort you can try to get tickets at the box office, but it is almost impossible to find seats on the same day.

There are several options with different add-ons that make your tickets more expensive. The most basic one ranges from 70-90 euros depending on dates and passes and includes the ticket plus half a bottle of champagne. On that basis you can add to your ticket a dinner, or choose vip seats that raise the cost to approximately 150 euros or even more on some dates.

Although the name Moulin Rouge is known all over the world, the truth is that the show it hosts has another name. Féerie is its official name and it is a show of rarely seen proportions. It consists of more than 80 artists including dancers, jugglers, acrobats, etc.. The so-called "Doriss Girls" or "merry girls" popularized the famous Parisian Cancan.

The costumes also play a fundamental role in the show. The artists wear more than 1,000 Italian-designed dresses with feathers, rhinestones and sequins, all to the beat of a soundtrack performed by 80 musicians and 60 backing singers.

As for the show, it lasts almost two hours and is divided into 4+1 acts of its own theme:

• Act 1. The Moulin Rouge yesterday, today and forever.

The show begins with the lights off as the curtain opens and we are introduced to the entire company. The first number is a variety of music and dances that faithfully represent the essence of what the Moulin Rouge was, is and will continue to be.

• Act 2. Sandokan and the pirates

This second act revolves around the figure of Sandokan, the character created by the Italian Emilio Salgari. Through dance and pirate-themed scenarios we are told a story of adventure, danger and romance.

• Act 3. The circus

Here acrobats, clowns, jugglers and even miniature horses enter the stage with a circus show full of movement, lights and a great soundtrack. This act ends with the grand parade of the Doriss Girls and Doriss Dancers.

• Act 4. The Moulin Rouge from 1900 to...

This part is a tribute to Parisian women from the early 20th century and culminates with the famous French Cancan. This dance was the one that launched the Moulin Rouge to absolute fame for its acrobatic and sensual movements that for over 100 years have delighted the audience.

• Act 4+1. International artists

To round off the evening after watching the entire show, the Moulin Rouge invites international artists to delight the audience with their performances. From acrobats to dancers and singers have taken to this historic stage.

In short, the "Féerie" show is a show of incredible proportions. It certainly lives up to the expectations generated by the historical fame of the Moulin Rouge and its Cancan.

The Moulin Rouge has 2 performances per day, 7 days a week, every day of the year except on rare occasions. The first show is at 21:00 pm and the second at 23:00 pm.

If you want your pass with dinner included it is only offered on the 21:00 pm show although dinner is served at 19:00 pm before the show starts. If you choose this option you should arrive between 18:45 and 19:30. For all other passes it is advisable to arrive at least half an hour before, but please note that seating, except for VIP seats, is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Moulin Rouge was opened in 1889 by Joseph Oller, a Spanish businessman, and Charles Zidler. Like the Eiffel Tower, it was opened to take advantage of the international exhibition held that year in the French capital.

In its beginnings the business was known as a nightclub with the nickname of the "woman's palace" and although it did not start badly, the bad reputation it gained soon began to take its toll. To reinvent the room and give it a new life, its owners renovated it by adding the famous red mill that crowns its facade, in honor of the old mills that once populated the hill of Montmartre, and changed their business strategy.

It changed its name to Moulin Rouge, began hosting the most popular cabaret shows in the city and became a performance hall. It soon established itself as the number 1 in Paris. It was in the era known as the "belle epoque" of Paris where lust and shows were the order of the day.

The artist Tolouse Lautrec also played a fundamental role in the history of the Moulin Rouge by becoming its poster artist. This was not the only legend related to the red mill.

Since then and always backed by its fame the Moulin Rouge has gone through several stages adapting its shows to the times but always maintaining its status as an icon of Paris.

Surprisingly and contrary to what you may think, the Moulin Rouge show is suitable to see with children in Paris. Children from 6 years of age are allowed, always accompanied by an adult. The downside for the little ones are the show times and the price of the tickets.

It is not common for children to go, so there are no discounts for minors. However, the menus do include an option for children. Also keep in mind that the atmosphere in the area surrounding the Moulin Rouge in the hours after the show may not be appropriate.

Language is not a barrier at all to enjoying the show. The show enters through the eyes and ears without the need to make an effort to understand what is happening on stage. The costumes, the scenery, the dancers and the whole ensemble speak for themselves.

The Moulin Rouge dress code is not very strict and simpler than you might think. Stick to the word "formal" and you won't have any problems. Just don't wear a tracksuit or shorts.

Here it depends on whether you have chosen the dinner ticket or not. If you choose to dine at the Moulin Rouge you will be offered different options with mythical names related to the place such as the Toulouse-Lautrec menu. The cuisine is at the height of the show and consists of a starter, main course and dessert always accompanied by a bottle of champagne. Remember that the dinner option is only available with the 21:00 pass.

If you prefer to dine out, the surrounding area has a variety of dining options near the Moulin Rouge. Restaurants in the area serve between 19:00 and 22:00 hours so whichever pass you go to, you should always dine before.

It's easy to point out that this is the most famous cabaret show in the world. But the reality goes far beyond that. It is a more complete experience. Starting with the room itself, whose Belle Epoque aesthetics are worth seeing per se. Sticking to the show there are few like this for the deployment of means that do: The costumes, lighting, scenery, soundtrack and of course the entire roster of artists are of the highest level.

The way of experiencing it is also unique. There are few places where you can enjoy a show like this sitting at a table, accompanied by a bottle of champagne or a fine dinner if you prefer. For all this, and more things that I encourage you to discover, the "Féerie" show at the Moulin Rouge is more than recommended if you visit Paris.

To get the most out of the Moulin Rouge show, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your experience:

• The most important thing is to buy your tickets as far in advance as possible because the demand is very high especially on weekends.
• Once you have your tickets and go to the Moulin Rouge to enjoy the show, keep in mind that the seats or tables are distributed according to the order of arrival. If you want the best views go at least half an hour in advance. However, this does not apply to VIP tickets, which are already reserved.
• The Moulin Rouge has its own left-luggage service. It costs 2 euros and you will have to leave your bags and cameras there.
• You can leave your coat in the luggage room if you want but I recommend you to take it with you if you are cold because it can be a bit chilly in the room.
• Inside you are not allowed to take pictures or videos due to copyright issues of the show. But there is an official photographer who will come to your place if you want to immortalize the moment. The cost of the photo is high, about 20 euros.