Moulin Rouge and sneakers?

You always have to assume that the potential to enforce the dress code is there. So if they decide to enforce the code that night, what do you do? Lose the value of the ticket? If you are going to attempt to violate their stated dress code, then you need to have a plan B.

Thanks Frank. That’s exactly what I figured. I think we will simply take a picture of the outside!

Oh Jane that is too bad! When we were planning a trip that included Paris one of the things that I really wanted to see was the show at the Moulin Rouge. I had asked those on this forum for advice about the show and if it was worth the time and effort, and everyone that responded said that it was not worth it: it was expensive, the food wasn't that good, it was always crowded, so touristy. While those assessments were not far off the mark, I found the show well worth it, something you won't get from seeing the outside. You have to decide just what you want out of the experience. But for me, it was something that I had thought I really wanted to see and if I had not, I would have been disappointed. After all the Eiffel Tower is touristy, but would you go to Paris and not see it?

You could consider buying a cheap pair of shoes and leaving them behind. Eg Kmart (in Australia) sells dress shoes for men for under $20. I’m sure they aren’t the best quality, but my husband has done this when a shoe broke at the last minute.

Take an old pair of shoes and leave them when you leave.

I often take a pair of flat black dress sandals when I travel and need to dress up. They weigh very little. Won’t work for your husband, but might work for you.

I wear Ecco shoes which double as sporty and dressy. Usually i receive compliments on them and they're very comfortable.

There's a pretty wide gap between athletic ("sport") shoes and dress shoes -- a gap filled with countless types of casual, non-athletic shoes; some of which provide great support to one's feet and are very comfortable for walking long distances. Before moving to France, I never brought athletic shoes with me -- just a couple of pairs of leather casual shoes, typically Ecco or Clark. In France, I usually buy Mephisto.

Solid Black sports shoes will pass, especially if the uppers resemble leather and the logo is black and therefore invisible. My New Balance pair visited many countries, looking like lumpy dress shoes but more comfortable all day long.

Hi Jane, if seeing a show at the Moulin Rouge was important to me, I’d pack an extra pair of shoes.

I had the same question. We are taking our teenage granddaughter who is a dancer, the Moulin Rouge was at the top of the list. My husband has Arthritis and can only where sport shoes! Trying to figure if we could plea our case but it's pricey to be turned away. Everyone's advice was good. Pictures from outside seems to be the safest bet.
Really appreciate this forum there is always some good advice from experienced travelers.

My husband buys shoes in Paris because he has narrow feet and gets a better fit in France. There are tons of shoes with athletic cushioned soles that have more dress casual tops -- And there are lots of walking shoes that have the comfort of athletic shoes without looking like giant white boats. So some attention to shoes that are likely to be viewed as appropriate in many venues might be in order.

there are lots of comfortable shoes that are not leather dress shoes but are casual shoes that are not the stereotypical giant white trainers.

If I wanted to see the Moulin Rouge and especially if I had a teen who really wanted to do this, then I would take the risk. I would see about acquiring comfortable athletic shoes that look less like trainers i.e. 1. get a good walking shoe with an athletic sole of if not possible then 2. get an athletic shoe that is a dark color and if not possible then just risk it. Have a plan B -- maybe the guy who insists he has to wear giant white athletic shoes everywhere go get a beer somewhere else while you and the teen go to the show.

I would risk just getting tickets and dress as nicely as possible and not worry about the shoes; odds are good you are okay.

Just to kill a few rumours on this thread. I visited Moulin rouge on 21/08/22 - I took smart shoes as per the dress code on the official website. There were, however, people in sneakers, trainers and I even saw one lady in crocs, so if you want to pack light you will be fine in trainers.

Also we arrived 2hrs early for the 9pm show as per some recommendations on forums and this was way too early. We could have waited another hour. Although the perks were a free couple of glasses of champagne and better seats.

The show was amazing, well worth the money!