When in Rome ... umm, I mean, when in Paris ....
Can anyone comment on the Moulin Rouge and/or Crazy Horse burlesque shows?
I don't want to go to a strip club, but if it's Paris, and if it's classy, then I presume it could be an "experience."
ParisVisions offers packages so I assume it's totally above-board.
[Edit: I must confess that I don't know the difference between burlesque and cabaret.]
Thanks!
In the states I do NOT go to "strip" clubs. I am assuming that the burlesque shows in Paris that I've mentioned retain the class that used to be associated with this type of entertainment in years past in America, but not in recent times (i.e., Sally Rand?).
I only want to go if it's the sort of thing that locals and tourists alike would go to with spouses, and consider it Parisian entertainment.
In other words, if it's a bit of Paris culture, then great. But if it's as trashy as most American strip clubs, then no thanks.
"Bare breasts sometimes" is a mis-statement. Some part, if not most parts, of each show have long-legged gals with their boobs hanging out.
Admittedly, I've only been there once and it was probably way before you were born, but it costs like the dickens and wasn't worth it. I've been by the place a bunch of times in the intervening years and the only folks I saw going in were what appeared to be tourists. I can't imagine anyone who lives in Paris wasting there money on the dump.
The last time I was in Paris with others who insisted on going there was about a year and a half ago. I urged them not to bother but gave them a steer and went somewhere else myself. There report at the end of the evening was that they had wasted their money.
If you want a better show (sorry, no skin, but Edith Piaf type songs and a pretty good show) try the Lapin Agile -- a rather famous cabaret. It's up on the hill at the corner of Rue des Soules and Rue St Vincent (couple of blocks north and slightly west of Place du Tertre -- across from cemetery). The show costs about twenty-five euros. They don't serve grub.
You said: "I only want to go if it's the sort of thing that locals and tourists alike would go to with spouses."
Here are some prior reviews posted here, browsing these should give you the info you seek:
http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=31294
[edit: the link now works]
that link is not working - it gives a message saying the page is not found or something like that.
I would love to read the reviews.
Yep, broken link, I fixed both of them just now, so try it again, either this one or the one above will work:
http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=31294
The first reply post gives 3 more links to more reviews of Moulin Rouge.
I think you'll see our reviewers weren't too impressed, in terms of value for the price.
Those discussions sum it up as not worth it, with Le Lido being a much better alternative.
Thanks again.
Marshall: Yes, that's what most reviews here have concluded. And you can see from the reviews linked to above that at least a couple of Paris locals have suggested Le Lido instead of Moulin Rouge.
My wife and I went to the Moulin Rouge last year. Expensive and a waste of time. Very similar to a Las Vegas extravaganza only very low low low budget. Actually, the comedian and magician were the best of the night.
Do not waste your time and money.
