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-   -   Moulin Rouge, Lido or Folies Beregere?? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/moulin-rouge-lido-or-folies-beregere-421481/)

Neva Apr 12th, 2004 08:26 AM

Moulin Rouge, Lido or Folies Beregere??
 
Hello -
What is a better show? My boyfriend and I are going to Paris and would like to see one show. I've been to Moulin Rouge once but my boyfriend has not. I liked it (especially the inteior and atmoshpere), but thought maybe other shows are worth a visit.
We are from NYC and falimiar with Broadway shows and would like to see something different or typical French and not tacky(we don't speak French so Lapin Agile is out).
Thank you.

Budman Apr 12th, 2004 08:41 AM

I've been to both the Moulin Rouge and Lido, and I would go for Moulin Rouge hands down. Have not been to the Folies Beregere, but I heard that the Crazy Horse might be another option.

http://www.lecrazyhorseparis.com/ ((b))

Bedar Apr 12th, 2004 08:47 AM

Yes, definitely go to the Crazy Horse Saloon !

oberost Apr 12th, 2004 08:59 AM

In our last visit to Paris my wife and I went to the Crazy Horse and thought it was a nice experience.

Neva Apr 12th, 2004 09:12 AM

Thank you, but I forgot to mention - I've been to Crazy Horse and was not impressed.

Christina Apr 12th, 2004 09:40 AM

I don't like these kind of things but have read reviews that said the Lido was among the best of that kind of thing -- it's convenient, also, being right on the Champs Elysees. NOne of these shows are like Broadway theater shows, they are like Las Vegas "revues", but if you've been to Moulin Rouge I guess you know that.

I don't think any of these can be typical French because they are, sort of by definition, tourist shows. That's who they are for,and any show dependent on nude showgirls, magicians, animal tricks, lasers, etc, is going to be tacky. Millions of tourists go to Lapin Agile and don't know French, so I think you could, but it's not the same kind of show. But it would be different and isn't the showgirl thing, so that might be an idea for you.

I do know some entertainment/shows that would be more typically French (not the showgirl cabarets, more comics, etc) but since you don't know French, they would be less suitable than Lapin Agile, I think.

I have also read that one of the best, "most French" of these kind of shows is one on the Left Bank, the Paradis Latin, so you might check this out
http://www.paradis-latin.com/def.asp

If you don't want the showgirl revue thing, there is a popular comedy show on the Right Bank in the 10th arr, with English comics, so that might be a fun night out but won't be French at all. This is the address: Hôtel du Nord, 102 quai de Jemmapes, 10e, M? Jacques Bonsergent/République.

There are other shows that might be more typically French, such as at the Casino de Paris, but they are often concerts, not those entertainment revue things. They do have some other things, though, like musical comedies or other acts, occasionally. Here is their URL if you want to check that
http://www.casinodeparis.fr/

I think that is only in French, though, but they do have a couple interesting things going on there.


ira Apr 12th, 2004 09:47 AM

Hi Neva,

>..would like to see something different or typical French and not tacky<

With all that there is to do in Paris, you are thinking of go to a Las Vegas-style show aimed at tourists?

Neva Apr 12th, 2004 10:07 AM

Thank you for everyone's input.
I guess Moulin Rouge is the best choice considering its history and atmoshpere. Lido sounds like a high class Vegas show that I can catch in the states...
Should I go for Moulin Rouge then?

ira Apr 12th, 2004 10:11 AM

>Lido sounds like a high class Vegas show that I can catch in the states...
Should I go for Moulin Rouge then?<

Only if you absolutely must. :)

Please, don't eat there. The food is very overpriced.

francophile03 Apr 12th, 2004 11:23 AM

I've been to the Moulin Rouge dinner/show but not to the Folies Bergere (or the Lido). I'm not sure how to define "classy" when it comes to any of these shows. Anyway, the MR show was pretty good in my opinion. Judging by the expressions on all the men sitting in my area they ALL could care less about the show itself if you know what I mean. I sat upclose to the stage and those guys sure got their eyesful allright.

I think you should make the decision for this.


Budman Apr 12th, 2004 11:42 AM

If you decide on Moulin Rouge, there's a great little restaurant a couple blocks away up Rue Lepic on Rue Veron called Le Restaurant. I would make a reservation for 8.00 and catch the second show at 10:30, or thereabouts.
Don't wear tennis shoes -- they won't let you in the Moulin Rouge. I had a pair of tan Rockports and had to argue with them. ((b))

johnthedorf Apr 13th, 2004 07:54 AM

We enjoyed the Moulin Rouge Dinner show and danced before the show began. The dinner (you could opt for wine instead of Champagne) was very good. It wasn't Bocuse but good. The show (and I don't go to shows) was beautiful. Great sets and fabulous costumes. We were actually surprised at the service, taste, and presentation. It is a tourist destination. Is that bad?

Katharine22 Apr 13th, 2004 10:02 AM

Haven't been to the others, but the Moulin Rouge was fun. They were out of seats, so they gave our group a "special price" including two glasses of champagne and sat us on some stairs to watch the show. The staff was a lot of fun and we had a great time.


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