The Moulin Rouge is one of the most iconic cabaret shows in Paris, France. Located in the city’s Montmartre neighborhood, the Moulin Rouge has been dazzling audiences with its spectacular can-can dances since 1889. With its extravagant costumes, elaborate sets, and charming French cabaret atmosphere, it’s no wonder the Moulin Rouge remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris over 130 years later.
However, like many famous tourist attractions, the Moulin Rouge does not come cheap. Standard ticket prices start around €105 ($115 USD) per person. And that’s not including drinks or dinner! So for budget-conscious travelers or those looking to save some money on this classic Parisian experience, cheap tickets to the Moulin Rouge can seem out of reach.
But don’t be dismayed! While the Moulin Rouge is certainly a splurge for most, there are still ways savvy travelers can find discounts on Moulin Rouge tickets. This article will explore multiple strategies for finding cheap Moulin Rouge tickets, including:
- Buying tickets well in advance
- Booking last minute tickets
- Visiting in the off-season
- Looking for ticket package deals
- Using public transportation
With a mix of planning ahead, scheduling flexibility, and knowing where to look, you can still experience the magic of the Moulin Rouge cabaret on a budget. Keep reading to learn money-saving tips that will have you cheering “Vive le Moulin!” in no time.
Buy Tickets Well in Advance
One of the best ways to score cheap Moulin Rouge tickets is to plan ahead and purchase them well in advance of your trip. The further out you can book tickets, the better deal you can generally get.
The Moulin Rouge website itself offers discounted rates when you book 3-6 months in advance. For example, at the time of writing in October 2023, the Moulin Rouge website is selling tickets for performances in March-April 2024 starting at just €77 ($85 USD) per person. Compared to the €105 ($115 USD) standard rate for tickets purchased last minute, buying 3-6 months in advance can save you around 26% off!
So if you already know your Paris travel dates, check the Moulin Rouge website as soon as possible and look for tickets for the performances farthest into the future. The shows, dancers and production are the same year-round, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything by booking early.
The one small catch is that early booking requires pre-paying for your tickets. So make sure to consider any risks around non-refundable pre-payments before purchasing. But for most travelers, the potential 20-30%+ discounts are worth locking in early.
Book Last Minute Tickets
On the other end of the planning spectrum, you can also score deals on Moulin Rouge tickets by waiting until the very last minute to purchase.
If a performance is not sold out, the Moulin Rouge will often release extra tickets at discounted rates in the days and hours leading up to the show. This tactic helps ensure full audience capacity each night.
The savings aren’t usually quite as substantial as buying months in advance – maybe 10-15% cheaper instead of 20-30%. However, the benefit of booking last minute tickets is that you can usually find discounts even for shows just a day or two away.
So if you are already in Paris or have a flexible itinerary, checking the Moulin Rouge website 2-3 days before your desired show date is a great way to potentially score seats at a discount. You can also try calling the box office directly to ask about last minute deals.
Just keep in mind that you are taking a risk by waiting – shows can sell out quickly and last minute tickets are never guaranteed to be available. But if you’re feeling spontaneous and want to chance finding a good deal, booking last minute can pay off!
Visit in the Off-Season
Visiting the Moulin Rouge during Paris’ low season is another reliable way to find cheaper tickets.
The high tourist season in Paris typically runs April through early October. During these months, most attractions are packed to the brim – including the Moulin Rouge. As a result, ticket prices across Paris rise to meet the surge in demand.
However, from November to March, Paris tourism dips significantly. With fewer visitors clamoring for entertainment, Parisian attractions often lower costs to entice tourists during the off-season.
The Moulin Rouge follows this same trend. Its website shows ticket prices around 10% cheaper for the low season winter months compared to the summer high season.
So if you can withstand Paris in the colder months, seeing the Moulin Rouge in November-March will typically land you a discount compared to peak season visits. Bundling up to save money could be the way to go!
Look for Ticket Packages
Many tourists prefer to enjoy the full Moulin Rouge experience by purchasing ticket packages that include pre-show drinks, dinner, and a bottle of champagne. These packages raise the total price up to €230+ ($250+ USD) per person.
But interestingly, some third party tour providers and ticket resellers are able to offer special deals on these ticket packages, making them cheaper than buying à la carte from the Moulin Rouge itself.
For example, on GetYourGuide.com, you can often book Moulin Rouge dinner and show packages priced around €199 ($220 USD) per person. On Viator.com, prices can be as low as €169 ($185 USD). Compared to €230+ ($250+ USD) when purchasing directly from the Moulin Rouge, these third parties offer savings of 15-25% or more.
The key is that sites like GetYourGuide and Viator partner directly with the Moulin Rouge to sell a certain allotment of tickets at discounted rates. So you still get the same exact show, dinner menu and champagne options – just at a lower price.
Be sure to read the fine print carefully when booking through a third party. But sites like these can offer some of the very best Moulin Rouge package deals available.
Use Public Transportation
This last money-saving tip may seem small, but every euro counts!
When visiting the Moulin Rouge, avoid pricey taxi or Uber rides to and from the venue. Instead, use Paris’ excellent public Metro system.
The nearest Metro stop to the Moulin Rouge is Blanche Station on Line 2. From central Paris locations like the Louvre or Eiffel Tower, you can reach Blanche Station in 15-20 minutes for just €1.90 ($2.10 USD).
The Moulin Rouge is just a 5 minute walk from Blanche Station, making the Metro by far the cheapest and easiest transportation option.
Saving those taxi/Uber costs and sticking to the Metro can spare €10+, which is money better spent on champagne at the show!
Conclusion
A trip to Paris would not be complete without experiencing the dazzling cabaret extravaganza of the Moulin Rouge. But expensive ticket prices can make seeing this iconic show a budget challenge.
Luckily, using strategies like booking early, traveling off-season, comparing ticket packages, and taking public transit can help you discover cheap tickets to the Moulin Rouge. With a little advance planning and flexibility, you can enjoy this world-famous Parisian spectacle without breaking the bank.
Ready to be mesmerized by the twirling skirts of the French can-can? Follow the money-saving tips above and prepare for an evening of unforgettable entertainment at the one and only Moulin Rouge!