What would Paris be without its bars, clubs, and nightspots? Long before these venues appeared, it was in cabarets that Parisian nightlife first flourished.
From the early 19th century, Parisians gathered there to eat, drink, dance, and sing while artists performed on stage. Some cabarets have survived the test of time, while others have reinvented themselves.
Here’s a look at former cabarets that transformed into modern nightlife venues—and one legendary cabaret that has remained true to its roots.
Raspoutine – The Russian Cabaret Turned Exclusive Nightclub
Once a famed Russian cabaret, Raspoutine has long attracted artists and celebrities, including Serge Gainsbourg.
Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, this historic venue is now a high-end baroque-style nightclub, officially listed as a historical monument.
From 11 p.m. onward, Raspoutine turns into a chic and mysterious den for Parisian night owls, offering a glamorous throwback to the city’s bohemian past.
Address:
58 rue de Bassano
75008 Paris
Chez Moune – From Lesbian Cabaret to Underground Club
A pillar of Parisian nightlife since the 1930s, Chez Moune was once a female-only cabaret, one of the first of its kind in Paris.
Today, it has become a trendy underground club popular among young Parisians.
Nestled in Pigalle, this venue mixes a vintage aesthetic with cutting-edge sounds, serving cocktails and champagne late into the night in a liberated, electric atmosphere.
Address:
54 rue Jean-Baptiste Pigalle
75009 Paris
Oh! Happy – Cabaret Bar and Live Concerts
Located in the 2nd arrondissement, Oh! Happy combines the conviviality of a cabaret with the energy of a live concert hall.
In a warm and inviting setting, guests enjoy live performances across musical genres, before continuing the evening with drinks and dancing until 1:30 a.m.
It’s the perfect spot for those who love a lively night out blending music, food, and fun.
Address:
23 rue Saint-Marc
75002 Paris
Madame Arthur – The Transformist Cabaret Club
Welcome to Madame Arthur, where burlesque meets French chanson.
This historic Montmartre cabaret celebrates the art of drag and parody, offering shows filled with humor, sensuality, and theatrical flair—all performed in French!
After the performances, DJs take over with French pop remixes and vintage hits, keeping the party alive until the early morning hours.
Address:
75 rue des Martyrs
75018 Paris
Le Paradis Latin – The Oldest Cabaret in Paris Still Shining Bright
While many former cabarets have reinvented themselves as bars or clubs, Le Paradis Latin stands as a rare example of authentic tradition preserved.
Founded in 1803 by Napoleon Bonaparte and rebuilt in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, this legendary venue remains one of the great institutions of Parisian nightlife.
It is not a simple cabaret bar, but a historic theater of celebration, where guests can dine, drink, and be dazzled by an unforgettable show.
On stage since 2019, L’Oiseau Paradis—directed and choreographed by Kamel Ouali—enchants audiences with a mix of poetry, sensuality, humor, and technology.
Performed by over 30 international artists, the revue captures the spirit of the Grande Revue Parisienne, blending timeless glamour with modern creativity.
Just like in a club, guests can enjoy champagne and cocktails at their table, but here the night takes on an extra sparkle—the elegance of a true Parisian cabaret.
Address:
Le Paradis Latin
28 rue du Cardinal Lemoine
75005 Paris
Times have changed: most of Paris’s former cabarets have evolved into clubs and bars to keep up with modern nightlife.
But since its 1889 reconstruction by Gustave Eiffel, Le Paradis Latin has continued to captivate audiences with its spectacular shows, historic atmosphere, and unmatched Parisian charm—a living symbol of the city’s eternal flair for celebration.
