Thinking about experiencing one of Paris’s great cabarets but not sure which one to choose? Or simply curious about these legendary venues?
Temples of glamour and art de vivre à la française, the great Parisian cabarets are world-famous for their dazzling revues filled with feathers, sequins, and sparkle. But how did they build their legend—and what makes a cabaret “great”? Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Are the Great Cabarets of Paris So Famous?
If you had to describe the great Parisian cabarets in three words, they would be history, prestige, and enchantment.
Indeed, these are prestigious venues steeped in history—some opened more than a century ago. Take, for example, the oldest cabaret in Paris: Le Paradis Latin. Founded by Napoleon Bonaparte as a theater in 1803, it reopened as a cabaret in 1889, rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel for the World’s Fair. Le Paradis Latin therefore boasts over 130 years of existence—a living symbol of Parisian heritage.
Through the decades, these grand cabarets have embodied the very soul of Parisian entertainment, helping forge the city’s reputation as a capital of freedom, culture, elegance, and glamour.
They have long been places of creative effervescence and emancipation, attracting leading figures from the artistic and intellectual worlds: Toulouse-Lautrec, Boldini, Balzac, and Alexandre Dumas in the 19th century; later Frank Sinatra, Line Renaud, Elton John, and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Beyond their extraordinary history, the great cabarets of Paris have built their fame on their spectacular revues. Combining bold choreography (including the famous French Cancan) with enchanting performances, they transport audiences into a world of sensuality and fantasy. The most talented artists take to their stages, illuminated by lavish sets, costumes, and lighting effects that embody Parisian chic at its finest.
With their large seating capacity and exceptional technical resources, the great cabarets are true theaters of grandeur—where everything from stage direction to dining service is executed with precision and artistry.
Which Paris Cabaret Should You Choose?
The Most Authentic and Intimate of the Great Cabarets
Among the four major cabarets in Paris, Le Paradis Latin stands out as the most authentic and intimate. A prestigious yet welcoming venue steeped in magic, it has been nestled in the Latin Quarter since 1889—and is the only grand cabaret located on the Left Bank, while the others are found near Montmartre or the Champs-Élysées.
If you’re seeking authenticity, elegance, and creativity, Le Paradis Latin is the perfect choice. Every detail reflects excellence: the sets and costumes are designed by leading professionals in the industry, and the dinner-show menus are created by multi-Michelin-starred chef Guy Savoy. The cabaret continually renews itself with revues that blend tradition and modernity, honoring its heritage while embracing innovation.
For the 2023 and 2024 seasons, two shows directed and choreographed by Kamel Ouali are currently on stage:
“Mon Premier Cabaret” – a vibrant, family-friendly introduction to the world of cabaret.
“L’Oiseau Paradis” – a poetic and contemporary revue that remains true to the timeless spirit of traditional Parisian cabaret.
Le Paradis Latin
28 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris
