Paris: First Show Moulin Rouge with Champagne & Seine Cruise

If you’re dreaming of a night in Paris that combines dazzling entertainment with stunning city views, this tour promises just that. Designed for those wanting a classic Parisian experience, it offers a blend of world-famous cabaret and an elegant river cruise. We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and what you can expect, so you can decide if this aligns with your travel style.

What we love about this experience is how it packs two memorable activities into one evening — you get to enjoy the glamour of the Moulin Rouge’s legendary revue with complimentary Champagne, plus a scenic cruise on the Seine the following day. It’s a good way to see some of Paris’s top sights in a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. A possible downside? The cruise tickets are valid for six months and are handed out during the tour, which might cause some confusion if you’re expecting to do the cruise on the same night. Still, for many, the value and overall experience outweigh this small inconvenience.

This tour works best for visitors who want a taste of Paris’s vibrant nightlife and iconic sights without fussing over logistics. It’s ideal if you appreciate shows, scenic river views, and a touch of elegance, but keep in mind, it’s not suited for very young children or those with mobility issues—it’s a night out that leans toward adult audiences.

Key Points

• Two-in-One Experience: Enjoy the Moulin Rouge show and a Seine river cruise, making for a well-rounded Parisian night.
• Includes Champagne: Sip on a glass or half a bottle, depending on your chosen option, with the option for more drinks at the show.
• Flexible Cruise Ticket: The Seine cruise ticket is valid for six months, giving you flexibility to use it on a different day if desired.
• Comfortable Transportation: From the centrally-located meeting point, transportation to the Moulin Rouge is included, easing your evening logistics.
• Authentic Entertainment: The Moulin Rouge features a troupe of 100 artists, with magnificent costumes, original music, and an energetic can-can performance.
• Informed Guides: Reviewers frequently mention knowledgeable, friendly hosts who help make the experience seamless.
• Great Value: The package offers a lot for the price—combining two popular Paris experiences at an attractive rate.
• Room for Improvement: Some review comments highlight seating positions that limit stage views, and the cruise details could be clearer.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Meeting Point and Transportation

Your evening begins at the designated meeting point, which from April 1, 2024, is Moulin Rouge, 82 Boulevard de Clichy. The guides are quite helpful and speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, and more. If you’re arriving by metro, take Line 2 – Blanche — a straightforward route for many visitors. The guide will typically meet you outside the ticket office, often dressed in a red jacket, making them easy to spot.

Once everyone gathers, you’ll hop onto a spacious coach that takes you from the meeting point directly to the Moulin Rouge at the foot of Montmartre. The ride is smooth, and the guides usually keep the atmosphere lively and informative. After the show, drop-offs happen at central locations such as Opéra, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, or Bastille, which makes your return to the hotel easy, either by taxi or public transport.

The Moulin Rouge Show

The highlight for many is the Féerie revue, which features a cast of around 100 artists, including 60 Doris Girls dressed in glittering costumes and feathered headdresses. The stage is lavish, with Italian-designed sets, stunning lighting, and vibrant colors. The show lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, packed with energetic dance routines, original music performed by 80 musicians and a 60-voice chorus, and a sense of Parisian decadence that’s hard to match.

Many reviewers note that the show is spectacular and entertaining, with some describing it as “a blast” or “brilliant,” especially appreciating the costumes and choreography. However, seating arrangements can vary. One guest mentioned getting a seat in the extreme right corner, which limited their view of the backdrops. The suggestion here is that center seats would enhance your experience, especially if you’re keen on full stage views.

Champagne and Drinks

Included in your ticket is a glass or a half bottle of Champagne, depending on the package you choose. This adds a celebratory touch, allowing you to toast the performers and soak in the glamour. Some reviews highlight that there’s limited service during the show, with only a few servers attending to the crowd, which means drinks can be hard to get if you’re thirsty. One reviewer mentioned that although drinks could be ordered, they weren’t very prompt or abundant.

The Seine River Cruise

The day after your Moulin Rouge experience, you can enjoy a scenic cruise along the Seine River. The ticket you receive from the tour is valid for six months, and you’re free to use it on any day within that period. This flexibility is appreciated by many, especially if your schedule is tight or weather conditions aren’t ideal on your first attempt.

The cruise takes place on a glass-enclosed boat, which makes for comfortable viewing regardless of weather. You’ll glide past iconic Paris landmarks including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the lush Tuileries Gardens. As night falls, the illuminated gargoyle statues of Notre-Dame and sparkling city sights create a magical atmosphere.

Reviews praise the views as beautiful and romantic, though some note that the cruise can be quite busy, especially if you go during peak times. The audio commentary is helpful, offering context about the sights along the river. This part of the experience is about serenity and seeing the city from a different perspective.

The Practical Side

The tour includes multilingual hosts, making navigation smoother for international travelers. The total duration is approximately 5.5 hours, which includes the transfer, show, and cruise. If you opt for the “reserve now, pay later” option, you can be flexible with your plans — a smart move if your schedule is uncertain.

It’s worth noting that formal dress is required for the Moulin Rouge, adding a touch of elegance to your evening. Also, cloakroom fees are not included, so pack accordingly if you want to avoid extra charges. The tour excludes food, so you might want to plan dinner beforehand or explore options nearby the meeting point or your hotel after the show.

Many reviewers have shared their impressions, with overwhelmingly positive notes. Comments like “the costumes were amazing, the theatre is beautiful, and the show is a blast” highlight the visual spectacle. Others appreciated the friendly, helpful guides who made the entire evening smooth.

A common theme is that the value for money is good, especially considering the two activities bundled into one evening. Guests also mention that despite the crowd and the busy atmosphere, they felt safe and cared for throughout.

Some points of concern included seating arrangements that didn’t always offer the best views, and the fact that the river cruise ticket is valid for future use rather than on the same night, which can cause some initial confusion but offers flexibility.

If you’re looking for a classic Parisian night out, this experience delivers. It’s particularly suitable for adults and older teens who will appreciate the glamour and entertainment. It’s a great pick for couples, friends, or anyone wanting a memorable evening without the hassle of planning multiple bookings.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility issues, this might not be the most comfortable option. The seating at Moulin Rouge can be tight, and the late show might be tiring for some. Likewise, those expecting a dinner experience should note food isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

Does the tour include transportation to and from the Moulin Rouge? Yes, a coach picks you up from the meeting point and drops you off at central locations afterward, making travel smooth.

Is the Seine cruise on the same night as the show? Not necessarily. The cruise ticket is valid for six months and can be used on a different day; the tickets are handed out during the tour.

Do I need to book the cruise separately? No, the cruise tickets are included in your package, but they are for future use, not on the same night as the show.

What is the dress code for Moulin Rouge? Formal dress is required — think smart casual or evening wear to match the cabaret’s elegant atmosphere.

Can I bring children? The tour isn’t recommended for children under 6, and the show’s late hour and adult themes make it less suitable for younger kids.

Are drinks available during the show? You’ll receive a complimentary drink, but additional drinks can be scarce and limited in service during the performance.

What if I want to do the boat cruise before the show? You’ll need to collect your cruise tickets beforehand at the Paris CityVision office, as the cruise is scheduled for the next day unless you plan to use the ticket later.

Is this experience good value? Considering it combines two popular Paris attractions at a reasonable price, most reviews agree it’s a strong value, especially since the Seine cruise is flexible for future dates.

This combined Moulin Rouge and Seine cruise experience offers a lively, visually stunning way to enjoy Paris after dark. The show is undeniably impressive, with its talented performers, elaborate costumes, and energetic performances. The cruise adds a peaceful and picturesque element, perfect for taking in the city’s beauty from the water.

While seating and cruise timing might be minor drawbacks, the overall package provides excellent value for those wanting a memorable evening that captures the spirit of Paris. It’s best suited for travelers seeking entertainment and scenic views in one package, especially if you appreciate a bit of elegance and excitement.

If you’re looking to tick off two iconic Paris experiences in one go, this tour is worth considering — just be sure to plan your logistics carefully and dress sharply. With friendly guides, good reviews, and a classic itinerary, it’s a night out in Paris that many will remember fondly.

You can check availability for your dates here: