Paris: Evening Sightseeing Tour and Moulin Rouge Show

Experience the Magic of Paris Night with a Luxurious Tour and Moulin Rouge Show

This evening sightseeing tour in Paris, offered at $199 per person, combines a luxury coach city tour with a ticket to the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret. Lasting 4 to 5 hours, it provides a well-rounded introduction to Paris’s illuminated monuments, along with an unforgettable cabaret performance that features more than 1,000 costumes and dazzling stage sets. The tour departs from near the Eiffel Tower, making it easy to find, and is suitable for travelers seeking a lively, full-evening experience in the French capital.

While the tour includes a champagne glass at the Moulin Rouge, it does not cover dinner or hotel transfers. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want to see Paris’s night skyline and enjoy the spectacle of the famous cabaret, although some reviews mention cramped seating at the show and a brief city tour. This package offers good value for a vibrant night out, especially for first-time visitors eager to combine sightseeing and entertainment.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: Cost is $199 per person for 4 to 5 hours of evening activities.
• Main Highlights: See Paris landmarks like Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Louvre on a luxury coach, then watch the Moulin Rouge Féérie cabaret.
• Includes Champagne: Enjoy a glass of champagne during the Moulin Rouge show.
• Optional River Cruise: Upgrade your experience with a river cruise (available as an option).
• Departure Point: Meet near Place de Sydney, on the corner of Avenue de Suffren and Rue Jean Rey.
• Exclusions: No dinner, no hotel pickup or drop-off, and cloakroom at Moulin Rouge is not included.

Starting the Night: Meeting and City Tour

The tour begins at a designated meeting point close to the Eiffel Tower, where a representative from ParisCityVision welcomes you with a “Pariscityvision” sign. The air-conditioned coach sets off for a guided sightseeing experience, with a multilingual hostess providing commentary through a helpful app download. The app offers details about passing landmarks such as Notre Dame and the Louvre, but reviews note that the commentary stops after the tour, so re-listening might be limited.

The city tour primarily focuses on the main attractions and some hidden corners, with the Seine River bridges particularly enchanting when lit at dusk. Travelers enjoy the chance to see the illuminated Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the Louvre, with the river reflections adding to the evening’s charm. The bus ride is not open-top, which limits opportunities for photos, but the guided commentary helps bring the sights to life.

The Enchanting Seine Bridges and Nighttime Landmarks

One of the memorable aspects of this tour is the passage over the historic bridges of the Seine River. As the coach glides past, the lights reflecting in the water create a romantic backdrop for photos. The illuminations of Paris’s monuments are especially striking at night, and the app commentary helps identify each landmark as you pass.

This segment gives a glimpse of Paris’s magical atmosphere at dusk, setting the tone for the evening’s entertainment. Although the coach is not open-topped, this route offers a comfortable way to see the city’s most famous sights without the crowds or the fatigue of a walking tour.

The Journey to the Moulin Rouge and Show Details

After the city sightseeing, the coach takes guests to the historic Moulin Rouge, a cabaret venue built in 1889 that claims to be the spiritual birthplace of the modern can-can. The cabaret hosts a Féérie show, performed by more than 100 artists, including 60 Doris Girls.

The stage sets are rich in colors and intricate drawings, created by Italian artists, and the costumes feature over 1,000 feathered and glittering outfits. The show includes a giant aquarium set to music played by 80 musicians and 60 chorus singers, offering a visual and auditory spectacle.

Guests enjoy a glass of champagne during the performance, adding a celebratory touch to the evening. The show is known for its stunning costumes, dazzling choreography, and dynamic acts, making it a highlight of the night.

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Seating and Venue Atmosphere at Moulin Rouge

Reviewers mention that seating can be cramped, with many tables designed for six people, which can lead to limited stage views, especially for those seated in the middle. The venue packs guests in tightly, and the crowded environment means limited mobility and a higher chance of obstructed views. Some reviews suggest arriving early to select better seats, as early arrivals tend to get closer proximity to the stage.

The mood of the venue is lively and bustling, with a full house of over a thousand costumes, vibrant stage sets, and a high-energy performance. The costumes and set design are praised for their colorful, elaborate style, and the music accompanying the acts creates an engaging atmosphere.

The Show’s Highlights: Costumes, Music, and Performers

The costumes at Moulin Rouge are a spectacle in their own right, with feathers, sequins, and glitter crafted in Parisian workrooms. The Italian designers‘ work results in outfits that are both extravagant and detailed. The dancers and performers showcase skills in dance and gymnastics, and the chorus singers contribute to the dynamic atmosphere.

The music score features original compositions that set the stage for each act, while the aquarium sequence adds an element of surprise and wonder. The choreography and costume changes keep the audience captivated throughout the performance.

Accessibility, Dress Code, and Practical Tips

The dress code for Moulin Rouge is formal, with no shorts allowed, and jackets and ties are encouraged. Pets and large bags are not permitted, and assistance dogs are allowed. The cloakroom at the venue is not included, so travelers are advised to leave large luggage behind.

The show is not suitable for children under 6, mainly because of adult content and the ambiance. For transportation back to central Paris, a drop-off service is provided, with stops at popular districts like Opéra, Champs Elysées, and Eiffel Tower. However, some reviews note that post-show transport may be limited, so travelers should plan accordingly.

The Optional River Cruise Upgrade

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, an upgrade option includes a Seine River cruise. While not included in the base price, this additional activity offers fantastic views of Paris’s illuminated bridges and monuments from the water. Many find that combining the city tour with a river cruise enhances the overall experience, especially for photography.

Practical Aspects and Tips for a Smooth Evening

Guests are advised to arrive at the meeting point early, ideally to avoid the weather if it’s rainy, since the waiting area offers no shelter. The meeting spot is well-marked, but reviews suggest arriving at least 15-20 minutes early.

The app commentary provides helpful insights, but some reviews mention it stops after the city tour, so re-listening might not be possible. Seats at the show can be cramped, so arriving early can help secure a better viewing position.

Cash is recommended for small expenses, and dinner is not included, so plan for prior or after-activities accordingly. Remember, no large luggage is allowed at Moulin Rouge, and formal dress is expected to match the elegant atmosphere.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This Paris evening experience is perfect for visitors wanting a comprehensive night in the city, combining sightseeing with world-famous entertainment. It suits first-time visitors eager to see Paris’s illuminated landmarks and enjoy a spectacular cabaret show with champagne. The tour offers great value considering the combo of city touring and Moulin Rouge tickets.

However, travelers should be prepared for cramped seating, crowded venues, and limited post-show transport, particularly if they have mobility issues or tight schedules. The optional river cruise can add another layer of enjoyment but requires separate booking.

In all, this tour provides a lively, festive night out in Paris, showcasing the city’s glamour, history, and entertainment culture in one package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Guests meet at the designated location near the Eiffel Tower, and a drop-off service is provided after the show.

Can I upgrade to include a river cruise?
Yes, there is an option to add a Seine River cruise as part of the experience. This upgrade offers beautiful views of Paris from the water.

What is the dress code at Moulin Rouge?
A formal dress code is expected, with no shorts allowed. Jackets and ties are encouraged, and the venue is suitable for those dressed elegantly.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The Moulin Rouge show is not recommended for children under 6 due to adult content and the upscale setting.

What languages are available for commentary?
The audio guide app supports multiple languages, including Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, English, Arabic, and Hindi.

How late does the show finish?
The late show typically ends around 1:10 am, which is quite late, so plan transport back to your hotel accordingly.

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