Moulin Rouge celebrates 125 years
As quintessentially Parisian as the Eiffel Tower or the Sacre Coeur, the Moulin Rouge cabaret on Monday celebrates its 125th anniversary and it's in very good shape considering its age.
Immortalised by the painter Toulouse-Lautrec and more recently by Nicole Kidman in Baz Luhrmann's eponymous film, the iconic red neon windmill in the heart of Paris's Pigalle red-light district is still pulling in the punters.
Shrugging off the economic crisis, the Moulin Rouge is sold out nearly every night for its two two-hour shows, seven nights a week, 365 nights a year, for tourists and locals in roughly even numbers.
The Moulin Rouge's vital statistics are impressive for such a venerable old institution: occupancy rate of 97 per cent, 600,000 guests a year and 450 staff, generating an annual turnover of 65 million euros ($A87.64 million).
Attracted by the history and mild titillation of the 60 can-canning Doriss Girls, tourists flock there in their droves, led by the Chinese, Russians and Americans.
They come to drink in the champagne – 240,000 bottles a year, the biggest consumer outside wholesale retailers – and the history, knowing that Edith Piaf, Liza Minnelli and Frank Sinatra have all trodden the boards here.
The spirit of the scantily-clad Doriss Girls of the past like La Goulue and Nini Pattes still stalks the stage where their 21st-century successors from 14 countries strut their stuff.
Vital statistics of a different kind: each Doriss Girl must be at least 1.75 metres tall and a classically trained dancer.
Their partners on stage, the Doriss Boys, must be at least 1.85 metres, as must the jugglers and acrobats who complete the show.
The costume room sparkles with 800 pairs of shoes and 1,000 feathery costumes.
Several times a year, hundreds of young women hoping to can-can in the footsteps of history turn up for casting but very few are chosen under the watchful eye of ballet mistress Janet Pharaoh.
From the moment it opened its door in 1889, the Moulin Rouge was a smash hit, as Parisians streamed in their thousands to watch the high-kicking dancers perform their moves in what would later become known as the "French can-can".
Within a year, it had attracted its first royal patron, the legendary carouser Edward VII, Prince of Wales, who was reportedly accosted by the famous show-girl La Goulue.
"Oi, Wales, champagne's on you," she cried out to the royal guest in the middle of the show, or so the story goes.
It also played host to the Bal des Quat'z'arts, a risque masked ball climaxing in the procession of Cleopatra – a naked woman carried by four men and surrounded by "nude girls who lay, languid, on flower beds," according to the show's website.
Famous punters abound: Salvador Dali, Ringo Starr, George Michael and Elton John are among the legends who could not resist the charms of the Moulin Rouge.
Even the King himself, Elvis Presley, was a regular on trips to Paris.
The cabaret has passed into popular culture, not only with Luhrmann's 2001 film but before that in 1952 with John Huston's version starring Zsa Zsa Gabor.
Moulin Rouge dancers also hold two impressive world records, according to the Guinness Book.
In 2010, 30 dancers performed between them 720 high-kicks in 30 seconds, claiming a new world record.
And the Moulin Rouge troupe also holds the record for the most consecutive jump-splits in 30 seconds, 62 by 30 dancers.
"The Moulin Rouge draws its power from its history, from the Bohemian lifestyle of the Belle Epoque, from the French can-can that made it famous from the beginning, from the artists down the ages who came here," current owner Jean-Jacques Clerico told AFP.
"In 2014, the Moulin is still celebrating Parisian life and writing a new chapter in its history."
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
moulin rougeLatest News
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.