Discover · Visit · Go out · Live
05 · Cabarets, shows and nightlife
From Lapin Agile to the stages of Pigalle, Montmartre remains a district of performance, music and lively nights. Large cabarets sit beside intimate theatres, historic concert halls, independent cinemas and bars made for conversation. This variety rewards planning: times, prices, seating and minimum ages differ widely. Choosing an evening to suit your tastes avoids standard packages and reveals a still highly creative neighbourhood.
The historic portal, new edition
From Lapin Agile to the stages of Pigalle, Montmartre remains a district of performance, music and lively nights. Large cabarets sit beside intimate theatres, historic concert halls, independent cinemas and bars made for conversation. This variety rewards planning: times, prices, seating and minimum ages differ widely. Choosing an evening to suit your tastes avoids standard packages and reveals a still highly creative neighbourhood.
Each subsection brings together essential pointers, clear explanations, addresses and ideas for further discovery. Read the whole page as a short feature or go directly to the topic that interests you. Information likely to change — hours, prices, programmes, access or booking — is linked to official sources so you can check before travelling.
The selection favours varied experiences and understanding the district. It does not attempt to rank everything or impose one route: Montmartre is also discovered according to the weather, the day’s energy, your companions and encounters along the way.
Going out
Cocktail bars, wine cellars, small counters and music venues spread between Abbesses, Pigalle and lower rue des Martyrs. Some offer elaborate menus and reservations, while others are simple places to visit spontaneously. Check prices, closing times and possible concerts or private events. Late at night, keep noise down when leaving commercial streets for residential areas.
Going out
Moulin Rouge represents the large international revue with costumes, dance and spectacular staging. Lapin Agile preserves a more intimate tradition linked to song, poetry and artists’ cabarets. Madame Arthur continues Pigalle’s popular music-hall and drag history. These experiences differ greatly, so check duration, language, package, seating and dress rules before booking.
Going out
Studio 28, opened in 1928, remains an emblematic independent cinema in Montmartre, with arthouse programming and a history tied to the avant-garde. Other screens are available around place de Clichy and the boulevards. A film makes an excellent rainy-day break or transition before dinner. Check the film version, times and possible discussions with filmmakers or critics.
Going out
La Cigale, Le Trianon and Élysée Montmartre host concerts in historic venues along boulevard de Rochechouart. Théâtre de l’Atelier, Théâtre Lepic and Funambule offer more intimate formats, from contemporary work to family shows. Programmes change throughout the year and capacities may be small. Book when a performer or production interests you, then plan the journey back, as some shows finish late.
Keep exploring
Move between topics to build a complete visit: a monument means more with its history, a walk improves with a good break and an evening naturally extends cultural discovery.