Paradis Latin

Paris

Located in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter, the historic Paradis Latin is a Gustave Eiffel-designed landmark showcasing dazzling exhibitions of trapeze, comedy, and the iconic French cancan. This legendary venue, originally commissioned by Napoleon, offers a premier cultural experience that blends 19th-century architectural grandeur with spectacular contemporary performances.

Stepping into the Paradis Latin is a journey into the heart of Parisian history, as it holds the title of the city's oldest cabaret. Originally commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 as the Théâtre Latin, the venue quickly became a cultural epicenter for the Left Bank, attracting literary giants such as Honoré de Balzac and Alexandre Dumas. After being destroyed during the Franco-Prussian War, the theater lay in ruins until it was magnificently resurrected by Gustave Eiffel in 1889. Eiffel, working simultaneously on his namesake tower, infused the cabaret with his signature industrial elegance, creating a space that seamlessly blends the opulence of the Belle Époque with a robust, pioneering metal framework.

The architecture of the Paradis Latin is a marvel of 19th-century design, characterized by a soaring, cathedral-like volume that reaches seventeen meters in height. The centerpiece of the venue is the stunning Eiffel Cupola, an intricate metallic dome that was uncovered during a 1970s renovation by Jean Kriegel. This cupola, along with seventy hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers and ornate mosaics in the Napoléon Bar and Klimt Bar, creates a setting of unparalleled glamour. The legendary Great Hall is designed to provide an intimate yet electric atmosphere, allowing up to 650 guests to feel connected to the vibrant energy radiating from the stage.

Visitors today are treated to a multisensory experience that begins with a gourmet pre-show dinner curated by the triple Michelin-starred chef Guy Savoy. As the lights dim, the current revue, L'Oiseau Paradis, takes center stage under the creative direction of renowned choreographer Kamel Ouali. The atmosphere is a high-octane celebration of French creativity, featuring a diverse cast of aerial acrobats, singers, and dancers who perform a modern, daring version of the iconic French Cancan. This production utilizes state-of-the-art technologies, including stunning visual effects and projections, to enhance a show that remains deeply rooted in the sensual and mischievous spirit of traditional cabaret.

The ambiance within the Paradis Latin is one of inclusive luxury and refined revelry. Unlike many other tourist-heavy venues, it maintains a distinctively authentic Parisian soul, nestled in the historic Latin Quarter near Notre-Dame. From the moment you are welcomed by the troupe of performers upon arrival to the grand finale of the 90-minute spectacle, the experience is designed to be immersive and unforgettable. It is a place where the "scoundrel charm" of old Paris meets the cutting-edge artistry of the present, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking to experience the true pulse of Parisian nightlife.

Highlights

Admire the stunning interior architecture and metallic structure designed by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century.
Experience the L'Oiseau Paradis revue, a spectacular show directed and choreographed by the famous Kamel Ouali.
Watch the high-energy and legendary French Cancan, a quintessentially Parisian dance performed in the venue's historic tradition.
Enjoy a gastronomic meal featuring seasonal French cuisine with menus designed by Michelin-starred chef Guy Savoy.
Marvel at the Immersive Pre-show where artists interact directly with the audience to create a festive and convivial atmosphere.
Gaze up at the impressive Painted Cupola, a historic feature that crowns the theater's grand, cathedral-like volume.

Must-Dos

Arrive at the venue early to capture a photo of the illuminated historic facade on Rue du Cardinal Lemoine before the crowds gather.
Sip on a glass of chilled Champagne while soaking in the buzzing, red-velvet atmosphere of the theater before the lights dim.
Pay close attention to the intricate costume details and shimmering sequins as performers move through the aisles near your table.
Take a moment to feel the historic vibrations of the wooden stage floor that has hosted Parisian cabaret stars for over a century.
Listen for the playful pop of corks and the melodic swell of the orchestra that signals the transition into the main performance.
Look for the subtle architectural flourishes in the mezzanine level that showcase the theater's dual identity as a landmark and a playhouse.

Guidelines

All guests must pass through a security checkpoint and visual inspection before entering the theater.
Only small bags and personal items are permitted inside the venue and will be searched upon arrival.
Any type of flash photography is strictly prohibited to ensure the safety of the performers.
The use of professional recording equipment, including video and audio devices, is not allowed during the show.
Food and drink from outside the venue are not permitted inside the theater.
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited anywhere within the building or on the premises.
Guests are expected to remain silent and respectful during the performance to avoid disturbing others.

Tips

Arrive at 28, Rue du Cardinal Lemoine at least 30 minutes before your scheduled showtime to allow for check-in and seating.
Book your tickets in advance for the dinner-show option to enjoy a gourmet meal crafted by multi-Michelin-starred chef Guy Savoy and exclusive desserts by Pierre Hermé.
Visit on weekdays if you prefer a more relaxed ambiance with better seating availability, as weekends tend to be much more crowded and lively.
Follow the smart-casual dress code by wearing elegant attire and avoiding items like shorts, flip-flops, or athletic wear to match the glamorous atmosphere.
Take Metro Line 10 to the Cardinal Lemoine station for the most convenient access, as it is located just a five-minute walk from the venue.
Mention any vegetarian preferences or food allergies when booking your dinner-show package so the kitchen can adapt the menu to your needs.

Why Visit

To experience the true pulse of Parisian nightlife, one must step away from the neon-lit tourist traps and into the Paradis Latin, a venue that remains the beating heart of the Latin Quarter. This is where the city’s storied past meets its avant-garde future, offering a multisensory masterpiece that begins the moment you are greeted by the troupe upon arrival. Unlike other venues, this cabaret provides an intimate, electric atmosphere where the lines between the stage and the audience blur, inviting you to become a participant in a high-octane celebration of French creativity and legendary "scoundrel charm."

From the playful pop of Champagne corks to the melodic swell of the live orchestra, every moment is designed to stir the soul and awaken the spirit. You will find yourself mesmerized by the shimmering sequins of costumes passing inches from your table and the theatrical magic of Kamel Ouali’s choreography, which reinvents the iconic French Cancan with daring, modern energy. The air is thick with a whiff of sensuality and joy, as world-class aerialists and dancers perform beneath the historic metallic cupola, creating a surreal and surprising atmosphere that is both quintessentially Parisian and breathtakingly new.Paradis Latin is not just a show, but a profound immersion into the authentic glamour and carefree elegance of Paris that will leave a lasting impression on your heart.

When to Visit

Arrival Before the Pre-Show Revelry

Strategic visitors should aim to reach the Rue du Cardinal Lemoine entrance between 7:30pm and 8:00pm, as the main performance typically starts at 9:00pm. Arriving during this window allows you to navigate security checkpoints efficiently before the primary surge of theatergoers. Early entry provides ample time to find your designated cabaret table and enjoy the immersive "prologue" performances where dancers and musicians interact with the audience throughout the lounge and bar areas.

Avoiding the Tuesday Dark Night

Logistical planning must account for the fact that the venue remains closed on Tuesdays. Mid-week visits on Wednesdays or Thursdays often see slightly more manageable crowds compared to the high-demand weekend slots. Because this is a dinner-show environment with assigned cabaret seating, the interior volume remains consistent, but the surrounding Latin Quarter streets are notably less congested earlier in the work week.

Illuminating the Eiffel Ironwork

The historic facade and Gustave Eiffel’s metallic interior structure are best viewed under the venue's professional show lighting, which activates as the doors open at 7:30pm. You should capture your exterior photos of the illuminated historic facade immediately upon arrival while the street light is transitioning. Once inside, the interplay of shadow and light on the exposed ironwork is most dramatic before the main house lights dim for the primary cabaret act.

How to Visit

Finding your way to a night of classic Parisian cabaret is a straightforward affair if you know the layout. Since the venue is tucked away in the 5th arrondissement, your best bet for a smooth arrival is to head toward the 28, Rue du Cardinal Lemoine entrance. Budget roughly four hours for the full experience, especially if you have opted for the dinner service, as the flow of the evening is designed to be savored slowly.

Navigating the Eiffel Framework

Once you pass the initial security screening, the internal logic of the theater reveals itself. Unlike modern, sprawling arenas, this space is an intimate masterpiece of 19th-century engineering.

Check your larger belongings at the Vestiaire (cloakroom) immediately upon entry to ensure you aren't cramped at your table.
Follow the ushers toward the Parterre if you are seated on the main floor, or head up the side stairs to the Balcony for a birds-eye view of the metallic cupola.
Before the main lights dim, take a moment to walk toward the edge of the stage area to see the intricate ironwork details that are often missed once the show begins.

Master the Latin Quarter Logistics

The neighborhood can be a bit of a maze, so arriving via the Cardinal Lemoine metro station (Line 10) or Jussieu (Lines 7 and 10) is the most efficient strategy. Both stations put you within a five-minute walk of the front doors. If you finish your evening after the show ends around 11:30pm, the taxi stand on the corner of Boulevard Saint-Germain is typically the most reliable spot to catch a ride back to your hotel.

Schedules

Opening Hours

Paradis Latin is open from 7:30pm to 11:30pm every day except for Tuesdays.
Guests attending for the show only should arrive by the last entry time of 9:00pm.
Those booking a dinner-show package must arrive when doors open at 7:30pm for the pre-show.

Special Days

The cabaret remains closed on Tuesdays but stays open year-round for most other dates.

Special gala evenings with unique dinner-show packages are held on February 14, July 14, December 24, and December 31.

Reservations for these public holidays and special dates are strictly non-refundable and cannot be modified or cancelled.

How to get there

Nestled in the heart of the historic 5th arrondissement, the Paradis Latin stands as a gem of the Latin Quarter, just a short walk from the Seine and the Panthéon. This legendary venue is effortlessly reachable via Paris’s extensive public transport network, making it a convenient destination for an evening of classic cabaret.

Metro: Line 10 to Cardinal Lemoine or Lines 7 and 10 to Jussieu, both of which are within a five-minute walk of the theater.
Bus: Lines 47, 63, 86, 87, and 89 all stop at Cardinal Lemoine or Monge - Mutualité, providing direct access from various parts of the city.
Batobus: The closest riverboat stops are at Quai de la Tournelle or Jardin des Plantes, offering a scenic approach followed by a 10-minute walk.
Vélib': There are several bike-share stations nearby, most notably station No. 5016 located at Place de la Contrescarpe.

Directions

Contact

The Paradis Latin is the oldest cabaret in Paris, originally commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. After falling into ruin, it was rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel in 1889, featuring his signature metallic framework and the stunning Eiffel Cupola.

Yes, the venue offers a cloakroom where guests can securely leave coats and small bags before the show begins. Please note that large luggage or bulky items may be restricted due to security protocols in the historic district.

The Great Hall of this historic Gustave Eiffel masterpiece is accessible to guests with reduced mobility. It is recommended to contact the venue in advance to ensure the best possible seating and assistance upon arrival.

The most iconic spots for photography include the metallic Eiffel Cupola, the hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers, and the ornate mosaics found in the Napoleon and Klimt Bars. Photography during the 'L'Oiseau Paradis' performance itself is typically restricted to preserve the show's magic.

The main spectacle, directed by Kamel Ouali, lasts approximately 90 minutes. If you have booked a dinner show package, the entire experience—including the gourmet meal curated by triple Michelin-starred chef Guy Savoy—usually spans about three and a half hours.

Yes, Paradis Latin maintains a family-friendly atmosphere that celebrates Parisian nightlife. While the show features the traditional French can-can and daring acrobatics, the revue is designed to be accessible and entertaining for children and adults alike.

A smart-casual dress code is encouraged to match the elegant Belle Époque ambiance. While formal wear is not mandatory, most guests opt for 'city dress,' and items like flip-flops or sportswear are generally discouraged.

Visitors can choose between several ticket types, including a 'Show Only' option or a complete 'Dinner Show' experience. The dinner show is highly recommended to enjoy the full multisensory journey and culinary creations of chef Guy Savoy.

The cabaret is located at 28 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine in the heart of the Latin Quarter. It is easily reachable via the Paris Metro, with the 'Cardinal Lemoine' (Line 10) and 'Jussieu' (Lines 7 and 10) stations being the closest stops.