How to Reach Moulin Rouge in Paris — Metro, Bus, Taxi & Walking Guide (2025)
Find the easiest ways to get to the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Montmartre: metro stops, bus lines, taxi tips, walking routes, airport links, safety, and smart planning advice so you arrive on time for the show.
See Moulin Rouge TicketsQuick Overview
Address: Moulin Rouge, 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris,
on Place Blanche at the foot of Montmartre.
District: Pigalle / Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement,
famous for nightlife and cabarets.
Main Entrance: Under the iconic red windmill on Boulevard de Clichy.
Arrive early to clear security and join the correct queue for your show time.
Closest Metro: Blanche (Line 2) directly in front of the venue.
Pigalle (Lines 2 & 12) is also a short walk away.
Nearby Buses: Lines 30, 54, 68, 74 serve the area around
Boulevard de Clichy and Place Blanche.
Best First-Time Route
From central Paris, use the Metro Line 2 (blue) and get off at Blanche. Follow the Sortie Place Blanche / Moulin Rouge exit: when you reach street level, the red windmill is directly across the road.
From Montmartre Hill
If you are visiting Sacré-Cœur or Place du Tertre, walk downhill toward Boulevard de Clichy. Follow signs to Place Blanche or look for the bright red windmill — the walk takes about 10–15 minutes downhill.
Option 1 — From Central Paris (Louvre, Opéra, Seine)
Ideal if you’re staying near the Louvre, Opéra Garnier, the Seine, or central hotels.
- Via Metro Line 2: Reach any station on Line 2 (e.g. Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, Anvers, Nation). Ride Line 2 to Blanche. This is the most straightforward option for the show.
- Via Metro Line 12: From central stops like Concorde or Madeleine, take Line 12 to Pigalle, then walk 5–7 minutes along Boulevard de Clichy toward the red windmill.
- From the Louvre / Châtelet: Take Line 1 to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, then transfer to Line 2 and ride to Blanche. Alternatively, take RER A or Metro 7/8/9 to reach a Line 2 connection.
Tickets & Payment
Use contactless payment, a Navigo pass, or t+ tickets for metro and buses. One validated ticket covers a single metro trip with any transfers inside the network (no re-entry).
Option 2 — Metro & Buses (Most Common)
Key Metro Lines
Line 2 (Blanche): The main line for Moulin Rouge. The station
sits directly in front of the cabaret on Place Blanche.
Line 12 (Pigalle): Good from the Left Bank (Saint-Germain, Montparnasse).
From Pigalle, walk uphill or along Boulevard de Clichy toward the windmill.
Useful Bus Routes
Bus lines 30, 54, 68, 74 run close to Moulin Rouge and can be a scenic alternative to the metro. Check stops around Blanche, Pigalle, Clichy, or Place de Clichy and walk a few minutes.
From Other Montmartre Sights
From Anvers (Line 2) or Abbesses (Line 12), you can walk through Montmartre’s streets down to Boulevard de Clichy. Allow extra time for stairs and cobblestones.
Night Buses After the Show
Late shows finish close to midnight. Several Noctilien night buses serve the area after the metro closes. Check timetables in advance if you are not using a taxi.
Wayfinding Tip
Aim for Place Blanche. Step outside Blanche station and look for the bright red windmill — it’s the Moulin Rouge entrance and a perfect landmark.
Option 3 — Scenic Walks Around Montmartre & Pigalle
Walking to Moulin Rouge lets you enjoy Montmartre’s narrow streets, staircases, and bohemian atmosphere before the show.
- From Sacré-Cœur: Walk down the hill toward Place du Tertre, then follow signs for Blanche or Boulevard de Clichy. Expect around 15–20 minutes, mostly downhill with steps.
- From Place de Clichy: Stroll along Boulevard de Clichy toward Place Blanche. The neon lights, cafés, and theatres lead directly to the red windmill.
- From Pigalle: Exit toward Boulevard de Clichy and walk a few minutes west to Place Blanche. This route passes through the heart of the nightlife district.
Safety Tip
The area is lively and generally busy, especially in the evening. Keep valuables close, be aware of pickpockets in crowds, and use marked pedestrian crossings on Boulevard de Clichy.
How to Reach Moulin Rouge from Paris Airports
From Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Take RER B to Gare du Nord. From there, either:
- Metro Line 2 from La Chapelle / Barbès–Rochechouart to Blanche, or
- Taxi / rideshare directly to Place Blanche (around 35–60 minutes depending on traffic).
From Orly (ORY)
Use OrlyVal + RER B to reach central Paris (e.g. Denfert-Rochereau), then change to the metro network. A common route is RER B to a Line 2 or 12 connection, then continue to Blanche or Pigalle.
From Beauvais (BVA)
Coach buses from Beauvais stop near Porte Maillot. From there, take Metro Line 1 to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, then Line 2 to Blanche.
Taxis & Rideshares
Official airport taxis and rideshares can drop you directly at 82 Boulevard de Clichy. Allow extra time during rush hour and in the early evening before popular show times.
Luggage
Large suitcases are not practical for the evening show and may not be allowed inside. Drop bags at your hotel or a luggage storage service before heading to Moulin Rouge.
Driving, Parking & Bikes Near Moulin Rouge
Driving
Montmartre streets are narrow and busy, and parking is limited. If you drive, allow time for one-way systems and heavy evening traffic around Boulevard de Clichy.
Parking
Use nearby underground car parks or guarded garages in the 9th and 18th arrondissement. Street parking is scarce and often restricted; always check local signs and meters.
Vélib’ Bikes & Scooters
Several Vélib’ docking stations and scooter zones sit around Pigalle and Place Blanche. Park only in designated areas and walk the final stretch to avoid busy road junctions.
Accessibility
The area around Moulin Rouge is mostly flat, but Montmartre’s side streets can be steep. If you have mobility needs, consider arriving by taxi and checking accessibility details with the venue in advance.
Practical Visit Tips for the Evening Show
Arrival Time
Aim to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before your show time. This gives you enough time for ticket checks, security, and finding your seat.
Dress Code
Moulin Rouge encourages smart, elegant attire. Avoid sportswear, flip-flops, beachwear, and overly casual clothing. A smart-casual or slightly dressy outfit fits the atmosphere best.
Tickets & Documents
Keep your e-ticket QR code ready on your phone (with enough battery) or bring a printed voucher. Many tickets include champagne or dinner — check your confirmation carefully.
After the Show
Shows often finish late, especially with dinner. Plan your return in advance: last metro connections, night bus routes, or pre-booked taxis/rideshares.
Moulin Rouge Getting There Cheatsheet
Exact Location
82 Boulevard de Clichy, Place Blanche, 75018 Paris, at the foot of Montmartre.
Closest Metro
Blanche (Line 2) directly in front • Pigalle (Lines 2 & 12) a short walk away.
Key Buses
30, 54, 68, 74 along Boulevard de Clichy and surrounding streets.
Typical Walk Times
Pigalle → Moulin Rouge: ~5–7 min • Sacré-Cœur downhill → Moulin Rouge: ~15–20 min.
Crowd Strategy
Arrive early for popular evening shows; allow extra time on weekends and holidays.
Nearby Essentials
Cafés, brasseries, ATMs, and late-night spots surround Place Blanche and Pigalle.
Ready to Experience Moulin Rouge in Paris?
Take the metro or bus to Place Blanche, follow the glow of the red windmill, and enjoy an unforgettable night of cancan, music, and lights in the heart of Montmartre.
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