Should You Visit the Hot and Fiery Pigalle District?

Known as a sulphurous and turbulent district, Pigalle is one of the most lively places in the capital. Everybody knows Pigalle for its famous Moulin Rouge and also for its many night clubs and sex shops. You may be wondering if it is worth visiting this district and if it is not too dangerous to do so. If this is the case, this guide was made for you! Here is our opinion on this district in which one can do anything they want.

 

A little bit of history

For a long time, Pigalle has had the reputation of being a disreputable area.

In olden days, it was not unusual to meet crooks and see brothels and music halls and this is what created the sulfurous reputation of this district.

This is where both the famous Moulin Rouge and striptease were invented (according to some people); Pigalle has always been a nightlife district perfect for parties. Serge Lama took his inspiration from there to write his famous song “Les petites femmes de Pigalle” (Pigalle’s little women).

Nowadays, some streets are quieter, and you will not meet crooks anymore.

Nevertheless, Pigalle is still a sulfurous and festive district.

 

Where the Pigalle District?

This district is located around the Place Pigalle, just below the Butte de Montmartre, on the border between the 9th and 18th arrondissements.

It is composed of all the streets located on both sides of the Boulevard de Clichy and the Boulevard de la Rochechouart.

If you want to get there taking the underground, take line 2 and get off at the Pigalle station.

If you want to get there by bus, take line 30 or 54 and get off at the Pigalle bus stop.

 

What to do in Pigalle?

Take a Look at the Most Famous Cabaret in the World

Since its creation in 1889, the Moulin Rouge has always been considered as the most famous cabaret in the world, especially thanks to the French Cancan.

It is impossible to visit Pigalle without going to one of its incredible shows. Come and see the Moulin Rouge’s gorgeous dancers with their glittery and feathered costumes.

Since the creation of the Moulin Rouge’s restaurant, it is possible to enjoy a meal while watching the show. The Moulin Rouge is the biggest champagne buyer in the whole world. Indeed, they buy 240,000 bottles a year! Do not forget to always drink in moderation.

Address: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 (Blanche) or bus lines 30, 54, 68 or 74.

Opening hours: Everyday – 9am to midnight.

Price: Prices change depending on the date but it costs at least 100 euros per person.

Click here to book or to have further information.

 

Take a Walk Among the Little Streets of Pigalle

The Pigalle district is full of charming little streets where you can take beautiful pictures.

You can walk along the Boulevard de Clichy and discover a small, peaceful dead-end located in the heart of the Pigalle area: the Cité du midi. It will make you forget the noise and the party atmosphere of the district.

Take a look at Pigalle’s old baths and take plenty of souvenir photos.

Walk a little bit further and discover the church of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette. This church looks like a Roman temple and is listed as a historical monument.

Here is an idea for a walk to enjoy the charm and the calm of Pigalle.

 

Visit the Musée de la Vie Romantique

Located in La Nouvelle Athènes, this museum reproduces a historical setting evoking the romantic period.

The ground floor is dedicated to George Sand -portraits, furniture, jewelry etc. She was a French novelist famous for using a man’s name as a pen name to have her work recognize despite being a woman.

On the first floor are Ary Scheffer’s paintings. He was the man who lived in this house which is now a museum.

If you would fancy a tasty snack, try Rose Bakery, the tearoom located in the museum’s gardens. Click here for more information.

Address: 16 Rue Chaptal,  75009 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 (Blanche) or line 2 or 12 (Pigalle).

Opening hours: From Tuesday to Sunday -10am to 6pm.

Phone number: 01 55 31 95 67

Price: Permanent exhibitions are free.

Guided tour available.

For further information, click here.

 

Discover the Playground Duperré

This place is perfect both for athletes and people who like original places.

Located between two buildings, this colorful playground is the most beautiful one in all of Paris.

Put on your prettiest sneakers and start a basketball game, as a true athlete would.

The less brave of you can just take photos of the place to complete their Instagram feed.

Address: 22 Rue Duperré, 75009 Paris

 

Go shopping

Go to a shop called “Pigalle” to buy a souvenir from the district.

Silk items, hats, mohair wool jackets, There is a great choice!

Address: 7 Rue Henry Monnier, 75009 Paris

Opening hours: From Monday to Saturday -noon to 8pm.

Sunday -2pm to 8pm.

Website: Pigalle (website in French).

It is not the only original and quirky shop in Pigalle. On the Rue Henry Monnier, there is a shop without a name. The owner says it is called “Le chat et la souris” (The cat and the mouse).

It looks like a big mess as there are items from the 1950s -1970s everywhere. Rummage around and you will find unusual items.

You will also find jewelry created by Isabel, the founder of the shop, and old vinyls -punk, jazz, blues etc. You will be spoilt for choice!

Address: 25 Rue Henry Monnier, 75009 Paris

Opening hours: From Tuesday to Saturday -noon to 7pm.

Facebook page: Le Chat et la Souris (in French)

If this so interests you, you can, of course, finish your shopping in one of the many sex shops which make the sulfurous reputation of this district.

 

Where to eat in Pigalle?

Fontaine Food

Shish Kebabs are really a big thing in Pigalle.

There are lots of shish kebab restaurants and here is one which, we think, is the best in the district -Fontaine Food.

The staff is always welcoming and friendly. The service is quick until late in the evening so the Fontaine Food is the perfect place to delight your palate after a crazy night in the most party-oriented district in all of Paris.

Their chicken curry Cheese Naan sandwiches (one of their specialities) are delicious and plentiful.

You can also let yourself be tempted by a burger or a French tacos.

Price: 7.90 euros for a tacos with one kind of meat.

Address: 9 Rue Pierre Fontaine, 75009 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 (Blanche or Pigalle) or 12 (Pigalle).

Opening hours: From Monday to Saturday -11am to 2am.
Sunday -noon to 1am.

Ratings:

– Google: 4.5/5
– Tripadvisor: 5/5

 

Le Bouillon Pigalle

Le Bouillon de Pigalle is one of the last restaurants in Paris to follow the old tradition of the “Bouillon de Paris”.

This tradition dates back from 1860 and was first set up by a butcher. He wanted to create a place where people who worked in the market of Les Halles could enjoy a hot and very cheap meal.

Le Bouillon de Pigalle serves cheap, traditional dishes in a friendly atmosphere. It is a must-see!

Note that sometimes it is a bit crowded so we recommend you book a table.

Price: From 8.50 euros and 13.50 euros for a main course.

Address: 22  Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 or 12 (Pigalle).

Opening hours: Everyday -noon to midnight.

Ratings:

– Google: 4.4/5
– Tripadvisor: 4/5

Website: Le Bouillon Pigalle

 

Le Pantruche

In this bistro restaurant, they serve recrafted French dishes -calf’s head with shellfish and wild herbs, cured duck with beetroot cooked in vinegar, Grand Marnier soufflé etc. Everything you need to delight your palate!

You will enjoy these dishes in a retro, chic decor from the 1940s – 1950s with walls covered with mirrors, zinc counters and moleskin seats.

Price: 19 euros for a lunch menu.

Address: 3 Rue Victor-Massé, 75009 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 or 12 (Pigalle).

Opening hours: From Monday to Friday -12:30pm to 2pm and then 7pm to 10pm.

Ratings:

– Google: 4.5/5
– Tripadvisor: 4.5/5

Website: Le Pantruche (website in French).

 

Rose Bakery

Do you need to recharge your batteries after a crazy night in the Pigalle district? This tearoom serves delicious breakfast.

The ingredients are all organic and everything is home-made.

Berry crumbles, carrot cakes, brownies, salads… Everybody will find something they like and everything is delicious!

Price: 20 euros for a menu with a dessert.

Address: 46 Rue des Martyrs, 75009 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 12 (Saint Georges) or bus line 40 (Navarin).

Opening hours: Everyday -8am to 6pm.

Phone number: 01 42 82 12 80

Ratings:

– Google: 2.5/5
– Tripadvisor: 3/5

Website: Rose Bakery

 

Where to go out in Pigalle?

Pigalle is definitely a nightlife district in which parties last all night long.

Pubs, nightclubs, concert halls… Here is our selection to help you enjoy crazy Parisian nights.

 

Theaters and Cabarets

 

The Trianon

Let’s start our little selection with the Trianon.

This theatre was built in the 19th century and has been renovated in 2009. Its architecture and its high ceilings are what makes it remarkable.

Humorist shows and exceptional events take place there.

But if the Trianon is so famous, it is mostly because of its concerts. There are all kinds of concerts held here -metal, R&B and even French or electronic music.

So if you are in the Pigalle district and are fed up with the commercial music played in bars and nightclubs, the Trianon is perfect for you.

Price: It depends on the event.

Opening hours: It depends on the event.

Address: 80 boulevard de Rochechouart, 75018 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 (Anvers) or bus lines 30 or 54.

Phone number: 01 44 92 78 00

Website: The Trianon

 

The Nouvelle Eve

It is a beautiful cabaret music hall which follows the tradition of Parisian cabarets.

Decorated with blue velvet walls and shining stars, the Nouvelle Eve is the perfect place to enjoy an extraordinary evening.

Enjoy the French Cancan, mimes, jugglers, high-wire walkers, magicians … You will be amazed!

From April to October, the Nouvelle Eve presents a review called “Paris je t’aime” (“Paris, I love you”). This show is a tribute to Edith Piaf (a very famous French singer).

You can watch the show while enjoying a delicious dinner -foie gras, salmon or confit of duck leg. You can choose what you like most between two menus.

The waiters smile a lot and are very welcoming and they will take care of you during your whole dinner.

Price: 49 euros for the show only.
From 98 euros for the show and the dinner.

Opening hours: 7pm for the dinner but we recommend you arrive at 6:30pm.
8:30pm for the show only but we recommend you arrive at 8pm.

Address: 25 Rue Pierre Fontaine, 75009 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 or 12 (Pigalle).

Phone number: 01 48 74 69 25

Website: The Nouvelle Eve

 

Chez Michou

This famous cabaret offers comical and burlesque shows. Performers imitate celebrities in a very funny way, and it is impossible not to laugh!

There are also cross-dressing shows, which make Chez Michou’s reputation. The performers will introduce you to this fascinating art at which they are so capable.

Meet Patricia Kaas, Céline Dion and even Michael Jackson look-alikes in amazing shows!

Price: 60 euros for the show only.

From 115 euros for the dinner and the show.

Opening hours: Open everyday.

You can access the cabaret from 8:15pm for the dinner.

The show starts at 10:30pm.

Address: 80 Rue des Martyrs, 75018 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 or 12 (Pigalle).

Website: Chez Michou (website in French)

To book, click here.

 

Bars and nightclubs

 

Les Justes

Are you fed up with the super famous Mojito or Caipirinhas? This cocktail bar serves original, delicious drinks in a modern decor.

The cocktails are quirky and original and the concept is fantastic -if you chose one of their most expensive cocktails, 1 euro will be donated to an association.

They also serve lots of soft drinks.

Price: Cocktails from 8 euros to 13 euros.

Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday -6pm to midnight.

From Wednesday to Saturday -6pm to 2am.

Address: 1 Rue Frochot, 75009 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 or 12 (Pigalle).

Phone number: 07 85 21 16 62

Website: Les Justes (website in French).

 

Le Bus Palladium

It is THE trendiest place to party in Paris. Created in 1965, it quickly became famous thanks to Salvador Dali and other celebrities such as the Beatles. In 1977, the French group Téléphone came there and recorded a 45-turn vinyl discord the first time in front of an audience.

On the first floor, there is a bar lounge where they serve delicious cocktails. You can enjoy there a cosy, intimate moment. They also serve mixed plates and snacks.

On the ground floor, you will find the nightclub which is now very famous and often crowded!

So, if you want to enjoy the most trendy parties in the district, it is a you mustn’t miss!

Price: 20 euros for the entry with two drinks.

Opening hours: Concerts every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm to midnight. The nightclub is open until 6am.

Address: 6 Rue Pierre Fontaine, 75009 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 (Blanche).

Phone number: 01 45 26 80 35

Website: Bus Palladium (website in French).

 

Wall Street Pigalle

In this original bar, you will have the opportunity to become a trader for one night.

Do not worry, “trader” does not always go with stocks and shares! In the Wall Street Pigalle,
it’s your drink’s price that has a variable exchange rate!

Their price changes all the time and you can follow these evolutions on a screen located behind the bar. The prices of cocktails, beers and wine vary between 4 and 12 euros.

Rush to the bar when the prices are the lowest, but you need to be quick as the screen changes every 100 seconds!

They also serve tapas and delicious snacks.

Price: From 4 to 12 euros.

Opening hours: From Monday to Saturday -5pm to 2am.

Address: 49 Boulevard de Clichy, 75009 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 (Blanche).

Phone number: 09 86 24 57 77

Website: Wall Street Pigalle (website in French).

 

Marlusse et Lapin

This original bar was named after the nicknames of its two barmaids.

You can take a seat in a bath, this is what we call an original bar! Make yourself comfortable and enjoy a drink with your friends.

The atmosphere is always festive.

Price: 4 euros for a shooter, from 20 euros for a bottle of red wine, from 4.50 euros for a pint.

Opening hours: Everyday -4pm to 2am.

Address: 14 Rue Germain Pilon, 75018 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 or 12 (Pigalle).

Phone number: 01 42 59 17 97

Website: Marlusse et Lapin (website in French).

 

Where to sleep in Pigalle?

Grand Pigalle Hôtel ****

This hotel is located at 500 meters from the famous Moulin Rouge and at a 12-minute walk from the Sacré Coeur. Its location is very good as it will be easy for you to get back after a crazy night in the Pigalle district.

Rooms are spacious and the decoration is original. A few rooms even have a balcony.

This hotel has a bar-restaurant where you can go for a meal or a drink.

Price: From 249 euros for a night for two people.

Address: 29 rue Victor Massé, 75009 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 or 12 (Pigalle).

To book: Grand Pigalle Hôtel

 

Hôtel France Albion **

This hotel is ideally located as it is very close to the Opéra Garnier, department stores and the Sacré Coeur.  In this traditional Parisian hotel with a blue wall,  you will be welcomed in a simple and friendly atmosphere.

Rooms are decorated with great taste and are elegant and comfortable. You can have your breakfast in your room.

Pets are allowed.

There is a car rental service.

Price: From 62 euros for an individual room.

Address: 11 Rue Notre Dame de Lorette,  75009 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 12 (Saint -Georges).

To book: Hôtel France Albion

 

Hôtel Le Relais Montmartre ***

It is located at a five-minute walk from the Moulin Rouge, the perfect location to enjoy the Pigalle district, isn’t it?

Rooms are decorated with great taste and are comfortable to be in with their bright colors, old furniture, high-quality bedding… It is the perfect place to take a rest after visiting the Pigalle district!

Price: From 119 euros for a standard room for two people.

Address: 6 Rue Constance, 75018 Paris

How to get there? Underground line 2 (Blanche)

To book: Hôtel Le Relais Montmartre

 

To sum it up

So, should you visit the hot and fiery Pigalle District? Our answer is -it depends!

Why Shouldn’t You Visit the Pigalle District

We do not recommend this district for families as the many bars, nightclubs and sex shops are not convenient for children.

Moreover, nights are sometimes dangerous with all the bars and nightclubs. If you have teenagers, it would be dangerous to let them go out alone in this area after nightfall.

If you want to enjoy quiet and relaxing holidays, we do not recommend the Pigalle district as it is a noisy and very festive area.

Why Should You Visit the Pigalle District

If you want to party and to dance all night, the Pigalle district is made for you!

It is a multicultural district where many different languages are spoken and where you can do anything you want to!

We strongly recommend this district for people who want to party and have fun.