The Oldest Cabaret in Paris: Paradis Latin History & Tickets 2026
03 January 2026 - par Antoine Broin
While the Moulin Rouge is the most famous, the title of the oldest cabaret in Paris undeniably belongs to the Paradis Latin. First inaugurated by Napoleon in 1803, then entirely rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel in 1889, this mythical venue is a listed historical heritage site of the capital.
But the Paradis Latin is not a museum: today it hosts the most modern revue in Paris with “L’Oiseau Paradis”. Discover its fascinating epic and book your 2026 tickets for dinner in an architectural masterpiece.
Summary:
1. 1803-1889: Birth of a Legend
Napoleon’s Theatre (1803)
The story begins in 1802. Napoleon Bonaparte, then First Consul, decided to build a theater on Rue des Fossés Saint-Victor. Inaugurated in 1803, the “Théâtre Latin” quickly became a meeting place for a diverse clientele where bourgeois, students, workers, and writers like Alexandre Dumas or Honoré de Balzac crossed paths. Unfortunately, during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and the Siege of Paris, the building was bombarded and burned down.
Rebirth by Eiffel (1889)
Paris was preparing for the Universal Exhibition of 1889 (the centenary of the Revolution). The capital had to shine. The star engineer of the moment was called upon: Gustave Eiffel. He rebuilt the theater on the ruins (and even on the remains of the Philippe-Auguste wall!) using his famous metal structure technique. The hall, with its majestic dome and bolted columns, was inaugurated in January 1889 under the name “Paradis Latin”. It is this very room that you admire today while dining.
💡 Camille’s Expert Insight:
“The Paradis Latin has achieved a remarkable feat: preserving its historical soul (the Eiffel architecture is breathtaking) while offering the most modern show in Paris. Since its acquisition by Walter Butler in 2018, the revue signed by Kamel Ouali breaks the codes. It’s dynamic, young, technological, and the gastronomy has been entrusted to Guy Savoy. It’s my favorite for combining historical heritage and modern partying.”
2. Dinner Shows: Gastronomy & Revue
🕘 Your Dinner Evening Schedule:
- 7:30 PM: Recommended arrival & Welcome.
- 8:00 PM: Gourmet Dinner & Artistic “Pre-Show” (dancers in the hall, a Paradis Latin exclusive).
- 9:30 PM: Start of the revue “L’Oiseau Paradis”.
- 11:00 PM: Grand Finale.
A. GUSTAVE EIFFEL Menu (Entry Level)
Price: €180 (3-course Dinner + Drinks + Show)
💡 Camille’s Review:
“This is the ideal formula to discover the cabaret without sacrificing quality. The meal is signed Guy Savoy, the show is exactly the same. You are simply seated a bit more to the sides, but the Eiffel hall offers excellent visibility everywhere.”
📜 See 2026 Gustave Eiffel Menu
Starters (choice of): Poultry-veal pistachio pâté en croûte / Colors of Salmon / Avocado and Haddock
Mains (choice of): Poultry Vol-au-vent / Cod and sweet potato / Vegetable pot with white truffle
Desserts: Chocolate-tea kiss / White Mount Paradis
Drinks: 1/2 water + 1/2 red wine + 1/4 Champagne
B. PRESTIGE Menu (Recommended ⭐)
Price: €210. Best seating & Pierre Hermé Desserts.
💡 Camille’s Review:
“This is my number 1 choice. For €30 more, the difference is noticeable: you get central seating that plunges you into the heart of the action, and above all, the iconic desserts by Pierre Hermé. The gastronomic experience clearly steps up a notch.”
📜 See 2026 Prestige Menu
Starters (choice of): Foie gras terrine / Coco bean & scallop soup / Organic egg casserole with black truffle
Mains (choice of): Asian-style Salmon / Monkfish pot with green curry / Veal Wellington
PIERRE HERMÉ DESSERTS: Felicia (Hazelnut/Lemon) or Baba Infiniment Chocolat
Drinks: 1/2 water + 1/2 red wine + 1/4 Champagne
C. NAPOLEON Menu (The VIP Experience)
Price: €280. Gold Square, Bollinger Champagne.
💡 Camille’s Review:
“This is the ‘Flawless’ formula for a marriage proposal or a milestone birthday. You are in the Gold Square (the best tables), and the champagne served is Bollinger, an absolute reference. You really feel privileged.”
📜 See Napoleon VIP Menu
Same gourmet dishes as Prestige, but with exclusive service.
The VIP Plus: Gold Square seating (closest to the stage) + Bollinger Champagne (1/2 bottle per person) + Mineral water.
3. Show Only (Champagne)
Already had dinner? Enjoy the revue starting at 9:30 pm. It’s the perfect option for tighter budgets or busy schedules.
💡 Camille’s Review:
“This is the trick to enjoy the Paradis Latin without blowing the budget. If you’ve already dined in town, come for 9:00 pm. My advice: for only €15 difference, take the 1/2 bottle formula (€115). A single glass (€100) goes very quickly in a 2h30 show, whereas a half-bottle accompanies you throughout the evening.”
🕘 Show Only Schedule:
- 9:00 PM: Welcome and seating in the hall
- 9:30 PM: Start of the revue “L’Oiseau Paradis”
- 11:00 PM: Grand Finale
🎓 Did You Know?
- The Paradis Latin is built on the ruins of the Philippe-Auguste wall.
- In 1973, a real estate developer bought the place to turn it into apartments… and discovered by chance Eiffel’s metal structure hidden under false ceilings! He then decided to restore the cabaret.
- It was Jean-Marie Rivière who revived the venue’s success in 1977 with the “Paris Paradis” revue.
4. Practical Info & Access
- 📍 Address: 28, rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris (Latin Quarter).
- 🚇 Metro: Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10) or Jussieu (Lines 7, 10).
- 👔 Dress Code: Proper attire required. City sneakers accepted, but no sportswear.
- ♿ Access: The cabaret is accessible to people with reduced mobility (elevator).
5. Other Festive Cabarets
Looking for a different atmosphere? Discover our other selected partners:
🇧🇷 Brasil Tropical
The biggest Brazilian cabaret in Paris at Montparnasse.
😂 Oh! César
The cabaret of humor and celebration at Montparnasse.
🎭 Artishow
The friendly and interactive drag cabaret.
6. FAQ – Good to know before coming
What is the oldest cabaret in Paris?
The Paradis Latin is the dean of Parisian cabarets. Originally built in 1803 by Napoleon, it was rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel in 1889, the same year as the opening of the Moulin Rouge.
What is the difference between Eiffel and Prestige menus?
The difference lies in the refinement of the menu (Prestige includes desserts signed by Pierre Hermé) and especially in the seating arrangement, more central and close to the stage with the Prestige formula.
What is the dress code for Paradis Latin?
Proper attire is required. Clean city sneakers and dark jeans are tolerated, but shorts, flip-flops, and sportswear are strictly forbidden. Elegance is appreciated!
What time does the show start?
The revue “L’Oiseau Paradis” starts at 9:30 PM sharp. For dinners, arrival is recommended at 7:30 PM for the pre-show. For the show only, arrive at 9:00 PM.
Is the show suitable for children?
Yes, unlike other more “daring” cabarets, the Paradis Latin is very family-friendly, fairy-like, and humorous. There is no shocking full nudity. A child rate exists for those under 12.
Can I see the show without dinner?
Yes, two “Show Only” formulas exist: with a glass of Champagne (from €100) or with a half-bottle of Champagne (from €115).
Is the Napoleon menu worth it?
It is the ultimate VIP experience: Gold Square seating (the best tables), unlimited Bollinger Champagne during the meal, and superior gourmet menu. Ideal for a marriage proposal.
Where is the Paradis Latin located?
It is located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, at 28 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris (Metro Cardinal Lemoine or Jussieu).
