The theme of legends, Les Folies Bergère, is one of the classic cabarets and the most revered “people’s theaters” in Paris. Opened in 1869 as Les Folies Trevise (after the name of an adjoining street), Les Folies Bergère has featured performances by such legends as American dancer Josephine Baker, French writer Colette, and Charlie Chaplin. Known for their daring and daring acts, Les Folies Bergère has always been anything but intellectual.
The place continues in this anti-elitist tradition to this, and has even inspired a tribute magazine in Las Vegas. Why try this legendary place? In short: a night at Les Folies will guarantee you a taste of an almost lost Paris. A place so iconic that it has been featured in countless movies, novels, and even paintings (like the one shown below by impressionist artist Edouard Manet).
Our pros: why go
- Experience a legendary cabaret with a genuinely retro atmosphere
- The historic site features classic Parisian décor from the late 19th century.
- The program is varied and entertaining.
- There’s a full menu of drinks and snacks, making for a fun and even inexpensive night out.
Our downsides: Why miss it?
- Orchestra seats are somewhat narrow.
- To get good views, you may need to buy more expensive seats and avoid the ‘nosebleeds’ rows at the back and far sides
The environment
Entering Les Folies Bergère, one feels transported to a less glittery and artistically gritty Paris: the one tourists flock to find (they usually end up at Starbucks). The decor is a far cry from the elegant theaters near the Opéra Garnier or the classic Comédie Française: the striking wall paintings and faux gold trim make the atmosphere almost circus-like; This is, after all, the people’s theater, designed for underground, often obscene acts. The pretense has no place in this classic “popular theater.”
They escort us to our seats at the top end of the orchestra, which has been created to resemble a cabaret. We are sitting at round tables with little red lamps. The atmosphere is perfect for the show that follows.
What better than a sensual cabaret performance?
My first encounter with Les Folies Bergère was on the occasion of the French reimagining of Cabaret , the great Broadway musical. He was only familiar with the 1972 film starring Liza Minnelli, so he was eager to see what kind of sparks conceived a New York-conceived show about the free-spirited underground Berlin of the 1920s and early 1930s, performed in one of the most appropriate settings in Paris. places, it would generate. I was not disappointed.
Settling in
As scantily clad performers take the stage and play saxophones in the pre-show fanfare, we order a glass of champagne each (pricey, but finally worth the fancy touch) and settle in. The Parisian reworking of Cabaret is as delicious and tragic as I expected, and with the orchestra as an apparent extension of the set, the audience becomes part of the action and drama.
Berlin’s artist-laden libertine spirit between the world wars came to life in Les Folies Bergère, whose own solid history seemed to summon ghosts more strongly.
Our bottom line?
While not a ‘trend’ at the moment, Les Folies Bergères offers travelers something that modern nightlife venues cannot: an authentic and entertaining encounter with aspects of Parisian culture that have endured for centuries, much more beyond the fickle winds of fashion and social media. fashions Social history, theater, glamor, architecture – you’ll get a taste of all this by enjoying an evening at this iconic address.
How to get there and contact information:
- Address: 32 Rue Richer, 9th arrondissement
- Metro: Grands Boulevards or Cadet
- Bus lines: Faubourg Montmartre (bus 67 or 74); Cadet (26-32-43-49 or 42)
- Reservations: by phone, call (+33) 0892 68 16 50 or book online. Scroll down the web page to select the desired program.
- Open: hours vary according to hours. See program for more details (in French).
- Drinks: Service at the bar and at the orchestra tables. Beer, wine, champagne, mixed drinks. Snacks are also available.
- Capacity: 1,679 seats
- Dress code: none are officially enforced. You may be more comfortable wearing business casual or formal wear, depending on the event (see event page for details or call if in doubt)
