The windmill atop the Moulin Rouge nightclub is one of Paris’ most distinctive landmarks. And now you can stay there.
A “secret room” inside the windmill – which has never been open to the public before – is now available to rent on Airbnb, and it has been “lavishly designed to transport guests back in time to at the end of the 19th century”.
During their stay, guests will have the chance to “peek behind the velvet curtains” of the world-famous cabaret below, enjoying backstage access to the theater before settling into the ” best seats” in the house to watch the show.
A ‘secret room’ inside the Moulin Rouge windmill – which has never been open to the public before – is now available to rent on Airbnb
The room was “lavishly designed to transport guests back in time to the late 19th century”
Nestled in the heart of the Montmartre district, the Moulin Rouge is known as the birthplace of the French can-can, a dance symbolic of the Belle Epoque – which spanned from the late 1800s to the start of World War I – and The dance halls of the 1920s.
The club has always been characterized by its red windmill, which was first built in 1889. The original windmill burned down in a fire, but was rebuilt in the 1920s.
Airbnb worked with historian Jean-Claude Yon, a specialist in 19th-century France, to authentically renovate the windmill so that it appears “exactly as it would have looked” in the era of the Belle Epoque.
Airbnb worked with historian Jean-Claude Yon, a specialist in 19th-century France, to decorate the windmill in Belle Epoque style
The space is described as an “opulent boudoir filled with exquisite art nouveau elements.” You can dress up in the boudoir’s wardrobe, which has been stocked with vintage costumes.
It is described as an “opulent boudoir filled with exquisite art nouveau elements”, including a miniature paper stage which will “immerse guests in the spirit of the cabaret”.
Plus, guests can play dress up in the boudoir wardrobe, which has been filled with “glamorous Belle Epoque paraphernalia, including vintage costumes, fragrant perfumes and effusive letters from admirers.”
The images reveal that the space has a soft pink color scheme, with decorative elements such as an old sewing machine, elaborate chandeliers and draped curtains adding to its ambiance.
“Scented perfumes and effusive letters from admirers” are among the decorative elements of the space
The space features a miniature paper stage, pictured on the left, which will “get guests into the spirit of the cabaret”. “This secret room inside the famous cabaret windmill has been designed to take you on an authentic journey through time to discover the French capital of arts and pleasures during a moment in history,” explains the historian Jean-Claude Yon.
An old sewing machine adds to the ambiance of the room
To enjoy the view of Paris at night, guests can step out onto the adjoining private rooftop terrace, which has also been decorated with characteristic 19th century garden furniture.
After familiarizing themselves with their sleeping quarters, guests will be treated to a “carefully curated evening designed to embrace the grandeur of the illustrious cabaret.”
This will include a private tour of the Moulin Rouge, learning about its colorful history and costume designers.
And the guests won’t go hungry. They’ll have aperitifs on the rooftop terrace, before feasting on a three-course dinner – designed in Belle Epoque style, apparently – which was prepared by the Moulin Rouge’s resident chef, Arnaud Demerville.
To admire the view of Paris at night, guests can step out onto the adjoining private rooftop terrace, pictured above
Guests will be treated to a “carefully curated evening designed to embrace the grandeur of the illustrious cabaret”
On the ground floor of the cabaret, they will go to the dressing room of the main dancer Claudine Van Den Bergh for a meeting before taking photos on stage with the actors of the show.
Then it’s show time. Guests will settle in to watch the Moulin Rouge’s “Féerie” show, presented as a “fantastic world of feathers and French opulence, with sensational performances, sumptuous sets and original music”.
The next morning, guests will be treated to a “classic Parisian breakfast” on the terrace before saying goodbye to the iconic monument.
A meeting with Moulin Rouge principal dancer Claudine Van Den Bergh, pictured, is one of the highlights of the Airbnb stay
Above is the 2001 Moulin Rouge movie poster! starring Nicole Kidman as cabaret performer Satine
Although the Moulin Rouge cabaret has long been a Parisian icon, the 2001 film Moulin Rouge! starring Nicole Kidman as cabaret performer Satine, further fueled her fame. The film, which was mostly shot at the Fox studio in Sydney, Australia, rather than Paris, has since been adapted into an award-winning musical, on stages in London’s West End and Broadway in New York.
Commenting on the new Airbnb experience, dancer Claudine Van Den Bergh said: “Attending a show at the Moulin Rouge offers an escape from everyday life and an incredible immersion in the glamor and grandeur of the French Music Hall. The Belle Epoque-inspired interior of our much-loved windmill will transport guests to the era from which this timeless cabaret emerged.
Historian Jean-Claude Yon adds: “The Belle Epoque was a time when French culture and arts flourished – and no monument is more emblematic of this period than the Moulin Rouge.
‘This secret room inside the famous cabaret windmill was designed to take you on an authentic journey through time to experience the French capital of arts and pleasures for a moment of history.’
There are three individual one-night stays up for grabs – with up to two guests allowed per night – on June 13, 20 and 27. Reservations can be made from Tuesday 17 May at airbnb.com/moulinrouge.
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