Nouvelle Eve

Nouvelle Eve is a lively cabaret in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris, one that is especially popular for its rendition of the Can-Can, a roaring dance of high kicks and petticoats performed by a chorus line of female dancers. The Can-Can first appeared in the working-class ballrooms of Montparnasse in 1830 and has been admired ever since.  
This cabaret, in particular, has been around since 1898; its modern incarnation since 1949. La Nouvelle Eve’s interior of deep blue velvet stars and coverings is based on the heady times of the Belle Epoque, when cabaret was invented in a whirl of glitter and feathers. Cabaret was inspired by the bohemians of the Latin Quarter, the musicians and poets who performed in a relaxed atmosphere where people were free to eat and drink as they pleased. In Montmartre, the art evolved into the extravagant mix of comedy, burlesque and dancing known today. 
All of the 270 seats at Nouvelle Eve’s venue are centered around tables, so the audience is close to the onstage action and are sometimes invited to join in with the performance. There are about eight female dancers and four male dancers, and between the singing, dancing and fantastical costume changes, there are a variety of energetic scenes, from comedy acts to moving statues routines. Nouvelle Eve is just down the street from the famed Moulin Rouge cabaret.

Practical Info

From Blanche metro station, it’s a three-minute walk to Nouvelle Eve on 25 Rue Pierre Fontaine. There are two shows per night, one at 8 p.m. and the other at 10 p.m. If you opt to include dinner with the show, food is served at 6:30 p.m. Nouvelle Eve runs from April through October.