Paris is often regarded as a romantic city but it's also quite a sexy one. It's no secret that the French have a generally liberated view when it comes to sex so the vibe here is relatively open. Particularly in
Quartier Pigalle. Mostly known as the home of the world's most famous cabaret, the Moulin Rouge, Quartier Pigalle used to be known as the French capital's red-light district. It was here where the naughty side of Paris flourished—a sexual escape in the 'City of Lights.' Nowadays, however, though it's no longer that sort of place, there are still a few spots in the area where you can get to learn about sex, romance, and more!
Moulin Rouge
You can't have a conversation about Quartier Pigalle without mentioning the Moulin Rouge cabaret. Not only is it probably the main reason why people visit the area, but it's also the most famous cabaret in the world. Even before the beloved 2001 jukebox musical film, 'Moulin Rouge!' premiered, this place was already among the top tourist hotspots in Paris. And make no mistake, the shows here are just as spectacularly sexy today as they were back in the old days. Think scantily-clas yet sparkling dancers, a whole lot of feathers, and of course, the can-can! It's just as erotic and extravagant as the movie showed it to be!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
La Nouvelle Eve
Though it's definitely the most popular, Moulin Rouge isn't the only worthwhile
cabaret in Paris you can visit. Nor is it the only one in Quartier Pigalle. La Nouvelle Eve on rue Pierre Fontaine is also one you have to go to! Also known as one of the finest dinner-theater establishments in the city, guests can indulge in haute cuisine as they dance around with practically nothing on for all the world to see. At times, you might even catch some jugglers, magicians, high-wire walkers, and more to add some fantastical fun on stage. With such wonders on offer, it's no surprise that La Nouvelle Eve got featured in the
second season of the Netflix show, 'Emily in Paris.'
Source: La Nouvelle Eve Facebook Page
Chez Michou
It bears noting that sexy doesn't always have to be serious all the time. You can get just as hot and heavy when you're laughing too! And the best place to do just that is in the Chez Michou cabaret in Quartier Pigalle. Known for its comedic burlesque, their shows will have you laughing out loud while also getting you in the mood at the same time. That's no easy feat, which is why even compared to the iconic Moulin Rouge, Chez Michou remains a complete stand-out in Paris's cabaret scene. It's first-class comedic and erotic entertainment at its finest!
Source: Chez Michous
Le Bus Palladium
Sometimes, there's no sexier place than a nightclub. Even though it's often too loud and too crowded in such places, when you let loose and let go of all your inhibitions here, you're more than likely to look like the sexiest person in the room to someone else. Le Bus Palladium is that sort of place! Located on Rue Pierre Fontaine, it's a beatnik nightspot that's been the go-to club for many Parisians since it first opened in 1965. Right smack at the heart of the former red-light district, all you gotta do here is enjoy some drinks, dance, and have fun to capture anyone's attention. And if you get lucky, the rest of your fun happens in your
luxury home in Paris!
Source: Bus Palladium Facebook Page
Marlusse et Lapin
Marlusse et Lapin isn't necessarily a
Parisian speakeasy, but the vibe of the place is certainly similar to one. With its living room-like decor and relaxed ambiance, it's almost as if this bar on Rue Germain Pilon is inviting you to get a little frisky as you keep on drinking. Of course, getting down and dirty here is prohibited since it's still a public bar but you can still easily meet someone to get a little late-night action after. Or if you're already done with that scene, Marlusse et Lapin makes for a great date spot for drinks too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Passage du Désir Paris Saint-Lazare
Now, let's get to the good, or more accurately speaking, the naughtiest part: the sex shops in Pigalle. Since this
Parisian neighborhood used to be the red-light district of the city, there are many parts of Pigalle that are littered with sex shops, each raunchier than the next. There's a lot of them here that a good number of them practically look the same or offer the same stuff. But one that particularly stands out is Passage du Désir Paris Saint-Lazare. With its stark purple interior and sleek space, it almost doesn't look like a sex shop at all. You can confidently walk up to this store and none would be the wiser!
Source: Passage du Désir Facebook Page
Les Princesses
Les Princesses on Boulevard de Clichy is yet another stand-out sex shop in Quartier Pigalle, mostly because it's pretty obvious that they cater to women. More often than not, you'd think that sex shops mostly target men as their customers, right? But this just by the name of this 'love store' (as they so elegantly put), you can already tell that women are the most welcome here. Offering up quite the range of products, from sexy lingerie to sex toys and the like, women who just want to get in touch with their own sexuality will have a lot to look forward to in this shop.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Though Quartier Pigalle today is far from the raunchy red-light district that it was in the past, it remains a sultry side of the city. If you ever want to get in touch with your naughty side and discover more about sex, passion, and the like, this district is right up your alley!
