La Nouvelle Ève

La Nouvelle Ève is an intimate cabaret in Paris, operating since 1949 on rue Pierre Fontaine in the 9th arrondissement, right at the foot of the Montmartre hill.

How to get there?

The cabaret sits at 25 rue Pierre Fontaine, in the Pigalle district, just steps from the famous Moulin Rouge. It's one of the best-known addresses in Parisian nightlife — the surrounding streets are packed with theatres, cabarets and restaurants, so a visit pairs easily with a stroll through Montmartre. The nearest metro stations are Blanche and Pigalle (line 2), only a few minutes' walk from the entrance. Paid parking is available nearby for visitors arriving by car, though given traffic in this part of the city, the metro or a taxi is usually more convenient.

What will you see?

The building dates from 1898, when it opened as the Fantaisies Parisiennes theatre. In 1920, under the name Gaîté-Théâtre, director Léon Berryer staged Paris's first nude revue there — a show that caused a scandal and made headlines across Montmartre. After closing during the Occupation and a brief spell as a cinema, the venue was bought in 1949 by René Bardy, who renamed it La Nouvelle Ève and commissioned a full renovation in Belle Époque style. Architect Maurice Gridaine and decorator Rigal created an interior with a starlit ceiling, a multicoloured fluorescent stage floor, and a Corinthian-style proscenium.

The auditorium holds only 300 seats, so every chair offers a clear view of the stage and the atmosphere stays intimate — quite different from Paris's larger revue houses. In the 1950s, the cabaret became one of the city's entertainment hubs, with era stars such as Josephine Baker and Mistinguett performing on its stage.

Today, audiences watch "Paris je t'aime," a revue combining dance, live music and a tribute to Édith Piaf, all set within the traditional cabaret atmosphere the venue is known for. The program includes French cancan numbers and costumes that echo the hall's own decor.

When to visit?

Shows run in the evening, typically at 8:30pm and 10:30pm, so a visit works best as part of a night out — on its own or paired with dinner elsewhere in the city. The cabaret operates year-round, so there's no single best season to go; availability matters more than timing, and booking ahead is worth it during peak tourist periods such as summer and the holiday season. Packages range from a show-only ticket to a show with a glass of champagne, up to a pre-show dinner and performance, with the dinner-and-show option starting at around €149.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is La Nouvelle Ève located? The cabaret is at 25 rue Pierre Fontaine in Paris's 9th arrondissement, in Pigalle, close to the Moulin Rouge and the foot of Montmartre.

How long has La Nouvelle Ève been operating? The building dates to 1898, but it took its current name and Belle Époque cabaret style in 1949, under owner René Bardy.

What show can visitors see there? "Paris je t'aime," a revue combining dance and music with a tribute to Édith Piaf and French cancan numbers.

What time do shows start, and what packages are available? Shows typically start at 8:30pm or 10:30pm, with options ranging from show-only to show with champagne or a full pre-show dinner.