LE MOULIN SNOOZE
Sparked by raucous parties held by the 19th century bourgeoisie, Paris earned its reputation for embracing risque entertainment.
Back then, nowhere embodied the saucy side of Belle Epoque France better than the Moulin Rouge, a theatre in arty district Montmartre. It’s a place forever tied to the can-can dance – a flurry of high kicks and frilly skirts.
Still standing, the 133-year-old theatre and its iconic red windmill have become synonymous with a city famous for seduction and romance. But beyond the main stage, the building is as clandestine as its saucy shows were in those early days.
Although that’s all set to change. For the first time, members of the public will have an opportunity to stay overnight in a secret, never-before-seen room inside the windmill, as part of an exclusive offer from Airbnb.
What’s the room like?
Working alongside 19th-century French history expert Jean-Claude Yon, Airbnb has restored the boudoir to its 1889 origins.
Guests can expect to find art nouveau features, including a miniature paper stage, a dressing area featuring glamorous accessories, vintage costumes, fragrant perfumes and effusive letters from admirers.
Upstairs is a private rooftop terrace with an ornate pagoda and garden furniture, ideal for a pre-show cocktail.
What else do you get?
Lucky guests will be ushered into their sexy salon by Claudine Van Den Bergh, lead dancer for the Moulin Rouge. After a private tour, delving backstage, visiting costume makers and learning about the building’s history, there’s a chance to enjoy an aperitif on the rooftop terrace and a
three-course dinner, prepared by the resident chef Arnaud Demerville.
You can visit the dancers in their dressing rooms before the velvet curtains raise, and take front row seats for the theatre’s flamboyant, feather-filled show, Feerie. Plus, there’s time for a leisurely petit dejeuner the following day.
The three individual one-night for one euro stays are on June 13, 20 and 27 and sold out in seconds. ■■More info at airbnb.com/ moulinrouge