Paris: Immersive Montmartre Tour with a Cancan Dancer
Highlights
-
Uncover the secret corners of Montmartre's iconic hills
-
Dive into the lively, fearless spirit of the Cancan
-
Master the basic steps and get your dance on!
-
Get ready for a mini street cancan performance that’ll leave you dancing!
Summary
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the charming streets of Montmartre, where the lively spirit of the Cancan still thrives today. Guided by a cancan dancer, you’ll explore the history of this exuberant dance, learn iconic dance steps, and discover the stories of its legendary dancers.
Tour info
Duration
1.5 hours
Group Size
15
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location
Why take this tour?
Step back into Paris of the 1800s, a time when Montmartre was a quaint, countryside neighborhood on the outskirts of the city, dotted with vineyards and windmills. After the French Revolution, this unassuming area blossomed into the vibrant heart of “Gay Paris,” teeming with cabarets, artists, and, of course, the spirited cancan dance.
Starting at the legendary Moulin Rouge square, you’ll embark on an uphill journey led by La Goulue (the “greedy one”) and Valentin le Désossé (the “boneless Valentin”). La Goulue, an iconic figure at the Moulin Rouge, was celebrated for her energy, audacity, and love of food and revelry. Immortalized in Toulouse-Lautrec’s famous posters, she remains a symbol of the Belle Époque. Her partner, Valentin le Désossé, was renowned for his extraordinary flexibility and unique style, earning him fame as a star of the cabaret. Together, they formed a legendary duo that embodied the spirit of the cancan and the Moulin Rouge.
As you follow their steps, you’ll uncover the fascinating history of the cancan, a bold and rebellious dance born from the quadrille and rooted in women’s fight for freedom—reclaiming control of their bodies and dancing on their own terms.
Discover how women from diverse walks of life rose to fame as cabaret stars at iconic venues like the Moulin Rouge, the Elysée Montmartre, and the Moulin de la Galette. Learn how Toulouse-Lautrec’s groundbreaking posters not only revolutionized marketing but also reflected his deep care and support for his dancer friends.
Your guides for this journey are none other than real cancan dancers! They’ll demonstrate signature moves like the “mayonnaise,” the “cathedral,” and the cheeky “coup de cul,” explaining their deeper meanings while teaching you how to master them. You’ll even learn the dancers’ iconic rallying cry!
Step into the shoes—or rather, the boots—of a cancan dancer, and bring this vibrant Parisian tradition to life in a truly unforgettable way.
What’s included?
-
Fully guided walking tour with a professional guide -
Limited groups of 15 people or fewer -
Hotel pick up/drop off
-
Gratuities
Things to know
Before you book
-
Duration: 1h 30m
-
Instant confirmation
Before you go
-
Mobile tickets accepted
-
Not wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
-
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Redemption information
Please note this tour requires a reasonable amount of walking. Montmartre is on a hill and many of the streets are cobblestones. Please wear comfortable shoes!
Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption
About operator:
Memories France is a small, experienced team, working together to offer our guests unforgettable experiences in and around Paris. Living and working in Paris, we are a truly local company! We work with the very best guides, professionals who are fully accredited, fluent in English and passionate about sharing their knowledge and love of their city. We source first-rate local partners, uncover hidden treasures and put together unique tours that allow our guests to experience world famous sites in the most relaxed and memorable way possible, and to discover the authentic, local aspects of our beautiful city. We are committed to quality, to ensuring that each experience is special, and to sharing the very best that our city has to offer, so that our heritage becomes your memories.
- 414 reviews
Other products from this operator:
