a guide to Pigalle
about Pigalle
Of all the Parisian districts, it is without doubt Pigalle that enjoys the most notoriety. Its past standing as the centre of the city's red light district is well known, and most people would associate the area with sex shops, strip clubs and venues such as the world famous Moulin Rouge.
Whilst there can be no doubt that places such as this do exist in plain sight, the area has become markedly less debauched since the days of outraging the general public with their many questionable clubs showcasing raunchy routines. Indeed, such is the attraction of the area these days that it has actually become quite expensive, the Moulin Rouge being a case in point, along with the former brothel turned cabaret club Divan du Monde.
With its close proximity to neighbouring Montmartre, Pigalle was ideally placed to attract the area's artist residents to paint its original and controversial atmosphere, among them Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh. The Musée de l'Érotisme is a reminder that the area knows what visitors expect of it and is not necessarily going to shy away from its reputation.
Our tip: Situated in between Pigalle and Montmartre, the Espace Dali displays some of the artist's smaller and less well-known work.
top hotels in PigalleHotels in Pigalle
how to get there
by car
Exit the Périphérique at Junction 20 (Porte de Clichy) and go straight over the crossroads onto Avenue de Clichy. Take a right at La Fourche Metro station and then a left at the next station, Place de Clichy, which will take you onto the Boulevard de Clichy and right into the heart of Pigalle.
For satellite navigation systems enter postcode 75009 or 75018.
Nearest underground parking: Clichy Montmartre, 12 Rue Forest, 75018
by bus
Services 30, 54 and 67 run through the centre of Pigalle.
by tube
Nearest station: Pigalle (Lines 2 and 12)
From Gare du Nord: Take Line 4 towards Porte de Clignacourt, changing at Barbès-Rochechouart (1 stop) for the Line 2 service to Porte Dauphine and Pigalle (2 stops).
From Gare de Lyon: Take Line 1 towards La Défense Grande Arche and change at Concorde (8 stops). Board the Line 12 service to Porte de la Chapelle and get off at Pigalle (6 stops).
From Gare Montparnasse: The Line 12 service to Porte de la Chapelle will take you directly to Pigalle (13 stops).
by train
Nearest RER station: Gare du Nord (RER B, RER D)
attractions
upcoming events
Jan 11
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06
Jan 14
Owned by a French-English couple, Rose Bakery, just below Montmartre, is a wonderful organic delicatessen-cum-restaurant that sells mouth-watering homemade food to queues of hungry locals. The menu includes soups, salads, buttery quiches, mini-pizzas and scrumptious cakes, including traditional English carrot cake. Come early for a table or join the throngs for a take-out lunch.
Jan 11
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06
Jan 14
World-famous Moulin Rouge Cabaret, immortalised by Toulouse-Lautrec is still here in Montmartre, the only place in Paris where you can see the real Can Can. Opt for dinner to get the best seats. Revues begin nightly at 9pm and 11pm.
Jan 11
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06
Jan 14
Famous for being the café where Amélie Poulain worked in the 2001 film <i>Amélie</i>, Montmartre's Café des Deux Moulins is a lively place for budget dining. The 1950s decor has been revamped but Amélie still smiles enigmatically from the walls. Order bacon and frisée salad and Amélie's favourite, crème brûlée.
