Discover Paris's most daring cabaret on Avenue George V. A unique show celebrating feminine beauty through the art of light, dance, and staging for an unforgettable evening.
Show: From €90
Premium: From €120
Dinner & Show: From €200
Shows: Tue–Sun 9pm and 11:30pm
Duration: 1h30
Arrival: 30 min before the show
Address: 12 av. George V, 75008
Neighbourhood: Champs-Élysées, 8th arr.
Metro: Alma-Marceau (line 9)
Book: 2 to 3 weeks in advance
Dress code: Smart attire recommended
Age: 18 and over only
Crazy Horse is far more than a simple Parisian cabaret: it is a unique artistic institution that has revolutionized the concept of nude performance since its founding in 1951. Located in the very chic 8th arrondissement of Paris, on Avenue George V, just steps from the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower, this legendary establishment has elevated the female nude to a true art form, making light, choreography, and staging its primary creative tools.
Unlike traditional cabarets that rely on feathers, sequins, and grandiose sets, Crazy Horse has built its reputation on a refined, sophisticated aesthetic. Here, woman is a living work of art, sculpted by extraordinary light effects found nowhere else in the world. Each show is a succession of visually stunning tableaux in which the female body becomes the medium for bold and refined artistic expression.
The history of Crazy Horse begins in 1951 with a visionary man, Alain Bernardin, a passionate art collector and unconventional entrepreneur who dreamed of creating a nude show radically different from anything existing in Paris at the time. In the flamboyant post-war era, Paris saw many cabarets flourish, but none had yet dared to stage the nude woman with such artistic sophistication.
Bernardin opened his establishment in a former vaulted cellar on Avenue George V, giving birth to what he himself called an "anti-cabaret." His concept was revolutionary: no oversized feathers, no revues in overloaded costumes, but dancers selected with extreme rigour for the harmony of their proportions, performing in an intimate space bathed in expertly orchestrated lights.
The name "Crazy Horse Saloon" was inspired by the saloons of the American Wild West, which Bernardin greatly admired. Over the decades, the establishment became simply "Crazy Horse," a symbol of freedom, boldness, and artistic avant-garde. Bernardin ran his cabaret until his passing in 1994, instilling in it his incomparable artistic soul and demands. Since then, the management has faithfully continued his vision while reinterpreting it for new generations.
Crazy Horse quickly gained worldwide renown, attracting the greatest celebrities: Marlene Dietrich, Shirley MacLaine, Dita Von Teese, and even fashion personalities such as Karl Lagerfeld who collaborated on the show. This international recognition speaks to the unique status of Crazy Horse in the Parisian and global cultural landscape.
Crazy Horse's flagship show, "Divine," is a choral work that celebrates femininity in all its forms through about twenty carefully constructed tableaux. Each tableau is a world unto itself, with its own atmosphere, its own music, its own light effects, and its own visual narrative. Together they form a ninety-minute sensory journey that leaves audiences under the spell of an extraordinary experience.
What fundamentally distinguishes the Crazy Horse show from any other cabaret is the absolute mastery of light. The establishment's lighting designers have, over decades, developed proprietary techniques that sculpt bodies, create breathtaking optical illusions, and make dancers appear and disappear as if by magic. Light is not mere stage lighting: it is the central artistic tool around which everything else is organised.
Crazy Horse's dancers carry a unique name: the "Nudistas." This term, invented by Alain Bernardin himself, defines an artist of a particular type, selected according to aesthetic criteria of near-scientific precision. The recruitment process is one of the most selective in the world of entertainment: out of hundreds of candidates auditioned each year, only a few will join the troupe.
The Nudistas must meet very precise proportional criteria defined by Bernardin and perpetuated since: a height between 1.65m and 1.75m, harmonious measurements according to specific ratios, and exceptional artistic qualities — sense of rhythm, natural grace, the ability to express themselves solely through the body without resorting to conventional academic dance technique. They are not classical ballerinas, but artists of the body in its purest dimension.
Each Nudista receives a poetic and quirky stage name, often inspired by the English-speaking world — a house tradition dating back to Crazy Horse's origins. These names, sometimes surreal, contribute to the establishment's own mythology and help create the troupe's singular universe.
The genius of Crazy Horse lies in its unrivalled use of light as a primary artistic medium. The lighting effects create breathtaking visual results: bodies that seem to multiply, silhouettes that blend into darkness leaving only certain parts visible, colours that transform skin into an abstract canvas, and light projections that dress naked bodies in geometric patterns or dreamlike landscapes.
This technical mastery of light has inspired countless artists and designers around the world. From fashion designers to photographers to filmmakers, many acknowledge the influence of Crazy Horse on their aesthetic approach. The establishment has also collaborated with major figures in fashion and design for certain tableaux or special programmes.
Crazy Horse offers several packages suited to different desires and budgets, allowing each visitor to choose the experience that best suits them.
The basic package includes access to the show with one drink (champagne or cocktail depending on the options chosen). From €90 per person, it is the ideal option to discover Crazy Horse and experience it in its essential dimension. The ambience of the venue, the lighting effects, and the artistic quality of the show will transport you from the very first minutes.
Premium seats, from €120, offer priority placement in the venue with an optimised view of the stage. For a show whose entire magic rests on visual effects and light, a good position in the venue is crucial to fully appreciating the experience.
For a complete and gastronomic evening, the dinner and show package from €200 offers a meal at one of the establishment's partner restaurants before attending the show. This package is particularly recommended for special occasions — birthdays, Valentine's Day, romantic dinners — as it provides an overall experience that begins well before the curtain rises and lingers in memories long after.
Crazy Horse happily welcomes groups and can organise private bookings or special arrangements for major occasions. Bottles of champagne, floral arrangements, or personalised attentions can be prepared upon advance request. Companies also appreciate Crazy Horse for exceptional evenings in a unique setting.
Crazy Horse generally offers two shows per evening, Tuesday through Sunday: a first show at 9:00pm and a second at 11:30pm. This double programming allows visitors to choose the time that best fits their Parisian evening.
The 9:00pm show is the most popular and fits perfectly into a classic Parisian evening — dinner beforehand at one of the many excellent restaurants in the Champs-Élysées neighbourhood, the show, then back to the hotel or continuing the evening at one of the elegant bars in the 8th arrondissement. The 11:30pm show is more nocturnal and better suits night owls who wish to start their evening at Crazy Horse and continue the night afterwards.
It is important to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts to settle in comfortably, discover the ambience of the venue, and, if needed, order additional drinks. The show lasts approximately 1h30, with no interval. This compact format guarantees the audience's sustained attention from beginning to end, with no dead time or dragging moments.
Crazy Horse is ideally located at 12 Avenue George V, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, one of the most elegant and well-connected neighbourhoods in the capital.
Line 9: Alma-Marceau station — The closest stop to Crazy Horse, less than 5 minutes on foot. On leaving the metro, head up Avenue George V towards the Champs-Élysées and you will reach the cabaret in just a few minutes.
Line 1: George V station — Also nearby, this station on line 1 allows easy access to the cabaret from the main tourist sites in Paris.
Several bus routes serve the area and stop nearby: lines 32, 42, 63, 72, 80, 92 — Alma-Marceau or George V stop depending on the line. These lines provide easy access to Crazy Horse from all arrondissements of Paris.
Taxis or rideshare services (Uber, Bolt) are particularly practical for an evening at Crazy Horse, especially for the return journey after the 11:30pm show. The address to give the driver is: 12 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris. The nearest taxi rank is on the Place de l'Alma.
If you are dining on the Champs-Élysées before the show, note that Crazy Horse is just a few minutes' walk away. Head down the famous avenue towards the Seine and turn into Avenue George V — you cannot miss it.
Crazy Horse is a prestigious establishment that requires attire in keeping with its image. The dress code is "elegant" or "smart casual": trousers and a smart shirt for men (a tie is not required), a dress, skirt, or suit for women. Shorts, ripped jeans, sports trainers, and overly casual outfits should be avoided.
Access to Crazy Horse is strictly reserved for adults (18 and over), which contributes to the sophisticated and adult atmosphere of the venue. This rule is systematically enforced at the entrance without exception.
Photography and video are strictly prohibited during the show. This rule, scrupulously enforced by staff, protects both the show's copyright and the privacy of the artists. Photos are, however, possible in the common areas and before the show begins. Respecting this rule is part of the implicit agreement that binds the audience to the artists and the establishment.
The Crazy Horse venue is deliberately intimate — that is one of its fundamental characteristics. Unlike the Moulin Rouge, which can accommodate nearly 850 people in a large show hall, Crazy Horse offers a more intimate experience in a space where every audience member is close to the stage. This proximity is essential for appreciating the subtlety of the lighting effects and the precision of the choreographies.
The question often arises among visitors wishing to choose between Paris's two great cabarets: Crazy Horse or Moulin Rouge? In reality, these two establishments are complementary rather than competing, as they offer two radically different visions of entertainment.
The Moulin Rouge relies on grandeur, splendour, and tradition: grand revues, sumptuous costumes, many artists on stage, legendary French cancan, an immense hall. It is the embodiment of classic Parisian cabaret, a direct heir of the Belle Époque — spectacular and festive. If you are looking for a grand Parisian revue with pomp and abundance, the Moulin Rouge is your destination.
Crazy Horse, on the other hand, relies on refinement, intimacy, and artistic boldness. Few sets, few costumes, but an absolute mastery of light and a coherent, sophisticated aesthetic vision. It is a show for lovers of contemporary art and design, those who appreciate beauty in its most direct form and who seek a unique rather than festive experience. If you are looking for something different, bold, and artistic, Crazy Horse is made for you.
Avenue George V, where Crazy Horse is located, is one of the most prestigious in Paris. It connects the Champs-Élysées to the Place de l'Alma and runs alongside some of the capital's most famous luxury hotels — the Four Seasons George V, the Hôtel de la Trémoille. The neighbourhood is home to major international fashion boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and embassies.
Enjoying an evening at Crazy Horse is the perfect opportunity to discover this exceptional neighbourhood. Before the show, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, settle into one of the avenue's many bistros or brasseries, or admire the Eiffel Tower from the nearby Pont de l'Alma. After the show, the bars and lounges of the neighbourhood's grand hotels offer a hushed atmosphere perfect for extending the evening in style.
The proximity of the Eiffel Tower is also a major asset: between shows or after the performance, you can admire the illuminated Iron Lady and, every hour on the hour, her sparkling pyrotechnic light show — a natural and free finale to an already exceptional evening.
Crazy Horse is a destination of choice for celebrating life's important moments. The sophisticated atmosphere and the originality of the show make it an ideal setting for memorable occasions.
Every year, Crazy Horse is one of the most sought-after destinations for Valentine's Day. The combination of an intimate venue, a show celebrating beauty and sensuality, and one of the most romantic neighbourhoods in Paris creates the ideal conditions for an exceptional evening. For Valentine's Day, book several weeks in advance as seats go very quickly.
Celebrating an important birthday at Crazy Horse is offering an extraordinary gift. Mention the occasion when booking and staff can prepare special attentions. Round-number birthdays — 30, 40, 50 — are particularly popular in this unique setting that makes a lasting impression.
Paris is the world capital of prestigious hen parties, and Crazy Horse features prominently on the itineraries of female groups coming to celebrate a future bride. The atmosphere, the quality of the show, and the uniqueness of the experience make it a memorable and sophisticated stop for this type of celebration.
In addition to the main show "Divine," Crazy Horse regularly hosts special productions and guest artists who bring their own universe to the cabaret. These artistic collaborations have always been in the establishment's DNA, ever since Bernardin invited figures from the art world to contribute to his shows.
Artists such as Dita Von Teese, queen of contemporary world burlesque, have graced the Crazy Horse stage for exceptional shows that made headlines. These special productions, generally limited in duration, attract an international audience and must be booked well in advance. Check the current programming on the Crazy Horse website before booking to ensure you don't miss a particularly exceptional show.
The annual programme also includes themed evenings and special performances for holidays — Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day — which feature staging tailored to the occasions. These special evenings are generally offered at slightly higher prices but include additional services (champagne, menu, etc.).
Booking online is the simplest and safest method to obtain your tickets. Crazy Horse is a highly sought-after establishment and it is strongly advised to book 2 to 3 weeks in advance, or even further ahead during peak tourist periods (July–August, year-end holidays, Valentine's Day).
Through our partner GetYourGuide, you benefit from a secure booking with immediate confirmation, the ability to choose your date, show, and package, and a customer service available in several languages. Some offers also include flexible cancellation options, valuable if your travel plans are likely to change.
When booking, have your payment method ready and prepare the necessary information: number of people, desired date, chosen package. You will receive a confirmation email which you will need to present (digital or printed version) at the cabaret entrance on the evening of the show.
Full address: Crazy Horse, 12 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France
Nearest metro: Alma-Marceau (line 9) or George V (line 1)
Show times: 9:00pm and 11:30pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Show duration: Approximately 1h30, no interval
Minimum age: 18 and over only
Dress code: Elegant / smart casual required
Photography: Prohibited during the show
Disabled access: Please enquire when booking
An evening at Crazy Horse is a unique artistic and sensory experience, unlike anything else in the French capital. Whether you are a contemporary art enthusiast, a lover of aesthetics, or simply seeking an original and memorable Parisian evening, Crazy Horse will surprise and enchant you. Beauty, sensuality, and art come together here in a rare alchemy that fully justifies its worldwide reputation.
Book your tickets now via GetYourGuide to secure your place at one of the most singular evenings Paris has to offer. Immediate confirmation, secure payment, and English-speaking customer service — everything is designed so you can focus on what matters: enjoying this unforgettable experience.
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