Top Rated Attractions in Paris

Founded in 1889, this legendary cabaret is known to the world over for being the birthplace of the famous French form of dance, can-can, forever immortalized in the paintings of French artist Toulouse-Lautrec. This landmark red windmill near Montmartre attracted the free spirits and artistic souls of Paris' Belle Epoque with its extravagant and risque performances. Although during World War I popularity dropped off, it rebounded greatly with the advent of the glitzy dancer Mistinguette, perhaps the cabaret's most iconic performer, in the 1920s. Today, the red lights of the Moulin Rouge still glow in Pigalle, where visitors can get a taste of Paris' Golden Age.

This strangely-shaped building was dreamed up by Louis Dejean, owner of the summer circus grounds in the gardens of the Champs-Élysées. Wanting to expand his business year-round, he commissioned Hittorff, the architect of the impressive Gare du Nord, to build what was called the "Cirque Napoléon." Completed in 1854, the 20-sided polygon was greatly admired at the time and innumerable circus acts thrilled the crowds. These days, the building is unfortunately often empty, but the exterior alone is worth a visit, with its elaborate horse sculptures and carousel-like decor.

Go past the dimly lit hallway with the dusty red carpet and chandeliers, wave to the uniformed night watchman, and enter the motley world that is the General’s Counter. Everything, the hanging vines, the stuffed tropical birds, the worn upholstery, seems to evoke nostalgia for the past and yearning for the exotic. In the daytime, the Comptoir Général is a collective space dedicated to community outreach programs, solidarity and environmental initiatives, where schoolchildren are ushered in the cluttered but sunlit hall to listen to stories and songs from Mali. At night, it becomes the haunt of the bohemian-bourgeois, trendy and shabby with that Caribbean flair that will have you convinced you are spending the night in Havana.

A part of the grand Théâtre Firmin Gémier of Antony, L'Espace Cirque is an open air circular space, offered as one of the four major venues here. The room is surrounded by a lush green park on one side, two in-house stages on either sides, and the main theater building on the other side. Located in the heart of the entertainment scene, this 4,400 square meters (47361.2 square feet) area can approximately accommodate 700 people at a time. Generally host to circuses, L'Espace Cirque is a versatile venue which can be easily adapted for various events. Visit the website for further details and booking information.

Since its beginning in 1925, Terminus Nord has been a mainstay of the area outside Gare du Nord. With a menu that offers traditional French food, it is best known for its convenient open times and delicious seafood. Blending Art Nouveau and Art Déco, the interiors resonate local charm and character. Given its location and the fact that private enclosures available for semi-casual meetings and such, its hardly a surprise that many important businessmen and European Parliament members have been guests at Terminus Nord. With delectable food, convenient open hours, some of the best local scenes of Paris this joint is definitely worth a visit!

Transformed from a wine warehouse in 1997 and located at Alfortville, Le Théâtre-Studio is one of the major cultural event centers. Teaming up with the famous directors and writers, the main author and associate of the theater Edward Bond has been successful to produce 52 performances, 48 shows, 5 circuses, 63 concerts, dance performances and film screenings of another level. They also conduct many theater and dance workshops for individuals and schools. An audience visiting here will always be surprised by their performances. They accept only cash or cheque payments. Check out the website for detailed information on upcoming events and reservations.