Moulin Rouge: Sails Fall Off Paris’s Famous Cabaret Club Overnight
In a surprising turn of events, the windmill on top of the world-famous Moulin Rouge cabaret club in Paris has lost its sails. The blades fell onto the street below in the early hours of the morning, causing a stir among locals and tourists alike. While the cause of the collapse remains unclear, authorities have confirmed that there were no injuries.
A Fixture of Parisian Nightlife
The Moulin Rouge has been a fixture of Parisian nightlife since its opening in 1889. Known as the birthplace of the can-can dance, the club has attracted visitors from around the world for over a century. The incident comes just months before the French capital is set to host the Olympics, adding to the intrigue surrounding the event.
Initial images shared on social media showed the sails lying on the street below, with some of the blades slightly bent from the apparent fall. However, Paris firefighters have assured the public that there is no risk of further collapse. The structure has been secured against the façade of the cabaret and covered up by green tarpaulin for safety.
A Technical Problem
Despite the unusual nature of the incident, Moulin Rouge officials have stated that it was not an especially windy night. The club’s technical teams check the windmill mechanism every week and did not note any problems prior to the incident. Jean-Victor Clerico, the director of the cabaret, has emphasized that there is no sign of foul play and that the cause is most likely a technical problem.
This is not the first time the landmark has faced adversity. In 1915, a fire erupted during renovation works, resulting in the destruction of the original Moulin Rouge. However, the cabaret was rebuilt and has continued to captivate visitors with its distinctive red windmill blades.
A Symbol of Paris
The Moulin Rouge, located in the northern Paris district of Pigalle, is one of the most visited landmarks in the city. Its opening in October 1889 at the foot of the Montmartre hill marked the beginning of an era of crazy Parisian nights. Today, a visit to the cabaret is a must-do for many tourists exploring the French capital.
As news of the incident spread, Parisians flocked to the scene to witness the aftermath. André Duval, a local resident and former head waiter at the Moulin Rouge in the 1980s, expressed his sentiment, stating that “Paris without its windmill is like Paris without its Eiffel Tower.” While the sight of the windmill without its sails may be disturbing to some, the absence of injuries is the main relief for residents like Raphaël.
A Legacy of Art and Entertainment
The Moulin Rouge has long been associated with artists and performers. In the 1890s, French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec became a regular visitor to the club and immortalized the Moulin Rouge during the period known as “La Belle Époque.” His iconic advertisement posters featuring the can-can dancers became some of his most recognizable work.
Over a century later, the musical romantic drama film “Moulin Rouge!” by Baz Luhrmann introduced the cabaret to a whole new audience. Starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, the film brought the story of the Moulin Rouge to life, showcasing its can-can dance and topless dancers.
The Moulin Rouge has always been a symbol of decadence and entertainment in Paris. From its early days as a burlesque palace to its modern-day reputation as a cultural icon, the cabaret continues to captivate audiences with its unique charm and history.
While the recent incident may have temporarily disrupted the iconic windmill, the Moulin Rouge remains a testament to the enduring spirit of Parisian nightlife and the allure of the can-can dance.
