Hi,

I'm planning on visiting the Moulin Rouge soon and it's very important to me that I get a seat near the front of the stage. I'd appreciate any tips on how to do this. Do I just need to start queuing very early?

Also I don't speak any French. Would that be a problem?

Thanks,
Joe

First and foremost Welcome to FT and I apologize that nobody has answered your question.
My experience is with Lido. I have not been to the Moulin Rouge.
I went with my parents, not part of a group tour and were placed in the worse table possible. My father took out a 200 franc bill and gave it to the head waiter and told him this was a special evening and he wanted a better table. And voila, a great table appeared.
200 francs was probably around 30 dollars and there were 3 of us.
I would slip somebody 10-20 euros if you dont like the place you are assigned.
I know this does not answer your questions but.....whatever (I am sure there will be some comments about this).

I think it is a great idea, I remember when $20 could get you a great table for a show in Vegas....
Sadly they are all pre-assigned seats now... With $100-$150 prices...
I preferred the old way.

Thanks, planning on going to France next month and part of the trip was to see the show, great tip!

Sometimes the Concierges at the hotels can work wonders.
15 yrs ago I went with my husband and his buddy (who had just broken up with his GF). We were staying at a 3 star hotel in the 8 ieme( just out of uni) and we asked the concierge to make the reservations for us. We had one of the best table in the front ( it was a surprise- didn't need to tip the usher and we didn't make any special request to the concierge).

Same thing at the Crazy Horse a couple of yrs later - this time we were in the 6th arrondissement and the hotel did everything for us ( no additional charges to get the best seats)

Just got back, went to the MR 2 weeks ago. I wouldn't worry too much about being too close to the front, you might get better skin views , but you'll miss the whole stage view which is so impressive.

We were about a quarter of the way from the front, at ground level, no issues at all. Yes, seats very much pre-assigned, I doubt if a tip would get them to change, but maybe... Had the Belle Epoque menu, not cheap at 175E each, but good food (excellent lobster starter, avg looking main of steak and potatoes, but cooked perfectly and tasted great, and v.good chocolate crunchy dessert), good Champagne (Mumm, plus another bottle of Bolly @ 60E just because we were in the mood). Band playing while you eat, then a great show, just what you expect, very professional, excellent acts in between dance numbers, and I got picked as one of four for the 'film' improv comedy segment which was fun!! Me, on stage at the Moulin Rouge!! My wife's still jealous!

I think most seats will offer a very good view, but best to be in middle of the theatre, rather than heavily left or right. It's pretty crowded in there, they really pack you in and cameras are strictly forbidden. Expect a line when you get there, reservation or not.

Expensive show, but a good night out. Didn't think I would, but I do recommend it.

Cheers
TiggerK