Elysée Montmartre Concert Venue

It's at music hall Elysée Montmartre that the unforgettable French cancan – a mélange of musical styles, singing, and semi-clothed dancing – was invented in 1807. The shows quickly spread to other venues in the neighborhood of Boulevard Rochechouart, including the Moulin Rouge, Folies Bergère, and Bataclan. Elysée Montmartre acted as inspiration to many: Émile Zola describes its atypical rococo façade (listed as a historic monument since 1989) in his novel L'Assommoir; and Toulouse-Lautrec painted several of his paintings there.

After surviving a fire in 1900, Elysée Montmartre diversified, gradually transforming into the concert and clubbing venue it is today. It also hosts runway shows, film shootings, and, in the past, wrestling matches. The venue can accommodate up to 1,200 people.

Its eclectic musical programming runs from rap to French chanteurs. Past performers at Elysée Montmartre include Wu-Tang Clan, Siouxsie, Peaches, Katy Perry, Cyndi Lauper, and Diam's. The Roots' song "You Got Me" mentions Elysée Montmartre; and the Counting Crows recorded a live CD here in 1994.

Ravaged by a second fire in 2011, the 200-year-old venue nearly shut down before the government rallied to save it. Elysée Montmartre is currently closed to the public.