Since 1955, the Clérico family has watched over the glowing soul of the Moulin Rouge. Jean-Victor Clérico, its general manager, takes us behind the scenes of this Montmartre jewel, between family memories, dizzying acts and visions of the future. From French Cancan to haute couture, from the Parisian rooftops to the great international stages, a whole philosophy of live entertainment is revealed.
Jean-Victor Clérico: "I'm Managing Director of the Moulin Rouge Group, which comprises three establishments: the iconic cabaret, the Machine du Moulin Rouge, a concert hall/club and rooftop cocktail bar, and La Nouvelle Ève, another historic Paris cabaret. We've been a family business for 70 years, and I represent the fourth generation to bring this adventure to life. We welcome 600,000 spectators a year and offer two shows every night, every day of the year."
Jean-Victor Clérico: "First and foremost, humanity! These are very human companies, with 450 employees and a wide variety of professions. Then there's the long-term vision: every decision is taken with a sense of responsibility for our heritage. We don't rush into things. This is a company that prepares for the future, sometimes over 10 years."
Jean-Victor Clérico: "Yes, each generation has left its mark. My great-grandfather, Joseph Clérico, was originally a builder who emigrated from Italy between the wars. In 1946, he converted the Lido from a tearoom to a dinner-theater. It proved a great success, and in 1955 he acquired the Moulin Rouge. My grandfather, Jacki Clérico, took over management in 1962 and, with his artistic flair, created aquatic ballets and the 11 revues that followed, from Frou Frou to today's Féérie. My father, Jean-Jacques Clérico, diversified the Moulin Rouge universe with the acquisition of La Loco, now La Machine, and modernized the stage/artistic infrastructure. My sister, Virginie Clérico, and I are in charge of brand and experience projects, such as the international musical adapted from the film Moulin Rouge, as well as upmarket catering and rooftops at La Machine."
Jean-Victor Clérico: "Many people don't know that we have confidential terraces at the foot of the Moulin, deliberately kept out of the media to remain a Parisian haven. Hidden behind the wings of the Moulin Rouge, the Bar à Bulles is a little green paradise in the heart of the Cité Véron. And few know that our artisan workshops - bootmaker, feather worker, embroiderer, costume designer - are in-house and work on site. This allows us to react quickly: if a costume deteriorates, it is repaired between two shows, so that it can be put back on stage as quickly as possible."
Jean-Victor Clérico: "But because there's nothing like it! It's one of the few shows that's totally visual, accessible to all cultures, universal. As soon as you enter the mythical auditorium, you're immersed in the Belle Époque. And it's a show that's danceable, rhythmic and ultra-festive. People come out singing, with stars in their eyes. Sometimes I stay outside: I really enjoy observing people's reactions after our show!"
Jean-Victor Clérico: "The show is alive. It is revised, improved and modernized. The synopsis remains the same, but the acts, costumes and technologies are constantly being updated. And behind the scenes, a new show is already in gestation. We're always thinking ahead , because it takes two and a half years to remake a show."
Jean-Victor Clérico: "We hold four auditions a year. These are multidisciplinary dancers. And to join the cancan, you need a month and a half of training. We're talking about real athletes here. Some are even Olympic medallists!"
Jean-Victor Clérico: "The artists put on two shows a night. They have an impressive lifestyle. It's top-notch. And the attraction acts - acrobats, rollerbladers, swimmers - are also extremely demanding. Nothing is left to chance.
Jean-Victor Clérico: "Conviviality and celebration. It's a very festive show, but also a unique atmosphere. As in the original show, spectators are seated on tables, so you share the moment with other spectators. You laugh, you sing, you dance in your head. We leave happy, and this conviviality is important today".
Jean-Victor Clérico: "Le Moulin is active on the networks, of course, but above all we plant seeds by diversifying experiences. Young people come to concerts and the club or our rooftops, have their first experience near Le Moulin, then come back later to see the cabaret show. It's a natural cycle."
Jean-Victor Clérico: "They often think it's a place for tourists, whereas we have a 40% French clientele. Our terraces have been designed for them, without fuss. We want them to reclaim this piece of their heritage and this very Parisian/French place."
Jean-Victor Clérico: "By remaining a unique place. Not a concept. Not a themed café or boutique hotel. We're still a place offering entertainment, a French heritage , rooted in Montmartre. We're integrating technology and thinking about enlarging the stage. Even if the show evolves regularly (you'd be surprised if you'd seen it a long time ago!), the core remains the same."
Jean-Victor Clérico: "Come and discover or rediscover us. Every evening is a celebration. Whether you're with your family, your partner or your friends, you'll always remember it. The Moulin Rouge is a souvenir of Paris to take with you for life."
Location
Moulin Rouge
82 Boulevard de Clichy
75018 Paris 18
