Le Cabaret Burlesque - La Nouvelle Seine à Paris
The name of this place itself kind of gives it away: ‘Nouvelle Seine’ (a play on scène) — which literally translates to ‘New Scene’ in French — and if you’re on the hunt for something fresh, fun and super Parisian to spice things up this weekend, then this place is just the ticket: a colourful, quirky cabaret show set within a unique floating theatre in the very heart of Paris, which is unashamedly cheeky and shows just enough skin to be sexy without being over-the-top.
If you’ve ever walked the Seine at dusk alongside Notré Dame, you may have caught a glimpse of an elegant, glass-walled peniche docked on the bank — a handsome but solitary figure with soft candlelight streaming out its windows, cutting a curious, lone silhouette in the shadow of the iconic church (now abandoned for re-construction), with one or two deck chairs guarding its unassuming entrance.
Look closer and you’ll start to see the contents of the long room which unfolds inside — a mezzanine split in two levels, several close-knit dinner tables set with white tablecloths; a tiny bar with a few wooden stools, and hundreds of little fairy lights strung up around all over the place, illuminating a mash-up of French theatre posters, photos and knick-knacks adorning its walls.
At first sight, the scene looks so calm and picture perfect that you’d be forgiven for thinking that this fancy barge which charms at a glance is just a secret, tranquil venue for a romantic meal or sunset glass of wine with friends — and it is that.. but looks can also be deceiving.
Take the plunge to the lower deck and you’ll be taken into a new world — where a cosy little theatre with just 100 weathered seats awaits, facing a small stage covered by red-velvet curtains.. Once they’re drawn, a magnificent one-hour show unfolds — a flurry of bright lights and music, where stories are told in choreographed dances by sassy performers wearing sequinned costumes who know exactly how to entertain you — even if you don’t speak any French.
More than just a striptease, this unique and exotic spectacle filled with feathers, glitter and lots of laughs ticks all the boxes for a glamorous night out on the town if you’re after something different — but we won’t reveal any more, since they don’t allow guests to take photos during this particular show, and we’re not the kind to watch & tell.
That’s probably all for the best though — because, trust us, this is one event you’ll want to experience for yourself, before making any judgements.
That said, if you’re after something more tame or cabaret definitely isn’t your thing, then the stage at Nouvelle Seine also regularly welcomes new and upcoming artists, from stand-up comedy to one-man-shows — so just check the program and see what strikes your fancy (link below) — the unique setting of the venue itself is well-worth the trip.
The on-site restaurant also offers a rotating menu of local homemade favourites which change with the seasons, and the bar has a small but reasonably-priced selection of wines and spirits to choose from — so you can opt to have sit-down dinner or drink before any of the shows, with a beautiful vista looking out onto the river to match — and you can even take your drinks into the theatre, which is a huge plus and adds to the ambience!
Perfect for: A glamorous, cheeky night out on the town which will make you fall in love with Paris all over again.
What to order: Get there early and go for dinner (the menu change but you’ll always find some good, French classics on offer); or go for a glass of red — before, during or after the show.
Address: Péniche sur Berges, in front of 3 quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris (Google Maps)
Trading hours:
Restaurant / Bar
LUNCH // Wednesday-Sunday: 12PM-2.15PM
DINNER // Tuesday-Sunday: 7PM-11PM
BRUNCH // Sundays only: 12PM-2.15PM
Le Cabaret Burlesque — Every night: 23:00 - 23:55
***Check the program below for other shows **
Website & Program: www.lanouvelleseine.com
Insta: @lanouvelleseine
