A secret room inside the Moulin Rouge is being transformed into an Airbnb where visitors can stay for $1 a night

The Moulin Rouge, which means “red mill” in French, is a cabaret in Paris, France. It is often credited with popularizing the modern version of the can-can.

The Moulin Rouge has attracted visitors from all over the world for over 130 years. Unbeknownst to most is a secret space inside the windmill on top of the theater that has never been accessible to the public — until now.

The theater was opened by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler in 1889 and is located at the foot of Paris’ Montmarte Hill. It’s considered one of Paris’ historical landmarks. It is also a cultural icon — it was used as the setting of the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film “Moulin Rouge!” starring Nicole Kidman.

Oller was a Spanish entrepreneur, while Zidler was a showman who managed the cabaret. They wanted to create an entertainment venue for people from all walks of life, including both the rich and the poor. 

The theater had to be rebuilt when the original building burnt down in 1915. The fire razed everything to the ground, leaving “only the façade and a portion of the stage” standing, per the International Herald Tribune. 

 

A hidden room inside the iconic Moulin Rouge windmill will be turned into an Airbnb and for a limited time, guests can book a stay for just €1 ($1.05) per night.

For most of the building’s history, the room was empty and served no purpose, Carmen Hernandez, an Airbnb representative, told Insider.

Only three one-night stays are available on June 13, 20, and 27. There are currently no plans to extend the program, Hernandez added.

A maximum of two guests are allowed for each stay, and all guests have to be at least 18 years old. Bookings open on May 17 and can be made on Airbnb’s website.

This is not the first time that Airbnb has hosted stays in historical landmarks in France. In 2019, the company held a contest where winners were given a chance to sleep inside the glass pyramid of the Louvre, Insider’s Alison Millington reported.

 

The once-empty room has been renovated into a boudoir that’s inspired by the Belle Époque period in 19th-century Europe.

The Belle Époque period refers to the years leading up to World War I, where the arts flourished and there was economic prosperity.

To renovate the room, Airbnb worked with French historian Jean-Claude Yon to ensure the style of the Belle Époque period was accurately captured. Yon did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment. 

Designs of the Belle Époque period were characterized by opulence and decadence, including details such as fur trimmings, gold ornamentation, feathers, tassels, and pearls.

The room is filled with furniture designed in an art nouveau style, featuring curved lines and elaborate embellishments.

Source: Airbnb

Fancy cabaret costumes adorn the clothes rack, creating an area that’s reminiscent of a dressing room backstage.

Guests will be hosted by Claudine Van Den Bergh, the lead dancer at the Moulin Rouge. As part of the experience, guests will also have an opportunity to meet the cast of the show in their dressing room.

In the room is a vanity table covered in vintage items such as accessories, perfume bottles, and ornamental lamps

Source: Airbnb

A miniature paper theater of the cabaret sits on top of a cabinet for guests to admire.

Source: Airbnb

There are also other decorative features such as a hat stand and an antique sewing machine.

Source: Airbnb

Outside the room lies a private rooftop terrace with a mini pavilion.

As part of the stay, guests can enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by Moulin Rouge’s resident chef Arnaud Demerville on the terrace. Dishes on the menu are also inspired by the Belle Époque period.

The stay also includes tickets to “Féerie,” a performance at the Moulin Rouge, followed by a private tour of the theater. Ticket prices for the show typically range from €108 to €430 ($113 to $453).