The Moulin Rouge windmill-a fixture of Paris nightlife since 1889-is once again lighting up the Montmartre skyline. Four new crimson sails, powered by a modern electric motor, resumed their twirl on July 10, 2025, ending a 14-month hiatus that followed a sudden mechanical failure. The restart drew dancers, locals, and tourists into an impromptu street show that halted traffic and revived a beloved Parisian symbol.
Key Points
- Windmill now powered by energy-efficient electric motor
- 60 can-can dancers launched street celebration outside the venue
- Restoration timed for peak Summer Travel and Olympic afterglow
- Why it matters: Iconic landmark fully operational for visitors again
- Sails scheduled to rotate daily from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Moulin Rouge Windmill Snapshot: How It Works
Built in 1889 to evoke rural French mills, the windmill crowns the cabaret's red façade on Boulevard de Clichy. Each sail spans roughly 40 feet and weighs over a ton. Historically, the blades rotated via a belt-driven motor; the new system uses a variable-speed electric drive that reduces energy use and vibration. While the mill is purely decorative, its movement signals showtime to patrons and turns the building into a kinetic night-time beacon for Montmartre.
Moulin Rouge Windmill Background: Why It Matters
The windmill has survived fire, two world wars, and shifting fashions. Its only severe mishap occurred at 2 a.m. on April 25, 2024, when a worn axis coupling failed and three sails crashed onto the sidewalk, dislodging part of the "Moulin Rouge" sign. No injuries occurred, but the sudden loss jarred residents and shutterbugs, prompting a rapid facade repair ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics torch relay. Today's revival restores a landmark that attracts more than 600,000 ticket holders yearly, anchors countless film and photo shoots, and fuels the neighborhood's tourism economy.
Moulin Rouge Windmill Latest Developments
A celebratory street gala on July 10 showcased the mill's return, complete with fireworks and a 32-piece brass band. Managing Director Jean-Victor Clérico declared the sails "the heart of Montmartre nightlife" before flipping the switch at dusk.
Electric Motor Ushers in a Quieter Spin
Engineers replaced the 1990s-era gearbox with a sealed electric unit designed for continuous nightly use. Sensors now monitor torque and temperature, sending alerts to the cabaret's backstage control room. Operators can vary speed to match show cues or slow the blades during high winds, reducing wear and minimizing another abrupt shutdown.
Street Celebration Draws Global Attention
Roughly 5,000 onlookers crowded Place Blanche, cell phones aloft, as 60 performers high-kicked through the classic can-can. The routine stopped traffic on Boulevard de Clichy for 20 minutes, but city police reported no incidents. Live feeds on social media reached an estimated 3 million viewers, according to the cabaret's press office, underscoring the venue's cross-generational appeal.
Long-Term Maintenance Plan Announced
Clérico also unveiled a ten-year maintenance schedule: annual shaft inspections, quarterly vibration analysis, and biennial repainting to keep the trademark rouge vivid. A contingency fund-said to exceed €2 million (about $2.2 million)-will cover any future mechanical surprises, assuring travelers that the landmark will remain in motion.
Analysis
For visitors, the spinning sails are more than a photo op. The lighting sequence changes color to signal showtimes, helping ticket holders find the right entrance amid Montmartre's maze of cafés. Tour operators report a 15 percent bump in night-tour bookings since the blades restarted. Nearby hotels expect higher midweek occupancy as the Cabaret resumes its "post-show rooftop view" package. The new motor's lower noise profile also benefits guests at surrounding terraces, who can dine al-fresco without the previous hum. Travelers looking to capture the perfect shot should arrive just after sunset when LEDs shift from amber to deep crimson. For planning tips, see our Paris Travel Guide.
Final Thoughts
The Moulin Rouge windmill is spinning again, restoring a signature slice of Parisian spectacle. Arrive close to dusk for optimal photos, purchase tickets well ahead to avoid peak-season sellouts, and consider a weekday visit for smaller crowds. With a robust maintenance plan and modern motor, the red sails should keep turning for decades-offering travelers a timeless backdrop and a fresh reminder that the City of Light still dazzles after dark.