In Paris, on the northside of Montmartre, there is Rue des Saules, where a unique cabaret is located in building No. 22. At the end of the 18th century, it was a small tavern, and only in the 19th century, it opened to the public as a cabaret. Then it was a meeting place for people of art. The facade of the two-story, almost fairy, house shows a funny rabbit in a cap, jumping out from the bucket with a bottle of wine. In fact, that’s how the name of the cabaret appeared – «Le Lapin Agile», which means «agile rabbit». Locals call this place the «last» cabaret in Paris. But why?
Nostalgia for old Paris and the Bohemia of Montmartre, popular French songs and poems from different years, the semi-darkness of the hall – all these creates a special atmosphere that cannot be found in modern cabarets any more. Here artists don't use fancy special effects. There aren't even any microphones or sound amplifiers. But the performers seem to live every musical composition and every poem through, trying to bring to the audience not only the voice and music but also feelings. Cabaret is not a cafe, that’s why there are many drinks on the menu, but no food. The ticket price already includes a glass of liqueur. Other drinks can be provided at an additional expense. All the shows are held only in French, without translation, which undoubtedly adds zest to the cabaret.
It is not so easy to find the «Lapin Agile» in Paris. You can navigate by the small vineyard opposite this house. The cabaret building is a two-story building, painted in a bright pink and lilac color, and is located behind a stylized village fence. The audience hall is on the second floor. The atmosphere here is so close and warm that visitors and actors can easily find themselves at the same table. This place is especially liked by the tourists. They are happy to sing their favorite songs together with the artists and listen to their favorite poems and motifs.
When you arrive in Paris, find some time to go down the northside of Montmartre to listen to how the cabaret theater «Lapin Agile» eloquently tells about the city's past.