ADVERTISEMENTThe windmills of the Moulin Rouge, one of France’s most famous landmarks, are turning again after they accidentally collapsed last year.
In a ceremony befitting of the extravagant cabaret, a troupe stopped traffic on Thursday night by performing the can-can outside the Parisian venue to celebrate the machine being back in motion thanks to a new electric motor.
The windmill huge sails crashed suddenly and inexplicably to the ground in April 2024 as a result of what its director described as a ‘technical problem’.
Part of the iconic illuminated sign also dropped.
No one was hurt in the accident and shows continued as damage was quickly repaired to ensure the venue was picture perfect before the Olympic torch relay passed through the surrounding Montmarte neighbourhood.
The windmill was first illuminated on October 6, 1889 at the opening of the Moulin Rouge.
The cabaret marked its 135th anniversary last year and was celebrated in the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film musical starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.
The only serious accident in the Moulin Rouge’s history was a fire that occurred during building works in 1915, which led to the venue’s closure for nine years.
