Why is it called the Lapin Agile and what's the story behind the name?

The cabaret's name comes from a clever play on words involving a rabbit leaping out of a pan. In 1875, caricaturist André Gill created the restaurant's iconic sign featuring this image, and from 'Le lapin à Gill' (Gill's rabbit), the name Lapin Agile was born. The rabbit also references Adèle Decerf, a former cancan dancer who took over management in 1866 and was famous for her rabbit sautéed in a pan.

Which famous artists used to go to Lapin Agile in Montmartre?

The Lapin Agile was a favorite gathering spot for early 20th century bohemian artists including Pablo Picasso, Modigliani, Apollinaire, Utrillo, Max Jacob, Roland Dorgelès, Francis Carco, and Pierre Mac Orlan. This historic cabaret served as an important cultural hub for the Paris artistic community during the Belle Époque period.

What is the creepy history behind the original name Cabaret des Assassins?

The cabaret was originally called the Cabaret des Assassins due to a dark tradition claiming that one night a gang of assassins interrupted the venue and killed the owner's son. This ominous name was eventually replaced in 1866 when Adèle Decerf took over management and transformed it into the beloved Lapin Agile.

Where is Lapin Agile located and what does the venue look like?

The Lapin Agile is located at 4 rue des Saules in the charming Montmartre district of Paris, housed in a small pink, vine-covered cottage that adds to its romantic and atmospheric character. The intimate setting perfectly captures the bohemian spirit of early 20th century Paris.

What can I expect when visiting Lapin Agile and what performances are offered?

The Lapin Agile hosts performances by young Parisian artists every evening in a very atmospheric venue known for creating an evening of cheerfulness and good humor. Visitors can expect an authentic cabaret experience that celebrates the artistic traditions of Montmartre in an intimate, historic setting.

← Back

Art, Theaters and Museums 📍 Paris, France 166 views

At the Rabbit Agile Cabaret

The Lapin Agile historic cabaret near Montmartre was originally called the Cabaret des Assassins because tradition has it that one night a gang of assassins interrupted and killed the owner's son. In 1866 Adèle Decerf, a former cancan dancer whose culinary specialty was ra...

Photo · Adriana A.

At the Rabbit Agile Cabaret — Paris, France.

Location

Paris

Type

Art, Theaters and Museums

Opening hours

—

Weather now

—

↗ Directions

About At the Rabbit Agile Cabaret

At the Rabbit Agile Cabaret - Paris | Secret World Trip Planner

The Lapin Agile historic cabaret near Montmartre was originally called the Cabaret des Assassins because tradition has it that one night a gang of assassins interrupted and killed the owner's son. In 1866 Adèle Decerf, a former cancan dancer whose culinary specialty was rabbit sautéed in a pan, took over the management of the restaurant, and in 1875 the caricaturist André Gill imagined as the restaurant's sign precisely a rabbit leaping out of a pan. From the play on words Le lapin à Gill, or Gill's rabbit was born the cabaret's emblematic name the agile lapin.

It was a favorite haunt of early 20th century bohemian artists such as Pablo Picasso, Max Jacob,Roland Dorgelès, Francis Carco, Modigliani, Apollinaire, Utrillo and Pierre Mac Orlan. The venue è consists of a small pink, vine-covered cottage located at 4 rue des Saules in the charming Montmartre district, and hosts performances by young Parisian artists every evening.

A very atmospheric venue where you are sure to spend an evening of cheerfulness and good humor.

Why it is worth a stop

At the Rabbit Agile Cabaret