Quartier Pigalle

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A typical building in Boulevard de Clichy

Pigalle is an area in Paris around Place Pigalle (a plaza) on the border between the 9th and the 18th arrondissements, named after the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle (1714–1785). The area is famous for being a touristic red-light district, with many sex shops on Place Pigalle and the main boulevards and prostitutes operating in the side streets. The neighborhood's raunchy reputation led to its World War II nickname of Pig Alley, as soldiers descended on the area for adult entertainment.

Pigalle also comprises several major spectacle halls:

the Divan du Monde
the Moulin Rouge, a world-famous cabaret

Somewhat unexpectedly, the area to the south of Place Pigalle is not devoted to the sex trade, but to the retail of musical instruments and equipment, especially for popular music. A section of the rue de Douai solely consists of stores selling guitars, drums, and musical accessories.

Toulouse-Lautrec's studio was here. Artists Picasso and Maurice Neumont also once lived here. You can view the works of artist Salvador Dali as well at the nearby Espace Salvador Dalí.

It was also the home of the Grand Guignol theatre, which closed in 1962. However, the theatre itself still stands. You can also find the Musée de l'érotisme (Museum of Eroticism) at 72, Boulevard de Clichy.

Pigalle is a well known spot for tourists who want to experience "Paris by night". This neighborhood in Montmartre has long been notorious as a popular hotspot for the more risque crowd. It is home to some of Paris' most famous cabarets ("Moulin Rouge," for instance, was immortalized by artist Toulouse-Lautrec as well as Hollywood), or other topless and nude shows.

Pigalle is one end-point of the Montmartre bus (a public bus serving the area), or you can get to Pigalle place by taking the Métro to the Pigalle stop.

A film was made in 1994 entitled Pigalle. It was set in this district of Paris and starred Véra Briole and Francis Renauld. An album was made by Edith Piaf, entitled La Rue Pigalle.