Pigalle

Pigalle is an area in Paris, France 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.

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 consist in stores selling guitars, drums, and musical accessories.

Despite the activity going on, the area is actually quite safe and lively at night. It is a well known spot for tourists who want to experience "Paris by night".

Pigalle is one end-point of the Montmarte bus (a public bus serving the area).