Paris's Moulin Rouge gets new sails just in time for Olympic torch relay

Paris's Moulin Rouge cabaret club, whose landmark windmill sails fell down in April, received new blades on Monday just 10 days before the Paris Olympic torch is due to pass the venue.

One of the most visited tourist attractions in the French capital, Moulin Rouge plans to install the four new temporary sails for a special ceremony on July 5.

The red aluminium and steel blades arrived by lorry early on Monday at the club, located in the touristy Pigalle district.

The first blade or sail was attached with the aid of a crane under the gaze of curious and pleased locals.

Over the next four days, the three other sails will be winched up onto the terrace before being bolted into place and the electric cables linked up.

Moulin Rouge officials said it would take a further four days to remove the tarpaulin and scaffolding that has enveloped the windmill since the night of April 25.

The first three letters on the cabaret’s facade – M, O and U – also fell off. No-one was injured in the incident.

Read moreThe Moulin Rouge: 130 years of high kicks at the world's most famous cabaret

"Our little Moulin Rouge is back! We're so happy," exclaimed Raymonde Rogojarski, looking at the windmill on the way to take her eight-year-old daughter to school on Monday morning.

"I was stunned when the sails fell off," he told AFP.


Read more on FRANCE 24 English

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