The blades of the Moulin Rouge windmill, one of the most famous landmarks in Paris, have collapsed during the night without causing any injuries, firefighters have said.
There was no risk of further collapse, Paris authorities added.
The reason for the accident, which came just months before the French capital hosts the Olympic Games, is not yet known.
"Fortunately this happened after closing," a Moulin Rouge official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
"Every week, the cabaret's technical teams check the windmill mechanism and did not note any problems," the source said, adding that there was no more information on the reason for the collapse.
"It's the first time that an accident like this has happened since" the cabaret first opened its doors on 6 October 1889, the source said.
Images on social media showed the blade unit lying on the street below, with some of the blades slightly bent from the apparent fall.
The Moulin Rouge cabaret, with its distinctive red windmill blades, is located in northern Paris and is one of the most visited landmarks in the city.
Known as the birthplace of the modern dance form the can-can, it opened its doors in October 1889 at the foot of the Montmartre hill.
It quickly became a hit and a stop to look at its façade or catch a show inside is a must-do on most tourists' lists of things to do in the French capital.
The accident will add to concerns whether Paris is ready to host the thousands that will arrive during July and August for the Olympic Games.
The only serious accident the landmark has endured was a fire that erupted during works in 1915, which forced the venue to close for nine years.
