Carousels

I have loved carousels all my life! It began as a toddler visiting the Minnesota State Fair with my parents. Our neighborhood was a short walk from the fair and we attended multiple times during its 12 day run. At the first sound of the mesmerizing calliope music of its famous carousel, I would immediately burst into a run towards the unmistakable sound – and its magical horses! Riding the horses up and down – up and down – as the music of the Wurlitzer organ pumped on and on – was intoxicating! It took me into another world – spellbound in its fantasy!

A Lifetime of Carousels

The allure of the carousel carried me through life. When ever the opportunity arose to ride on its magnificent creatures, I indulged in the magical experience! One summer I even volunteered at a carousel – the very same one that gave me such pleasure decades ago as a toddler! The Cafesjian’s Carousel, as it is now known, is open to the public and resides in its own pavilion at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul, Minnesota. (More about it on my blog)

Experiencing Paris on a Carousel!

As I began to plan my latest visit to Paris, France, I recalled seeing numerous carousels around the city in previous visits.

Paris Top Ten Tourist Sites had already been checked off of my Bucket List; I decided to experience Paris from a new vantage point. I would forego the traditional and view Paris from atop the back of a Carousel Horse! I found a few websites to inspire my journey (see Sources) and spun off on my own adventure! My discoveries are shared in this blog.

I’ve included Directions that were presented in other blogs and modified by us. But I encourage you to do your own research for the best options for you, your itinerary, and what else might be going on in Paris during your visit.

My hope is that it will inspire you on an adventure as well! If not carousels – than another area of passion that is uniquely yours!

Carousels in Paris, France

As I mapped out our Journey to find the carousels in Paris, using public transportation, I successfully divided the city into 3 sections: Central, South and North.

Central

South

North

~ Carousels in CENTRAL PARIS ~

Carousel de la Tour Eiffel (foot of Eiffel Tower)

Highlight: Location. Location. Location. This is notably the most memorable – and likely will be the first carousel – that one will encounter in Paris. It sits proudly at a busy intersection at the foot of the Eiffel Tower overlooking the River Seine.

Directions: Carousel de la Tour Eiffel, Quai Branly, 75007 Parks. Metro Line 6: Bir Hakeim/ Cost: 3,00 Euro (as of 2023)

The first green carousel in Paris, it consumes up to less than 12 times of energy than the traditional carousels. Power is generated partly by solar panels, photo sensors, the horses, and vehicles with pedals which turn a wheel. Bikes next to this carousel are also available for one can pedal to generate power. However I found them to be in poor condition and question if they were operable. The carousel itself was kind of rickety and jerked as it went up and down. But that was all forgotten with one look at the grand Eiffel tower next door!

Carousel de Paris (Jardin du Trocadero) the “other?” Eiffel Tower Carousel

This is what I call the Mystery Carousel. My daughter and I both vividly recall seeing it on previous trips to Paris. On this trip, it was noticeably non-existent. Our sighting was validated as it was distinctly highlighted in several blogs I read on Paris carousels. However, locals and guides we spoke disagreed; there was only ONE carousel near the Eiffel Tower – on the Eiffel Tower side, not the Trocadero side, of the river.

Was this Mystery Carousel temporary? Was it a part of a special celebration/carnival? We recalled it amidst other carnival-type rides and concessions. Blogs reported that this vintage Belle Epoch style, double-decker carousel, along with its riders, enjoyed a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower – at some moment in time past. The carousel was remembered – and described – as traditional, made of wood and illustrated with Parisian scenes. This was reminiscent of the decor and Parisian scenes such as seen in the carousels of Sacre Coeur and Tuillieries. Recorded both in my memory and these blog photos, it was wonderfully reflected on the mirror-like surface the massive water area of the Fountain of Warsaw in the Trocadero. There was no doubt: at one time there was a carousel in the Jardin du Trocadero.

Sadly, I am unable to prove – or provide my own photos – of any of this. However, it is so vividly blazed in my memory that I want to include its existence for posterity in this blog!

I welcome insight into this mystery – but Read On for one possibility!

La Belle Epoque Carrousel

This La Belle Epoque Carousel experience was one of the more pleasant surprises in our search for carousels. I had been warned that this carousel might not be there. It is considered “temporary” meaning it is sometimes here, depending on the events occurring in the square. I was thrilled when I entered the square – at twilight – to be greeted with and pulled into its magical powers! With the impressive backdrop of the Town Hall of Paris, le Hotel de Ville, and true to its Belle Epoque name, it sparkled and twinkled and beckoned me into its spell!

Directions: Hôtel de Ville Carousel – Location: Place Hotel de Ville, Paris, 75004, Nearest metro station is Hotel de Ville, Châtelet–Les Halles. Unless it is on an adventure of its own and at some special venue in the city! Cost 4,00 Euro (2023)

Highlight: The Music… Of all the Paris carousels, its music set it apart. The carousel features an inside column which includes an organ inset. It played organ-based, circus music, unique to this one. It reminded me more of the calliope music of my all-time favorite carousel at home in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Interestingly, one of the blogs I read described this merry-go-round as very similar to the design of the one I remember located at Trocadéro. This lead me to wonder if they are one and the same? Because this one is mobile, maybe it temporarily was located at Trocadero during one of our visits… I think I’ll go with that solution!

Carrousel Métro Saint-Paul 

This modern carousel was another unexpected surprise! We popped up from the metro and THERE IT WAS! It is located right next the the St. Paul metro station, on rue de Rivoli, one of the busiest shopping roads in Paris.

Directions: Carrousel Métro Saint-Paul – rue de Rivoli, Paris, 75004. Nearest metro St Paul, where rue de Rivoli becomes wider and also intersects the Marais, Cost 2,50 Euro (as of 2023)

Highlight: The funky modes of transportation! The theme is transportation. Commonplace cars, motorbikes, helicopters and the fantasy world of spaceships and flying saucers offered opportunities for children to drive – or fly – off to no-where as the rides go up and down, round and round.

The carousel was full of kids and and the air was full of life and laughter!

I obviously did not ride on this carousel as it was aimed at a much younger clientele – but I enjoyed its color, music and fantasy while enjoying a glass of wine at a nearby sidewalk table, observing the entertainment with a great view!

Jardin des Tuileries Carrousel (Tuileries Garden)

I have walked through the Tuileries in the past, but always with the objective in mind of “passing through.” I was on my way to the Musee Louvre, the Musee l’ Orangerie or to one of the bridges to cross to the other side of the Seine. In all my journeys, I had never even seen the carousel.

Locating this delightful carousel was quite an adventure – and round-about journey! On the far north east side of the garden, tucked away amongst the trees, one can easily go past it without even realizing it – as we did several times! (Note: This is not the “Carousel du Louvre” which is actually NOT a carousel/merry-go-round)

Directions: Jardin de Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, rue de Rivoli, Paris 75001 — Nearest metro station is Concorde; Metro Line 1: Tuileries — Jardin des Tuileries – Cost ???

Once there, the space is clearly defined with sounds of music and the gleeful squeals of children! Chairs that dot the area provide ample space to sit and enjoy the scene. In fact, it was the friendly moms in this area that helped us figure out that we had finally found it!

Highlight: The beauty of the fanciful art of its classic Belle-Epoque style.

Cherubs fill the space. Old-fashioned in style, the modern plastic horses have been added over time. The white panels are bordered by silvery white lights and depict typical Parisian scenes of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Seine. Mirrors in the center panels and broad wooden base add to the festive atmosphere. French nursery rhymes play as the horses go round and round. It was a delightful experience!

~ Carousels in SOUTH PARIS ~

Jardin du Luxembourg Carousel

Hidden deep within the garden, the Carousel of Luxembourg Gardens was one of the most intriguing – and difficult to find – of all the carousels on my list. The garden itself has something for everyone. It has walking paths, water ponds, formal flower gardens, rose gardens, shady areas for quiet sitting, tennis courts, formal and modern statues, children’s play areas – and well hidden amongst the trees is a carousel.

Directions: Le Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, 75006 – Nearest metro station is Odeon; closest access is 9 rue Guynemer, 75006, Paris.  – Metro Line 4: Saint Placid, Metro line 12: Notredame des Champs or Rennes. — Jardin du Luxembourg Carousel. Cost: 2,00 Euro (as of 2023)

Away from the main touristy areas of the garden, under a grove of trees, beautiful and unassuming in its simplicity, is one of the oldest remaining carousels in Paris. Dating from 1879, it was designed by Charles Garnier, famous as the architect of the Opera de Paris.

Because of its age it is unique in that it has no lights, no music – and no floor.

Highlight: Special to this carousel is the centuries-old game of “catch the rings.” Children on the outside ring of horses are given a baton to play “catch the rings.” In this game, children, mounted on their horses in the outer ring, try to catch little rings placed on a rack held by the “ring master” as the carousel turns.

With roots in Medieval Jousting tournaments, this version is derived from one Louis XIV of France created for Marie Antoinette. She enjoyed playing this game in Versailles on her own carousel of wooden horses.

We chuckled at the sign by entrance: “Please install the child. We will come round to collect the payment.” And “Sticks are only for the authorized for children on horses at the outside edge”

The inside of the roof is also different from the other carousels we experienced. No lighting. No fancy painting and decorations. Simply the wooden mechanism needed to move the horses in a circle under a canvas canopy covering.

This was another carousel for the younger set, so riding or playing the game was not an option for me – but we enjoyed the unique characteristics – and the grand feeling of accomplishment when we finally found it!

Manege du Dodo – Dodo Manege, Jardin des Plantes

This was my first visit to the Jardin Des Plantes, probably due to its location a bit outside the main Paris ring common to visitors. Just southeast of Jardin du Luxembourg, we visited these two carousels back to back. Part of a cultural complex that includes the Natural History Museum, Mineral Room and Greenhouses, the garden is worth a visit on its own and one of the most pleasant surprises on our adventure.

Directions: Entrance by rue Buffon 75005, Metro Line 5: Austerlize, Line 7 and 10: Jussieu — Jardin des Plantes Carousel – Jardin des Plantes Carousel in the 5th arrondissement, close to Gare d’Austerlitz. Cost: 2,50 Euros (as of 2023)

Sitting in the middle of the garden, the carousel was erected at the turn of the 20th century. Called the Dodo Manege Carousel, it is quite unusual. Dedicated to extinct and endangered animals, it includes jungle animals and dinosaurs on which to ride. Small, and sized for the younger set, I also did not qualify to ride on this one!

Highlight: The unique mix of creatures that made up the ride!

~ Carousels in NORTH PARIS ~

Place St-Pierre Carousel (Sacre Coeur)

Tucked into the hillside at the foot of Sacre Coeur is another of the more memorable carousels in Paris. One’s senses of sight and sound are drawn to it as one climbs the steep hill to this infamous church and the Montmartre hilltop area. Officially called Carousel de Saint-Pierre, it is more commonly known as Sacre Coeur Carousel.

Directions: If you can get directions to Sacre Coeur, you cannot miss the carousel. Place Saint-Pierre, Montmatre, Paris 75018, below Sacre Coure. Nearest Metro station: Abessess – or Metro Line 2: Anvers. – Cost 3,50 Euro as of 2023.

This traditional, double-decker carousel is Italian made and decorated with a Venetian theme. It includes bobbing horses, carriages, a spinning teacup and wood benches for those wanting a more sedate ride. Although made of plastic, the horses look magnificent as they prance around and around, up and down.

Highlight: The ambiance with the view of Sacre Coure. I’ve walked by here on previous trips up the hill to the church and, after the Eiffel Tower Carousel, this was next on my Must Ride list!

Les Lutins Carousel (below Montmartre)

Just below Montmartre and the Sacre Couer carousel, tucked away in a quaint, out-of-the way neighborhood, is another small, charming manege. It includes colorful decoration, incoherent themes painted on the side such as Noddy, Disney’s Nemo and Hello Kitty!

Called Les Lutins, meaning imp or elf, explains the presence of these two on the side of the ticket box. The rides are crammed into a small, pink round base in the center, perched in a triangular city “square.” It is reported to revolve slowly with a choice of bicycles, elephants a pirate ship, a six-seater van, and a large Bugs Bunny chewing on a carrot as options on which to ride. Music is reported to be French children’s nursery rhymes.

Directions: this one is a bit difficult to locate because it is so small and unexpected amongst the neighborhood. Les Lutins Carrousel (Rue de Martyrs) – just below Pigalle station below Monmontre rue de Martyrs, place Lino Ventura, Paris 75009. Nearest metro Pigalle or Anvers. (corner of rue des Martyrs and avenue Trudaine) Cost 2,50 Euro as of 2023.

Closed when we visited, it is advertised for 1 to 3 year olds, although I think I could have fit on this lovely prancing horse!

Manege Au Volante du 66 (Square des Batignolles)

We found our way to the Square des Batignolles only to discover that the park is open mid-April through mid-October, so we missed getting into the park by two weeks. We could see the carousel near to the entrance of the park, but locked gates prevented us from getting up close to it.

Reported to be one of Paris’s most charming and quaint carousels, we were disappointed. Created in 1950 by Henri Devos, it is small but said to be playful with decorations of flowers, butterflies and birds on higher panels and 50’s style children below. The theme of 1920s Disney characters includes rides of Donald Duck and Pluto. (See Sources)

Directions: 144 bis, rue Cardinet, 75017, metro Line 14 Pont Cardinet – Cost ???

Manege du Parc Carrousel – Parc Monceau Carousel (Jules Verne Carousel?) – same one?

This carousel is located just inside the Parc Monceau (also called Parc de la Villette) – and sadly, once again was behind the locked gate of the entrance with a post indicating it was also open mid-April through mid-October. Once again, we were disappointed as this carousel was one which sounded very intriguing.

Directions: Parc Monceau Carousel, 75008 – Metro Line 2: Monceau Parc de la Villette Carousel – Parc de la Villette, Paris 75019 – Nearest Metro station is Porte de Pantin or Porte de la Villeette – or – Metro line 2: Monceau. Cost ???

Note: I discovered that this carousel seems to go by at least two different names – “Manege du Parc Monceau Carrousel” or “Jules Verne Carousel”.

Aptly located near the Museum of Science and Industry, it is reported to house antique vehicles of sorts in vibrant, deep colors. My sources reported a grand double-decker carousel in Belle Epoque style, decorated with scenes from Verne’s novels. Rides include a hot air balloon that spins like a teacup, planes, motorbikes and even a rocket. (See Sources)

Other Carousels in Paris – where are they?

I think I have just scratched the surface in my search for carousels in Paris! In my research, I discovered numerous others, some included in my Sources. Some were too far out to explore for this trip. Others were reported to be in questionable condition or in undesirable, unsafe neighborhoods. And – I simply ran out of time! But don’t let that limit you in the quest for additional Paris carousels!

In fact, as we journeyed further to Lyon and the South of France, we discovered carousels every where we went; Avignon, Arles, and Nice were especially fun. I’ve included those in a separate blog called “Carousels in the South of France.” I’d love to share them with you!

If you have enjoyed and learned something from this blog, please let me know with a simple “like” below. It will encourage me to continue posting blogs like this from my travel adventures! Positive comments are always welcome too. Thanks, Cher.

Sources

• Adventures of Cher B and Skip B in Paris, March/April 2023

• afrenchcollection.com/carousels-in-paris-a-complete-guide-to-finding-merry-go-rounds-in-paris/

• carouselparis.wordpress.com/2016/08/05/manege-au-volant-du-66-square-des-batignolles/

• misadventureswithandi.com/carousels-in-paris/

• shanthadelauney.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-paris-carousels/

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