10 Stunning Paris Carousels To Discover And How To Find Them
Last updated on March 27th, 2024 at 08:17 am
Wondering why Paris has so many carousels and where to find them all?
You’re in the right place. Living in France, not far from Paris, I’ve now found ten of them on different trips and uncovered the story behind each one.
Ever since I watched the Rogers and Hammerstein musical “Carousel”, I’ve loved them.
There is something so delightfully old-fashioned about sitting on a carousel in a world where everything is so technology-driven.
I’m a vintage girl at heart, and they are a big throwback to the Belle Époque era in Paris, which I can’t get enough of.
They were even featured in a 2011 Woody Allen film set in Paris, which I’ve watched many times.
But where can you find them, which is the most famous, and what was the movie I’m referring to? Let’s dive in and find out all there is to know about Paris carousels.
The Story of Carousels in Paris
The carousel, or “merry-go-round,” has roots that stretch back to the medieval period, initially serving as a training mechanism for knights. But the carousel we know today, featuring elaborately decorated horses and chariots moving in a circle, began in the 17th century.
The first true carousels appeared in Paris and France in the late 18th century. These early versions were powered by animals or people pulling ropes or turning cranks. By the 19th century, with the advent of steam power and later electricity, carousels began to resemble the ornate and magical rides we love today.
Traditionally, a carousel spins anti-clockwise (or counter-clockwise in American English), which dates back to medieval times when they were being used for jousting practice.
Knights would ride in a circle to the left (anti-clockwise) because most were right-handed. Riding in this direction made it easier for a knight to hold his lance in his right hand, which was closer to the centre of the circle, allowing for better aim and control during training exercises.
As carousels evolved from military training devices into amusement rides, they maintained an anti-clockwise direction.
This was partly out of tradition and partly because it was practical for mounting and dismounting the horses. Since most people are right-handed, it’s easier and more natural to mount a horse from its left side.
With the carousel turning anti-clockwise, the ride slows down and stops with the horses facing in the optimal direction for right-handed riders to get on and off.
What is carousel in French?
In French, a carousel is called a “manège” or “carrousel”, and you’ll see them in many parks and public spaces across France, especially in Paris. You’ll also see them at most Christmas markets beautifully lit, creating the perfect winter scene.
10 Beautiful Paris Carousels
Finding the best Paris carousels isn’t hard once you know where they are and most of them are close to a Metro station.
No 1 Carousel of the Eiffel Tower (Carrousel de la Tour Eiffel)
As one of the most visited landmarks in the world the Eiffel Tower was always going to be top of the list. It’s the carousel that fills Instagram feeds with the sparkling Eiffel Tower in the background, but it’s not the oldest.
It is, however, a beautiful example of a 1900s-style carousel with the classic vintage gilded gold and red decor and beautiful ornate paintings.
It’s also free to ride, which is so rare these days when you have to pay for every single experience.
- 📍 Address: Prom. Quai Branly, 75007 Paris
- 🚉 Nearest metro station: Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel (via RER C)
No 2 Sacré-Coeur Carousel (Carrousel de Saint-Pierre)
The last time I was in Paris, it was December, and our walking tour started at the foot of Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, which is where you’ll find this carousel.
Montmatre is probably my favourite part of Paris with its artistic history, bohemian ambience, and breathtaking views of the city, and the carousel just adds to the charm.
Italian in design, featuring beautifully painted horses, carriages and other classic elements, the Venetian style shines through
- 📍 Address: Place Saint-Pierre, Montmatre, Paris
- 🚉 Nearest metro station: Abessess (Line 12) or Anvers (Line 2)
No 3 Hôtel de Ville Carousel
We saw this Carousel at the end of our tour just as it was starting to rain, and there was a big Christmas Tree right in front of it.
This carousel is temporary, and it depends on the events happening at the Hotel de Ville as to whether or not it’s there.
It’s a traditional double-decker carousel aptly called “The Belle Epoque” with horses and benches on the top level and more horses, teacups and old vintage cars below. I love the Parisian scenes painted on the panelling and the lovely floral decorations on the inside.
- 📍 Address: Pl. de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004
- 🚉 Nearest metro station: Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 and 11)
No 4 Fairground Museum (Musée des Arts Forains)
Remember at the start when I told you there was a famous Woody Allen movie set in Paris featuring a carousel? Well, the movie was Midnight in Paris, and the scene took place at the Musée des Arts Forains.
It’s a private museum, located in the Bercy neighbourhood of Paris, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the art and artefacts of historical fairgrounds, amusement parks, and carousels.
Founded by Jean Paul Favand, an antique dealer and collector, the museum opened its doors in 1996. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of fairground art, including carousels, carousel horses, vintage games, and other memorabilia from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- 📍 Address: Pavillons de Bercy, 53 Avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris
- 🚉 Nearest metro station: Cour Saint-Émilion, Line 14
The museum features several carousels and carousel pieces, including a rare bicycle carousel (Manège de vélocipèdes) from the late 19th century, where visitors can ride on bikes that propel the carousel around. It’s one of the few remaining examples of this type of carousel, making it a unique attraction.
It is divided into several thematic areas, each offering a unique glimpse into the world of historical fairgrounds and entertainment:
- The Venetian Salons: Inspired by the Venetian carnivals, this area features beautifully restored pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries.
- The Theatre of Marvels: A homage to the Belle Époque, showcasing a range of mechanical music instruments and automatons.
- The Fairground Art Museum: Displays a collection of historic fairground equipment, games, and artefacts.
- The Magic Mirror Tent: A 1920s dance hall with a stunning interior used for performances and events.
No 5 Trocadero Carousel (Carrousel de Paris)
This gorgeous vintage carousel sits in front of the Warsaw Fountain in the Trocadero Gardens and is one of the most spectacular fountains in Paris, featuring a series of cascades and water displays.
Officially known as the Fountains of Chaillot but commonly referred to as the Warsaw Fountain, it consists of a series of basins that lead down from the Palais de Chaillot towards the River Seine.
When it’s not switched on, it becomes a huge water mirror reflecting both the carousel and the Eiffel Tower, in a similar way to the Miroir d’Eau, in Bordeaux.
- 📍 Address: 18 Avenue Gustave V de Suede, Jardins du Trocadero, Paris 75016
- 🚉 Nearest metro station: Trocadéro, Lines 6 and 9
No 6 Jardin des Tuileries Carousel
What’s not to love about a carousel in a setting like the Jardin des Tuileries? When I first saw this carousel I spent a very happy hour sitting on one of the benches reading my book, and taking it all in.
I’m not sure if it’s supposed to represent heaven, but the cherubs on the top and the curtain-style design around the outside, certainly give you that impression.
It’s aimed more at the younger children as there is only one level, and it pipes out nursery rhymes.
- 📍 Address: Jardin de Tuilieries, Place de la Concorde, rue de Rivoli, Paris 75001
- 🚉 Nearest metro station: Concorde (Lines 1, 8, and 12) and Tuileries (Line 1)
No 7 Parc de la Villette Carousel (Le Manège Jules Verne)
Unlike your run-of-the-mill merry-go-round, this carousel in the 19th arrondissement is a tribute to the visionary spirit of Jules Verne and an adventure into the imaginative worlds he created.
Each seat on this carousel is a leap into a story, with fantastical creatures and inventions that seem to spring straight from the pages of his novels.
From a giant squid to a submarine and even a hot air balloon called Nemo’s Nauticus, the ride is an exploration of the extraordinary, all set to orchestral music.
Perhaps as a nod to his novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, the interior columns are decorated with mermaids, or Mesulines leading up to the second floor.
- 📍 Address: Parc de la Villette, Paris, 75019
- 🚉 Nearest metro station: Porte de Pantin (Line 5) and Corentin Cariou (Line 7)
No 8 Jardin du Luxembourg Carousel
Hidden away in the lush gardens and shadow of the grand Luxembourg Palace, it’s easy to miss, but it’s a piece of Parisian history and one of the oldest in Paris taking us on a journey back in time, to around 1879.
It was designed by Charles Garnier, the famed architect behind the opulent Paris Opera. But unlike the opera house, it is quite basic in design and doesn’t even have a floor. It’s just one level with no lights or music and it hasn’t been updated, probably due to its age.
- 📍 Address: Le Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, 75006
- 🚉 Nearest metro station: Odéon (Lines 4 and 10)
No 9 Jardin des Plantes Carousel (Dodo Manège)
A Carousel with a Twist, the Dodo Manège, set in the Jardin des Plantes, offers a unique carousel experience that’s as educational as it is whimsical. Unlike traditional carousels adorned with horses and chariots, this one takes riders on a spin with extinct and endangered animals, making it a fascinating ride for children and adults alike.
It features beautifully crafted figures of animals such as the dodo bird, which the carousel is named after, along with other creatures like the thylacine, aurochs, and the quagga.
Situated in one of Paris’s most renowned botanical gardens, the carousel aligns with the Jardin des Plantes’ mission to educate the public about biodiversity and conservation. Riding on the back of a dodo or a thylacine, children learn about species that have vanished or are on the brink of extinction, sparking conversations about the importance of protecting our planet’s wildlife.
- 📍 Address: Jardin des Plantes, 75005 Paris
- 🚉 Nearest metro station: Jussieu (Lines 7 and 10) and Gare d’Austerlitz (Lines 5 and 10, RER C),
No 10 The Tour Montparnasse Carousel
The Tour Montparnasse Carousel is positioned in the shadow of one of Paris’s most modern landmarks, the Tour Montparnasse in the 15th arrondissement, the tallest skyscraper in the city.
It’s also just outside one of the major train stations, Gare Montparnasse, which is the one I use to get a direct train from Angouleme.
Unlike the more traditional carousels found throughout Paris, it has a more contemporary design that mirrors the architectural boldness of its towering neighbour. It features a variety of air-themed rides, including aeroplanes and hot air balloons, allowing riders to soar through the air in imagination.
- 📍 Address: Avenue du Maine at Gare Montparnasse, Paris 75015
- 🚉 Nearest metro station: Montparnasse – Bienvenüe, Lines 4, 6, 12, and 13
FAQS: Paris Carousel or Merry go round
What is the famous carousel in Paris?
The most famous carousel in Paris is the Carousel de la Tour Eiffel, located near the Eiffel Tower. This vintage-style merry-go-round offers spectacular views of the tower, making it a beloved attraction for visitors and locals alike.
What is the oldest carousel in Paris?
The oldest carousel in Paris is the Manège Garnier, designed by Charles Garnier, the same architect who designed the Palais Garnier Opera House. It is renowned for its historical significance and charm, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich amusement history.
Why are there so many carousels in France?
Carousels became popular in France during the Belle Époque era, a period of cultural flourishing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their widespread presence in public parks and attractions is a testament to the French love for art, history, and leisure, making these merry-go-rounds integral to the country’s cultural heritage.
How many merry-go-rounds in Paris?
Paris is home to more than 20 merry-go-rounds. These carousels are scattered throughout the city, offering both locals and tourists a charming and nostalgic form of entertainment.
Can you ride the carousel in Paris?
Yes, you can ride the carousels in Paris. Most carousels are operational and open to the public, providing a delightful experience for children and adults alike. They are typically located in popular tourist areas and parks, making them easily accessible.
Final Thoughts: Finding a Paris Carousel
There are so many reasons to love Paris, but one of them is for the beautiful vintage carousels you’ll find around the city. For me, it screams romance to be sat on one of these beautiful merry-go-rounds, just like they did in the movie Carousel.
They don’t call Paris the City of Love for nothing you know.
Then, when you add in all the beautiful streets and the discovery that Nicolas Flamel, a character in Harry Potter, actually lived in Paris, you realise it’s the city that just keeps on giving.
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