7 Historic Carousels in Paris for Nostalgic Rides

Paris's historic carousels will sweep you back to the Belle Époque era with seven magnificent merry-go-rounds! I love recommending the double-decker marvel at the Eiffel Tower, the ornate Hôtel de Ville beauty, and the charming Tuileries Garden classic. You'll find steampunk wonders at Musée des Arts Forains, century-old craftsmanship at Luxembourg Gardens, unique velocipedes at Place de la Nation, and Montmartre's timeless double-decker. Each carousel holds enchanting secrets waiting to be discovered.

The Double-Decker Marvel at Eiffel Tower

Standing majestically at the foot of Paris's most iconic landmark, the double-decker carousel adds a whimsical touch to the already enchanting Eiffel Tower experience. This vintage-style merry-go-round, with its intricate Belle Époque design, has become an integral part of the Trocadéro landscape, delighting visitors since its installation in 2000.

Unlike traditional single-level carousels, this unique double-decker masterpiece offers riders two distinct experiences: a classic ground-level rotation adorned with ornate horses and carriages, and an elevated adventure providing breathtaking views of the Iron Lady. The carousel's strategic position makes it one of the most photographed attractions in the area, particularly when captured with the Eiffel Tower as its backdrop.

Quick Facts:

• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (summer); 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (winter)
• Price: €3 per ride, €5 for two rides
• Best Photo Times: Golden hour (1 hour before sunset)
• Location: Place Jacques Rueff, Trocadéro Gardens
• Capacity: 70 riders (35 per level)
• Age/Height Requirements: None, but children under 6 must be accompanied
• Wait Times: 5-15 minutes (peak season), minimal in off-season

The Lower Level features 20 hand-painted horses and several ornate carriages, all meticulously restored to maintain their original 19th-century charm. Each figure is unique, with some horses sporting military regalia while others display elegant civilian attire. The craftsmanship demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, from the golden accents to the hand-painted scenes adorning the central column. Insider tip: The white horse with blue ribbons is considered lucky by locals, who believe riding it brings good fortune.

The Upper Level offers an elevated perspective approximately 20 feet above ground, featuring 15 horses and several standing platforms. This vantage point provides unparalleled photo opportunities with the Eiffel Tower, particularly during sunset when the carousel's lights begin to twinkle in harmony with the tower's illumination. The upper deck is accessed via a wrought-iron spiral staircase, adding to the attraction's vintage appeal.

Pro Tips:

For the most magical experience, visit during "blue hour" (just after sunset) when the carousel's 3,000 LED lights create a mesmerizing display against the darkening sky. Professional photographers recommend positioning yourself at the Trocadéro fountains for the perfect shot capturing both the illuminated carousel and the Eiffel Tower. Consider purchasing the two-ride ticket to experience both levels, as each offers a distinctly different perspective.

Practical Advice:

The carousel accepts both cash and credit cards, but having exact change can speed up the process during busy periods. While the attraction operates year-round, it may close during severe weather conditions. During peak tourist season (June-August), visit early morning or after dinner to avoid the longest queues. The carousel's location near several cafes and ice cream vendors makes it an ideal stop during a larger Trocadéro area exploration.

Hôtel De Ville's Belle Époque Beauty

The majestic carousel at Place de l'Hôtel de Ville stands as one of Paris's most enchanting Belle Époque treasures, intriguing visitors with its ornate details and timeless charm. Dating back to the early 1900s, this double-decker masterpiece showcases the pinnacle of French carousel craftsmanship, featuring hand-painted scenes of old Paris and intricately carved wooden horses adorned with genuine gold leaf.

Located in the heart of Paris, directly in front of the stunning City Hall building, this carousel represents more than just a nostalgic amusement ride. It serves as a living museum piece that connects modern-day visitors with the romantic era of the Belle Époque, when such carousels were symbols of technological innovation and artistic excellence.

Quick Facts:

• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Extended to 10:00 PM in summer)
• Price: €2.50 per ride
• Best Times: Early morning or during dinner hours for shorter queues
• Photography: Golden hour (just before sunset) offers ideal lighting
• Seasonal Operation: Year-round, except during major city events
• Payment Methods: Cash and credit cards accepted
• Age/Height Requirements: None, but children under 5 must be accompanied

The carousel's most distinctive feature is its double-decker design, unique among Parisian carousels. The upper level offers riders an elevated perspective of the magnificent Hôtel de Ville façade and surrounding architecture. Each of the 32 horses has been meticulously restored to its original splendor, with authentic period details including real horsehair tails and traditional leather saddles.

Insider Tip: Request to ride on the outer ring of the lower level during evening hours – these horses move up and down more dramatically than others, and the position provides the best views of the illuminated city hall building.

Pro Tips:

Visit during the holiday season when the carousel becomes part of Paris's enchanting Christmas decorations. The area transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lighting and occasional special events. For photographers, the carousel's golden accents create magical effects when captured during blue hour (just after sunset), while morning visits offer the clearest shots without crowds.

Practical Advice:

Purchase a multi-ride ticket if planning to visit during peak tourist season (June-August), as it offers better value and eliminates the need to queue multiple times. Bring a light jacket even in summer, as the carousel's movement can create a cool breeze, especially on the upper deck. Remember that the carousel occasionally closes for maintenance or special events, so check the official Paris city website before making a special trip.

Tuileries Garden's Historic Wooden Carousel

Dating back to 1900, the wooden carousel in Paris's Tuileries Garden stands as a cherished symbol of Belle Époque elegance and childhood wonder. This meticulously preserved merry-go-round, with its hand-painted panels and ornate wooden horses, has delighted generations of Parisians and visitors while offering enchanting views of the Place de la Concorde and the garden's majestic fountains.

Located in one of Paris's most prestigious gardens, this historic carousel represents more than just a children's ride – it's a living piece of French cultural heritage. The craftsmanship of its wooden figures, the authentic organ music, and its position among classical statuary and formal gardens create an experience that bridges past and present, making it a must-visit attraction for both families and history enthusiasts.

Quick Facts:

• Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (March-October); 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (November-February)
• Cost: €2.50 per ride
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or during lunch hours for shorter queues
• Photography: Best light for photos is during golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset)
• Duration: Each ride lasts approximately 5 minutes
• Age Restrictions: None, but adult supervision required for children under 5

The Carousel Experience:

The Tuileries carousel features 20 intricately carved wooden horses, each unique in design and detail. Original mechanisms from the early 20th century still power the ride, creating an authentic vintage experience. The carousel's location near the garden's western entrance makes it easily accessible from both the Concorde and Tuileries metro stations. Insider tip: The third horse from the entrance, with its golden mane and royal blue saddle, was reportedly inspired by Napoleon's favorite steed.

Pro Tips:

For the most magical experience, visit during the early evening when the setting sun bathes the carousel in golden light and the crowds thin out. The best photos can be captured from the northwest angle, where the Eiffel Tower creates a stunning backdrop. Consider purchasing a multi-ride ticket (€10 for 5 rides) if visiting with children or planning multiple visits during your stay.

Practical Considerations:

Weather protection is minimal, so check the forecast before visiting. The carousel closes during severe weather conditions. While there's no dedicated waiting area, the surrounding garden benches provide comfortable spots to wait. The attraction accepts both cash and credit cards, and tickets can be purchased directly at the operator's booth. Remember that the carousel may close for annual maintenance during select weeks in January – checking the official Tuileries Garden website before visiting is recommended.

Musée Des Arts Forains' Steampunk Masterpiece

The Musée des Arts Forains houses one of Paris's most extraordinary carousel experiences – a mesmerizing steampunk-inspired masterpiece that combines Victorian industrial aesthetics with classic fairground charm. This unique attraction, nestled within the museum's Venetian Rooms, represents a stunning fusion of historical preservation and artistic innovation.

Standing as a demonstration of both mechanical ingenuity and artistic vision, this carousel differs dramatically from traditional merry-go-rounds. Its brass-and-copper framework, adorned with intricate gears and vintage industrial elements, creates an immersive experience that transports visitors to an alternate Victorian era where steam power and mechanical marvels reign supreme.

Quick Facts:

• Best visiting times: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Admission: €16.50 for adults, €8.50 for children (group rates available)
• Photography: Permitted without flash; tripods require special permission
• Ride duration: 3-4 minutes
• Age/height restrictions: Minimum height 1 meter (3.3 feet)
• Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access
• Advance booking: Required for all visits

The Steampunk Carousel Experience defines itself through its unique combination of authenticity and innovation. Located in the Bercy district of Paris's 12th arrondissement, this mechanical marvel features hand-crafted brass seats, rotating gears visible through glass panels, and steam-effect mechanisms that create an otherworldly atmosphere. The carousel operates on restored original mechanisms from the late 19th century, expertly maintained by specialized technicians.

Insider tip: Visit during the annual "Festival du Merveilleux" (typically held between Christmas and New Year's) when the carousel is enhanced with special lighting effects and steampunk performers interact with visitors.

Pro Tips:

The best photographs can be captured during the "golden hour" just before closing, when natural light streams through the museum's windows, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the carousel's metallic elements. For the most immersive experience, book a guided tour that includes both a ride and a detailed explanation of the carousel's mechanical workings – these specialized tours are offered only twice daily and must be reserved at least two weeks in advance.

Practical Advice:

The museum's location in Bercy can be tricky to find – use the Cour Saint-Émilion metro station (Line 14) as your reference point. While the museum offers a coat check, bring only essential items as storage space is limited. The steampunk carousel experience is included in the general admission ticket, but requesting a specific ride time upon arrival is recommended as capacity is limited to 20 riders per session.

Luxembourg Gardens' Original 1879 Carousel

Nestled within the enchanting Luxembourg Gardens, the original 1879 carousel stands as one of Paris's most cherished historical attractions. This beautifully preserved merry-go-round has delighted generations of children and adults alike, featuring hand-painted wooden horses and intricate decorative elements that exemplify the finest French craftsmanship of the Belle Époque period.

Charles Garnier, the celebrated architect of the Paris Opera House, designed this mechanical masterpiece during a golden age of carousel construction in France. Its unique ring-catching game, where riders attempt to spear brass rings with wooden batons while riding, has remained unchanged since its installation, offering visitors an authentic 19th-century entertainment experience that's increasingly rare in today's digital world.

Quick Facts:

• Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Cost: €2.50 per ride
• Best Visiting Time: Early afternoon on weekdays
• Photography Permitted: Yes, without flash
• Age Restrictions: None, but adult supervision required for children under 5
• Duration: Each ride lasts approximately 5 minutes
• Seasonal Operation: Closed during heavy rain and extreme weather

The Carousel Experience:

The Luxembourg Gardens carousel distinguishes itself through its traditional ring-catching game, where riders on outer horses can attempt to catch brass rings using a wooden stick. Each successful catch earns a free ride, maintaining a tradition that dates back to the carousel's inception. The ride features 20 wooden horses arranged in two concentric circles, each hand-painted and restored to maintain their original splendor. Modern safety features have been discretely added without compromising the carousel's historical integrity.

Location and Access:

The carousel is situated in the western section of Luxembourg Gardens, near the puppet theater. Access is available through any garden entrance, with the closest Metro stations being Luxembourg (RER B) or Odéon (Lines 4 and 10). The carousel area includes benches for waiting families and a small ticket booth that accepts both cash and cards.

Pro Tips:

For the most magical experience, visit during "golden hour" just before sunset, when the low sunlight creates a stunning glow on the carousel's painted panels and mirrors. Photographers should position themselves on the garden side during this time for ideal lighting conditions. To avoid crowds, plan your visit for weekday mornings or during lunch hours when local families are less likely to be present.

Practical Advice:

Consider purchasing multiple tickets at once to avoid repeated queuing, especially during peak times. The carousel's location within Luxembourg Gardens makes it perfect for combining with other garden activities, such as puppet shows or sailing toy boats on the central fountain. Remember that the gardens close at dusk, so check seasonal closing times to plan your visit accordingly. During summer months, bring water and sun protection as the carousel area offers limited shade.

Place De La Nation's Vintage Velocipede

The Place de la Nation's vintage velocipede carousel stands as one of Paris's most unique mechanical attractions, combining the nostalgia of traditional merry-go-rounds with the city's rich cycling history. Dating back to 1898, this remarkable piece of engineering features bicycles instead of traditional carved horses, allowing riders to actually pedal as the carousel rotates.

This distinctive attraction emerged during the height of the bicycle craze in France, when velocipedes were revolutionizing personal transportation. The carousel not only serves as an entertainment piece but also represents an important chapter in Parisian cultural heritage, showcasing the intersection of recreational innovation and mechanical ingenuity of the late 19th century.

Quick Facts:

• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Tuesday-Sunday)
• Cost: €3 per ride, €10 for four rides
• Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays
• Photography: Best lighting during golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset)
• Seasonal Operation: March through October
• Age/Height Requirements: Minimum height 1.2m (4ft)
• Capacity: 20 riders simultaneously

The Velocipede Experience

The carousel features 20 authentic period-style velocipedes mounted on a rotating platform. Each bicycle is meticulously maintained to preserve its historic appearance while ensuring safety for modern riders. The mechanisms allow riders to pedal actively, creating a unique interactive experience that differs from traditional passive carousel rides. Located in the southeastern section of Place de la Nation, the carousel is easily accessible via Metro lines 1, 2, 6, and 9.

Unique Features

Beyond its mechanical novelty, the carousel preserves original Art Nouveau decorative elements, including hand-painted panels depicting scenes from early Parisian cycling culture. The central column houses the original steam engine mechanism, though it now operates on electricity. An often-overlooked detail: each velocipede has a unique serial number corresponding to significant dates in Parisian cycling history.

Pro Tips

Time your visit during weekday afternoons to avoid weekend crowds and school groups. Photography enthusiasts should position themselves on the eastern side during sunset hours, when the golden light creates stunning reflections off the brass fixtures and painted panels. Consider purchasing a multi-ride pass if visiting with family, as most riders want to experience both the inner and outer ring velocipedes, which offer slightly different experiences.

Practical Considerations

Wear comfortable clothing that won't catch in the pedaling mechanism, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory. While the carousel is covered, it operates in open air, so check weather conditions before visiting. The attraction maintains a small workshop where visitors can observe maintenance work on historic velocipedes, typically open for viewing on Wednesday afternoons – an excellent opportunity for mechanical enthusiasts to learn about historical bicycle construction and restoration techniques.

Sacré-Cœur's Montmartre Classic

Perched atop the highest hill in Paris, the Sacré-Cœur carousel stands as a beloved symbol of Parisian charm, entertaining generations of visitors since the early 1900s. This double-decker vintage merry-go-round, with its ornate horses and carriages painted in vibrant golds and reds, offers not just a nostalgic ride but also spectacular views of the city below.

The carousel's location at Place St-Pierre, just below the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, makes it a natural stopping point for visitors exploring Montmartre's artistic heritage. Its traditional design, complete with hand-painted panels and mirrors, reflects the golden age of Parisian carousels while providing modern families with an authentic piece of living history.

Quick Facts:

• Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (summer), 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (winter)
• Price: €3 per ride
• Best Visiting Time: Early morning or sunset
• Photography Tips: Golden hour provides ideal lighting
• Capacity: 40 riders
• Age Restrictions: None, but children under 5 must be accompanied
• Duration of Ride: 5 minutes

The Montmartre Carousel Experience

This historic carousel features two levels of hand-carved wooden horses and ornate carriages, each meticulously maintained to preserve their original early 20th-century charm. Located at the base of the Sacré-Cœur steps, the carousel provides a perfect respite for families touring the neighborhood. The ground level offers easier access for young children and those with mobility concerns, while the upper deck provides superior views of the surrounding area. Insider tip: The least crowded times are typically during weekday mornings, and the operator occasionally allows enthusiasts to photograph the carousel's mechanical workings upon request.

Pro Tips

For the most magical experience, visit during the "blue hour" just after sunset when the carousel's lights create an enchanting atmosphere against the darkening sky. Consider purchasing a multi-ride ticket if planning to stay in the area, as they offer better value and don't expire on the same day. The carousel's position also makes it an excellent meeting point for groups exploring Montmartre separately.

Practical Advice

Given its location in a high-traffic tourist area, keep belongings secure and purchase tickets directly from the operator's booth. The carousel often closes during inclement weather, so check the forecast before planning your visit. While waiting for your turn, take advantage of the nearby benches to rest and enjoy the street performers who frequently entertain in the area. Credit cards are accepted, but having small bills for exact change is recommended.