The carousels of Paris can surprise even those who come for the museums and fashionable shop windows. In parks and at iconic landmarks, they still spin with wooden horses, shiny carriages, and even prehistoric dinosaurs. These attractions have become part of the urban landscape – a little adventure that is easy to jump into if your feet are tired or you want to return to your childhood.
1-day ticket to Disneyland® ParisAnd although today many people associate the word «carousel» with Disneyland, Paris has preserved dozens of historic carousels that are no less magical in their own right.
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Carousel in the Tuileries Garden
In the center of Paris, between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, is the Carrousel 1900. Its decorations are like an illustrated book: scenes from Perrault’s fairy tales, hot air balloons, and cityscapes from the early 20th century come to life on the panels. The carousel itself seems to preserve the atmosphere of old Paris while remaining a living part of the garden. Children enjoy guessing the characters in the pictures, and adults appreciate the view of the Louvre and the Ferris wheel in winter. The attraction is open all year round.
The Carrousel Square next to the Louvre owes its name to a celebration in 1662. Louis XIV organized a magnificent horse parade there, where hundreds of riders demonstrated their skills. It was then that the word carrousel became established in the French language and took on a new meaning.
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Luxembourg Gardens
The oldest working carousel in Paris was created in the 19th century. Its authorship is attributed to Charles Garnier, the architect of the Opera House. A rare tradition has been preserved here: during the ride, children hold sticks and try to hit suspended rings with them – a ritual for many French families. The attraction looks like a museum exhibit, but it continues to operate and attract visitors every Sunday. Many parents bring their children to the Luxembourg Gardens specifically for this old game, which teaches attentiveness and dexterity.
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Carousel in the Botanical Garden
In the Botanical Garden, instead of the usual horses, mammoths, dinosaurs, and sea lizards spin around. The carousel was conceived at the beginning of the 20th century as an educational attraction, so that children could not only have fun but also learn about the history of the Earth. Today, the carousel remains unique: children wonder why there are no ponies here, while adults smile as they take photos of prehistoric creatures brought to life in the center of Paris. The attraction is tucked away next to museums, reminding us that science and play can go hand in hand.
Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur
The white church above and the vintage horses below create a scene that appears in films and postcards. It is especially crowded here at sunset – the lights begin to twinkle in time with the city panorama, and even those who do not sit in the chairs stay nearby for a long time. Street musicians love this place, and sometimes the sounds of the accordion overlap with the music of the carousel itself, turning it into an improvised stage.
Montmartre, Abbesses
The second carousel in Montmartre is hidden at the exit of the Abbesses metro station. It is more modest and simpler than its «older sister» at Sacré-Cœur, but it has its own charm. Parents often call it «their child’s first carousel»: quiet, cozy, with a gentle rhythm. There are no long queues here, and the spirit of the neighborhood reigns supreme with its street cafés and the Wall of Love. Tourists come for the atmosphere, and locals come out of habit, because this carousel seems to belong to the neighborhood itself.
Trocadero
On the descent from Trocadero Square stands a round two-tier carousel – one of those that make photos of Paris so recognizable. Photographers love it: a shot with the tower in the background and the twinkling lights of the attraction is considered one of the most romantic in the city. This place looks especially impressive in the evening, when the lights come on in the tower and children ride on the upper tier. For tourists, this is a chance to get a postcard of «the real Paris» without any filters.
Parc Monceau
There is a cozy round carousel in the elegant park in the 8th arrondissement. Here you can ride not only on horses but also on a miniature train or fire engine. The attraction is small, but it fits perfectly into the atmosphere of the park, where marble columns and statues stand alongside lawns and playgrounds. Families come here on weekends, and the carousel becomes part of a leisurely picnic. It is not noisy or flashy – and that is precisely why the locals love it.
Batignolles Square
In the 17th arrondissement, in the green Batignolles Square, there is a small retro carousel. Its façade is decorated with antique ornaments, and it seems that it has not changed for decades. It is not a tourist attraction, but rather a gift for local families. In the evening, it is quiet here, with only the sound of children’s laughter and the creaking of the mechanism. The carousel is a reminder of a time when entertainment was simple, but the joy it brought was real.
Did you know?
The word «carousel» came to France in the 17th century and did not refer to children’s rides at all, but to horse tournaments and parades. Horsemen took part in them, demonstrating their agility and endurance. Over time, the spectacle became a popular entertainment and evolved into the familiar attractions we see today.
Butte Chaumont
In the hilly Butte Chaumont Park stands one of the attractions that make Paris’s carousels so special. The carousel is located slightly away from the main paths – modest in size, but children love it: after walking along the bridges and steep slopes, riding here is the best way to end the day. For parents, it’s a breather, and for kids, it’s a little miracle amid scenery that feels like a mountain forest. In the evening, the circle is illuminated, and it seems as if the park comes to life in a new way.
Butte Chaumont
In the hilly Butte Chaumont Park stands one of the attractions that make Paris’s carousels so special. The carousel is located slightly away from the main paths – modest in size, but children love it: after walking along the bridges and steep slopes, riding here is the best way to end the day. For parents, it’s a breather, and for kids, it’s a little miracle amid scenery that feels like a mountain forest. In the evening, the circle is illuminated, and it seems as if the park comes to life in a new way.
Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars
At the foot of the Eiffel Tower, there is an unusual «ecological» carousel. It is powered not only by a motor but also by pedals that adults turn. Children laugh when they see their parents trying to speed up the movement, while they themselves become passengers. The attraction combines play and light exercise, turning riding into a family adventure – all against the backdrop of the most famous tower in the world, which makes the experience even more vivid.
La Villette, Jules Verne Carousel
The fantastic Jules Verne Carousel in La Villette Park is an attraction-spectacle. The two-storey structure transports passengers into a world of mechanical whales, hot air balloons, and strange creatures. Each seat here is a small stage: you are either the captain of a submarine or a traveler among the stars. The attraction is designed more for imagination than speed – and that is what makes it unique.
La Défense
In the business district of La Défense, among glass towers and offices, there is a classic carousel. The contrast between the wooden horses and the skyscrapers seems surreal. For office workers, this is a place where they can escape from the world of numbers and return to childhood for a few minutes. Tourists love the unusual photo opportunity — an old attraction against the backdrop of futuristic architecture.
- Most carousels operate all year round, but the schedule is reduced in winter
- The cost of a ride is usually €2–3. The exception is the Christmas carousel at the Hôtel de Ville, which is free
- Even if you’re traveling without children, don’t hesitate to take a ride yourself – it’s a little joy that everyone can enjoy
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Christmas carousels
In winter, Paris turns into a huge fairground: temporary attractions decorated with garlands and balloons appear in squares and gardens. Among them, the festive carousels and Ferris wheels stand out, making the city truly magical!
Hôtel de Ville
Every winter, a festive carousel is set up in the square in front of Paris City Hall. It is decorated with garlands and balloons, and best of all — it’s free to ride. For children, it is a real miracle, and for parents, it is a rare opportunity to see Paris as a generous and family-friendly city. It is especially beautiful in the evening, when the façade of the Hôtel de Ville is illuminated and the lights of the carousel are reflected in the shop windows.
Tuileries
During the Christmas market in the Tuileries Garden, another carousel appears. It stands next to the ice rink and shopping arcades, turning a walk into a winter entertainment park. It is especially lively here: the smell of mulled wine, pancakes, and roasted chestnuts mixes with music and laughter. The carousel becomes a center of attraction for families, where they can warm up and continue the holiday.
Ferris wheel
The Grande Roue de Paris is a giant Ferris wheel that was installed on the Place de la Concorde for a long time and is now placed in the Tuileries for the winter. Its height allows you to see the entire center of Paris – from the roof of the Louvre to the Montparnasse Tower. From above, the city looks like a Christmas card: glowing streets, fairground lights, and the twinkling Eiffel Tower. The wheel operates only during the cold months, which is why a ride on it is considered a rare treat.
Museum of Fairground Art
There is a special place in Paris – the Museum of Fairground Art (Musée des Arts Forains), which houses a collection of antique carousels, wooden horses, carriages, and rare attractions from the past. The atmosphere of the museum is more theatrical than museum-like: many of the exhibits can not only be viewed but also tried out. However, access is limited – it is usually open during the Christmas period or by appointment for groups.
Carousels are one of the elements that make Paris lively and human. They can be found in the most iconic places and hidden in parks, turning a walk into a series of surprises. In winter, festive carousels and Ferris wheels are added, making the city look like a fairground postcard. It is worth taking a spin on a Parisian carousel at least once – and Paris will remain in your memory in a way that is different from just a museum tour.
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