Musée des Arts Forains
This offbeat museum in Bercy’s former wine warehouses is the largest of its kind in Europe, packed to the rafters with fairground memorabilia from the 19th and 20th centuries. It’s a magical place, where Belle Epoque carousels populated by mermaids, horses, and fantastical carriages sit alongside weird and wonderful automated mannequins, Venetian carnival costumes, and even a hot-air balloon with an elephant-shaped basket. Light shows that make you feel you’ve stepped into a surreal version of the 2017 movie “The Greatest Showman” complete the offerings. English tours are during the summer only; tours are in French the rest of the year, but with English printouts, so you’ll still be able to follow. Entrance is by tour only; reserving by phone or online is mandatory.
This offbeat museum in Bercy’s former wine warehouses is the largest of its kind in Europe, packed to the rafters with fairground memorabilia from the 19th and 20th centuries. It’s a magical place, where Belle Epoque carousels populated by mermaids, horses, and fantastical carriages sit alongside weird and wonderful automated mannequins, Venetian carnival costumes, and even a hot-air balloon with an elephant-shaped basket. Light shows that make you feel you’ve stepped into a surreal version of the 2017 movie “The Greatest Showman” complete the offerings. English tours are during the summer only; tours are in French the rest of the year, but with English printouts, so you’ll still be able to follow. Entrance is by tour only; reserving by phone or online is mandatory.
Details
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
