The Carousels of Paris: A Complete Guide

I’ve just returned from Paris as the holiday season begins, when the crisp winter air heightens every sensation. In these early gray days, I found the city’s carousels to be unexpected sparks of color and joy. Their music and soft glow brought a warmth and vibrancy that lingered with me long after each visit. This guide is a collection of those moments—small circles of magic that brighten Paris in winter. I hope they bring the same delight to your journey.

1st Arrondissement

• Jardin des Tuileries Carousel
  A classic Belle Époque carousel in the heart of the Tuileries Gardens. Perfect for kids and beautifully framed by the Louvre and long garden paths.

• Place du Marché Saint-Honoré Carousel
  A small, cheerful carousel in a modern square surrounded by cafés. Great for a quick stop during a central Paris day.

4th Arrondissement

• Hôtel de Ville Seasonal Carousel
  A festive, old-fashioned carousel installed during holiday months. Bright, lively, and full of Parisian charm in the heart of the Marais.

• St-Paul / Rivoli Carousel (La Belle Époque)
  A pretty neighborhood carousel with ornate detailing and a nostalgic feel. Perfect for families exploring the Marais.

5th Arrondissement

• Dodo Manège–Jardin des Plantes
  A whimsical carousel featuring extinct and endangered animals. Located inside the botanical garden and near kid-friendly museums.

6th Arrondissement

• Jardin du Luxembourg Carousel
  One of the oldest carousels in Paris, built in 1879. Children love the traditional ring-catching game while the carousel spins.

7th Arrondissement

• Champ de Mars 1913 Carousel
  A vintage, hand-cranked-style carousel with wooden horses. Its old-world charm makes it perfect for younger kids near the Eiffel Tower.

8th Arrondissement

• Parc Monceau Carousel
  A small, peaceful carousel in one of Paris’s most elegant neighborhood parks. Features classic horses, cars, and charming retro vehicles.

12th Arrondissement

• Parc de Bercy Carousel
  A traditional carousel inside a large, leafy city park. Great for pairing with a stroll through Bercy Village or along the Seine.

• Musée des Arts Forains Carousel (special visit)
  A historic fairground museum with vintage carousels operated during special visits. Magical, theatrical, and unlike any other in Paris.

15th Arrondissement

• Montparnasse Carousel (Gare Area)
  A convenient carousel near Montparnasse station. Great for families staying in the Left Bank who want an easy ride nearby.

16th Arrondissement

• Carousel at Trocadéro Gardens
  A two-level carousel with postcard Eiffel Tower views. Festive and central, perfect for photos and quick joy-spins.

• Jardin d’Acclimatation Carousels (two carousels)
  This children’s amusement park has two carousels plus rides and attractions. Ideal for a full morning or afternoon with kids.

17th Arrondissement

• Square des Batignolles Carousel
  A charming neighborhood carousel surrounded by lush greenery. Perfect for a quieter, local day away from tourist zones.

18th Arrondissement

• Carrousel de Saint-Pierre (Sacré-Cœur)
  A beautiful double-decker carousel at the base of Montmartre. Iconic backdrop with the basilica directly above.

19th Arrondissement

• Jules Verne Carousel–Parc de la Villette
  A playful, fantasy-inspired carousel with rockets, balloons, and whimsical creatures. Great energy and lots of space for kids to run.

• Buttes-Chaumont Carousel
  A sweet, simple carousel featuring swans and animal figures. A cozy stop inside one of Paris’s most dramatic hilltop parks.

Outside Paris (bonus)

• Disneyland Paris Carousel
  A storybook carousel that's pure Disney magic if families are already planning a visit.

Need to know

Most Paris carousels keep loose, weather-dependent schedules, typically running from 10 am to early evening. In colder months, some may open later or close without notice. If the carousel looks quiet, wait a moment—operators often return right on the hour or when riders appear.