Musee des Arts Forains, Life is a Carousel

 Living in Paris, its hard not to fall in love❤️ with carousels. Last Sunday I went to the Musee des Arts Forains (museum of fairground arts) in Bercy, open specially during the Christmas holidays through 2 January,2022.

 I promised myself I’d ride the carousel this time. Instead, like this little girl, I watched.

The old-fashioned big wheeled bicycle carousel had a huge long line. Merci deux 🙏 This one really spins fast. Why were early bikes designed with a giant front wheel? The high wheeler/ordinary/penny-farthing was developed in the 1870s with a huge front wheel, allowed the bicycle to travel greater distances with each pedal stroke, and provided a smoother ride on shoddy roads.

Hanging out admiring the carved carousel animals🦒is more my cup of tea ☕️ 

The oldest stationary carousel in the world was built in 1780 in Hanau, Germany.

It  had 4 chariots and 12 horses. The horses and coaches date from 1896. In 1970, twelve of the 16 wooden horses were stolen.

There are multitude of dramatic tableaux with costumed figures of famous French performers. Plus a slew of games that French families line up for like mad. Having good ole fashioned fun is a favorite French family pastime.

I loved their gift 🎁 boutique. 

I bought a snapping alligator, quacking duck & wind-up rooster. ‘A fool and their money are soon parted’ my dad used to say.

Outside in a big courtyard you can fill up with popcorn, candy cotton, fish n’ chips etc.

The final stop - The Magic Mirror Hall with photos of Josephine Baker and a terrific song and dance man.

He got everyone up and dancing to his commands 👏 If you are in Paris and want to have a barrel of fun & giggles definitely book a ticket for the Musee des Arts Forains. or start planning for next year.

I tried painting the carousel sculptues, but in the end, plunged in to capture the nightime scene at Hotel de ville. How’d I do? The result is in my Etsy shop.

Have a Très Belle Année PBers 🥂 🍾🦪🤸‍♂️❤️😊🐻🥂