Has anyone been to the Musee des Arts Forains in Bercy? It seems like you need to contact them for a private tour, and it looks like fun. (I love antique carousels and such)

Believe it or not, our office security system claims to have found a virus in the PAvillons de Bercy site! (That doesn't mean they're right, necessarily).

I see one description on the internet says it's open Saturday and Sunday afternoons. I'm in Paris next month and it's on my list as a possible.

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Originally posted by PatrickLondon:
Believe it or not, our office security system claims to have found a virus in the PAvillons de Bercy site! (That doesn't mean they're right, necessarily).

Eee! My system didn't come up with anything, though thanks for the caution. Patrick, we may be there before you (Aug 1-7) and I'll post here if we manage the visit.

A couple of years ago I called them and was allowed to tag on to a group who had organised a tour. It has to be by group because they activate the fairground rides, which costs them a lot and some are manually activated, like the bicycle carrousel which is quite thrilling as men try to show off and lesser mortals are left throwing their legs to either side as the pedals go out of control. The museum is completely wonderful and magical, I highly recommend it! And you can book it out for weddings and parties - at a price.

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Originally posted by Amy:
Has anyone been to the Musee des Arts Forains in Bercy? It seems like you need to contact them for a private tour, and it looks like fun. (I love antique carousels and such)

Hi Amy -

Since you have an appreciation for the subject matter I'd say you should definitely do it. My friend and I were somewhat tired (we'd arrived in Paris that morning) so we skipped out on the tour early. However, don't let that deter you. It was very interesting. FYI, the tour is in French in case that's an issue. Oh, and if you're interested, there's a great candy shop nearby in the Shops of Bercy called La Cure Gourmande. I'm putting together a trip report that'll go into all of this in excrutiating detail.

Thanks, Parisophile and Daniel!

Daniel, looking forward to another great report.

I've been there, and it's one of the most amazing places I've ever seen -- it is magical!!