Les Pavillons de Bercy – Musée des Arts Forains

Description

Let me tell you about one of Paris’s most magical hidden gems – the Musée des Arts Forains at Les Pavillons de Bercy. This isn’t your typical stuffy museum. Housed in beautifully restored former wine warehouses, it’s an enchanting world that celebrates the golden age of fairgrounds and performing arts from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

I was completely mesmerized when I first stepped inside. The museum [houses one of the largest collections of entertainment and fairground art objects](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187147-d2507208-Reviews-Les_Pavillons_de_Bercy_Musee_Des_Arts_Forains-Paris_Ile_de_France.html) I’ve ever seen. Think vintage carousels, carnival games, theater props, and mechanical music instruments – all lovingly preserved and many still in working condition!

Key Features

• Four uniquely themed rooms and outdoor spaces dedicated to performing arts and entertainment
• Rare collection of restored vintage fairground rides and attractions
• Mechanized performances and interactive carnival games
• Authentic 19th and 20th century carnival artifacts
• Guided tours that bring the exhibits to life
• Historic wine cellars transformed into magical exhibition spaces
• Working vintage carousels you can actually ride
• Incredible collection of mechanical musical instruments
• Period-accurate decorative arts and architectural elements

Best Time to Visit

Y’know what’s interesting about this place? It’s actually not open for regular daily visits like most museums. You’ll need to join a guided tour, which honestly adds to the whole experience. The tours run throughout the year, but I’d suggest booking well in advance, especially during peak tourist season (June-August) and around Christmas when they host special seasonal events.

The museum tends to be less crowded during weekday mornings. And if you can visit during winter months, the whole place takes on an extra magical quality with their special holiday decorations. Just remember that temperatures inside the historic buildings can fluctuate, so dress accordingly.

How to Get There

Getting to Les Pavillons de Bercy is pretty straightforward using Paris public transportation. Take Metro Line 14 to Cour Saint-Émilion station, or hop on Metro Line 6 to Dugommier station. From either stop, it’s just a short walk to the museum.

If you’re coming from central Paris, plan for about 20-30 minutes of travel time. The Bercy neighborhood has really come into its own lately, so I’d recommend arriving early to explore the area before your tour. There’s this lovely park nearby, and some great little cafes where you can grab a coffee beforehand.

Tips for Visiting

Here’s what I’ve learned from my visits – and trust me, I’ve made some rookie mistakes you’ll want to avoid! First off, don’t just show up expecting to walk in. You absolutely must book a guided tour in advance. The museum’s website can be a bit tricky to navigate, so consider booking through a reputable tour operator if you’re not comfortable with French websites.

Bring your camera! The lighting inside is carefully designed to create a magical atmosphere, and you’ll want to capture every detail. But remember, flash photography isn’t allowed in some areas to protect the delicate artifacts.

Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be standing and walking for about 90 minutes during the tour. And while the guides sometimes offer tours in English, it’s worth confirming the language when booking if you’re not fluent in French.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip – bring some cash! While they do accept cards, you might want to purchase some unique souvenirs or treats, and some of the smaller vendors in the area might prefer cash.

The museum isn’t huge, but plan to spend at least 2 hours here to really soak in the atmosphere. Trust me, you won’t want to rush through this place. Each room has its own story, and the guides are incredibly knowledgeable about the history of these fascinating artifacts.

And hey, if you’re traveling with kids, this place is an absolute winner. Where else can they ride authentic vintage carousels and play century-old carnival games? Just keep in mind that some of the mechanical pieces are delicate, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on younger children.

Finally, don’t skip the Venice room – it’s my absolute favorite part of the museum. The way they’ve recreated a magical Venetian carnival atmosphere is simply stunning. I could spend hours just taking in all the intricate details and imaginative displays.

Location

Places to Stay Near Les Pavillons de Bercy - Musée des Arts Forains

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