This area,
Bercy, used since the beginning of the 18th century to be Paris’ major wine
storage and market… This was then outside the Paris borders and alcohol was
for a long time tax free, so it was not only a place for merchants, but also a
place of “guinguettes”; bistros and bars. Bercy developed to be the world’s
largest wine market. Wine arrived in large barrels by road, rail … and by the
nearby river Seine.
During the
last decades the area has been transformed into a park (see previous posts) and
only a few of the old warehouses (and rail tracks) remain.
At one end
of the park you find some of the old warehouses transformed into a large number
of shops and restaurants (Cours Saint Emilion), and then if you cross the
street behind you see some more warehouses. Looking through the gate (see top
picture) you wonder…
If you take
the walk around the block, you will reach the real entrance to what is named “Les
Pavillons de Bercy”. The buildings date from the end of the 19th
century and have an assistant to Gustave Eiffel as architect. They have now been
transformed into some kind of gigantic fun fair museum.
It has all been
created by an antique-dealer, restaurant owner, who since some 30-40 years has
collected all kinds of historic fun fair equipment from France and abroad … and
on a large scale. The place is full of complete and important installations,
carefully restored.
The first
pleasure is just to walk between the buildings. In each window there is a
little statue…
The decorations
and the light settings are impressive…
No plastic
around; the merry-go-round horses are in light linden-tree wood and the
original paintings have been made visible…
You can
watch some automated singing, dancing and playing…
Some walls
are covered by wax figures from the Grévin Museum…
Some
machines are really impressive… Everything works and kids (and adults) can enjoy!
The below “bicycle-merry-go-round”
(from 1875) has needed thousands of hours of restoration. It’s up to you to use
the pedals. The speed you reach is amazing … and must have been felt even more amazing
those days.
Surprisingly,
the place is not permanently open. You'd better call (+33143401622) and check for
an arranged tour. I was just lucky to pass by at the beginning of a guided
tour. Next time I will bring the grandkids.
Posts
23 comments:
Peter, this sounds like an enchanting place – how fortuitous that you went there when it was open. My mother’s side of the family is in the “fair” business and I grew up riding many merry go rounds – it is all so much fun for kids – your grandchildren will love this place. Next time I am in Paris I’ll have to see if they are open.
Whoever knew Bercy had such treasures! As always, your photos and text are magnifique!
Denise
Bonjour Peter. In recent years, le Parc de Bercy and Bercy Village (Cours St Emilion) have been one of my favorite places to visit in Paris. I was so happy when I saw this post, as that neighborhood is not always mentioned in travel guides (maybe that's a good thing, eh?) The fair looks lovely-- I have not had a chance to go inside the old wharehouses yet, but am glad you did. Isn't la Cinématheque de Paris, the remodeled museum of cinema, in that neighborhood as well? Another place I need to visit when I return. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
Peter, what an amazing and delightful part of Paris! I love all the antique carnival artifacts. Thank you once more for a fabulous posting!!!
c'est un endroit que je connais pas, et le trouve magique, a noter pour ma prochaine sortie parisienne, merci peter
Un bien bel endroit, pour y aller en famille.
... ou pour la journée du patrimoine
C'est à l'intérieur un peu poussiéreux, il est possible de louer ce musée pour des événements...
What a paradise!
was fuer eine wunderbare atmoshaere!
Dear Peter,
It looks a very interesting place to visit, I'm taking my notes here.The window's decoration is so different, and I love that first shot!
hugs
Léia
Ca vaut certainement une visite - ou deux.
Amazing! Indoor caroussels for Genie .... clockwise and counterclockwise! You must go back and see it through a child's eyes (although your photos prove you are very young at heart!)
Quelle découverte pour moi cet endroit, Peter ! Tu fais bien de vouloir y emmener tes petits enfants.
Tiens, j'aimerais bien y aller aussi, tu nous organises une visite groupée? :-)
And another time you will bring moi? I'm drooling over the photo ops here. Mary said I could get my "Rouge fix" but I never dreamed it was this delightful. Your photos are terrific Peter. The top shot is very artistic! :)
Bon weekend,
V
nice page!
I like the Bercy area, though I haven't been there in ages.
I will definitely keep your blog handy to refer to when I'm planning a trip to Paris - a tremendous travel guide for what to see!
I think my Paris to-do list will be longer than my time in Paris! How I love those beautiful old merry-go-rounds. And wine!
The first picture reminds me (with a lot of imagination) of the Spanish moss on the cemetery in Selma,AL. I wrote about it today.
Your posts are always so thorough, interesting and complete !
Wow it looks like a real fun place to visit for sure.....beautiful photos..
Bercy is back to live... and not only to ministerial affairs...
Thank you for your excellent, unique and original blog.
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