Dodo Manège, so read the hand-painted wood sign in front of this picturesque carousel, a merry-go-round of extinct and endangered species. Closed in the winter with the green tarp sealed tightly, it is a must-see for my warm-weather trips to Paris. It is found near the southeast entrance to Jardin de Plantes (Metro: Gare D'Austerlitz) and can be located by the sounds of the carousel music and children's laughter.
You will not see many tourists but parents, grandparents, children -- local families out for an afternoon. To ride the green T. Rex or perhaps the Dodo, each child clutches un billet until it is handed over to the ticket collector. Indulged most likely by grandparents, some children ride time and again, some changing animals each time the manège stops and others guarding the "first-come" rights to the same favorite animal.
Oh Genie, this brings backs memories of that lovely afternoon when you showed me where the carrousel was hiding when Davis and Eva roamed these beautiful gardens. I'm still laughing at how many photos you and I shot ( most of mine are now in the can) as the carrousel moved so quickly and we tried to capture each adorable child riding that day. Great photos.
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It's a great carrousel—and I'd have a hard time deciding which creature to ride. Nice capture(s), Genie!
ReplyDeleteI love carrousels and they seem to be every-where in Paris.This one is unique with the different creatures. I like the tortoise!
ReplyDeleteDianne xx
Lovely post Genie. I just read your about me and it really resonated with me because it's my dream to get to Paris one day too :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing this place out, I love finding out places where locals hang out...that way I can pretend I'm local too! Hahaha.
Beautiful photos that evoke beautiful memories ... thanks for taking me there. If I close my eyes I can still hear those sweet little voices laughing.
ReplyDeleteGoodo. It is on the list. And within walking distance of my accommodation.
ReplyDeleteHow delightful! Great photo.
ReplyDeleteI would have loved this merry go round when I was a little girl. My mother used to take us au Jardin des Plantes. There was a water ride where you sat in a boat and they would take your picture. I still have those pictures somewhere. I don’t know if they still have that water tide though.
ReplyDeleteI love the many carousels of Paris, and in fact, have ridden several.
ReplyDeleteStarman -- The carousels have distinct characteristics -- I have seen many but have already added some "new to me" ones for my return to Paris.
ReplyDeleteVagabonde -- It is great to hear stories about your childhood in Paris and I am waiting for the next installment on your blog
Julie -- I hope that you will be as enchanted with Dodo Manège as I have been.
M -- It was so nice and cool that day as you remember. The little cherub with his ticket has on a jacket. Not bad for late June!
Brittany -- Keep a list for when you get to go. You will be glad that you did and you will know more than most first-time visitors
Dianne -- My favorite is the Dodo, of course. I wonder why that is?
Alexa -- That is why you would have to buy un carnet -- Then you could ride each of them... unless of course a small child was "holding her spot" on the giraffe!
Virginia -- I am looking forward to seeing your shots, too. I wish that Eva and Davis could have been with you. It is a hidden little spot and unless there is activity you can walk right past it.
I left a comment on Shell's blog informing her that my favorite carousels are those with different animals (so she directed me here). I never expected to find extinct animals. It's rather extraordinary. Do you know the date at to when this was constructed?
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