We are going to Paris Rome Venice Bologna & Florence in November/December. I love old fashioned merry-go-rounds, fairs or shows, and circuses. Does anyone have information about these things in the places I am going?

In Italy, I've rarely if ever seen a nice merry-go-round - I'm a fan myself, so I know what you are probably hoping. There are lots of carousels, but they are small, made of fibreglass, garishly painted, and loud with pop music. Great for five-year-olds, no fun for anyone else.

There are circuses and fun-fairs in some places just about all year round, on no particular schedule; look out for huge garish posters plastered around, the Orfei family name is often on them. Some circuses can be fun, many are somewhat depressing, especially if you don't like the idea of animals living in small cages.

FWIW, Cirque du Soleil will be in Milan soon for a few weeks!


best regards,
Deirdré Straughan

http://www.straughan.com

There is a large carousel at Trocadero in Paris (across from the Eiffel tower, the best place to go to get pictures of you in front of the tower), at Bois de Vincennes with great animals, and another one in the Tuilleries just outside the Louvre. I'm sure there are more - I think the French invented the carousel!

Have fun!

Thank you so much for these responses. It is lovely to know there a kindred souls out there.

I, too, love merry-go-rounds--In Paris, there's another beautiful one at the bottom of the steps to the Sacre Coeur. Enjoy!

Check out this article:

http://www.salon.com/travel/feature/...el/index1.html

Now, if you wanted to know about Aix, and Avignon, and Cannes...!

Merry-go-rounds are one of life's great pleasures.

Thanks Underhill for this information. I will follow up the web connection. Yes, carousels are one of life's pleasures. They allow you to play. Can you give me information about the other places you mentioned. I might reorganise my itinerary.

Avignon, Aix, Cannes, and Arles all have lovely old carousels; the one in Avignon, if I remember correctly, has two levels. It's right at the bottom of the big square by the Palais des Papes. I don't know whether they would be operating in the months you'll be going to France, however, and that's definitely low season for the many outdoor fairs and traveling amusement parks that we've seen during the summer.

During December throughout Provence there are santon faires. If you've never seen them, santons (little saints) are small painted or clothed figures representing religious figures and villagers. They're absolutely delightful, and the ones made by the better artisans can be quite pricey. Anyway, the fairs bring together the works of many different artisans so you can compare quality before buying.

You might want to check with the Paris tourist office about fairs. Paris has several large agricultural fairs, among others.