The Musée des Arts Forains is a fascinating fairground museum located in the Pavillons de Bercy in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. This private collection, created by Jean-Paul Favand, features a wide array of funfair artifacts from the Belle Époque, including carousels, fairground games, and other carnival attractions from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum is designed to be immersive, where visitors are not just observers but become part of the experience, interacting with the exhibits and participating in activities like a century-old carousel ride or playing fairground games.

The museum is divided into several themed halls, each with its own atmosphere. In the Venetian Hall, visitors can take a ride on gondolas in a recreated Venetian carnival setting, complete with sound and light shows. The Théâtre du Merveilleux features curiosities and automatons that evoke the wonder of the early 20th-century fairground. Another highlight is the Salon de la Musique, where vintage mechanical instruments like the 1934 Mortier organ and a grand piano play melodies that transport visitors back in time.

Visits to the museum are available only by guided tours, which last approximately 1.5 hours. These tours provide a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of funfair arts and include interactive performances and hands-on activities, making the museum a truly unique destination for all ages.