The Wooden Carousel (1871)
A historic carousel listed as a historic monument
Located on the “Place de la Mairie” in the heart of Les Gets,this wooden carousel dating from 1871 is one of the oldest working carousels still in operation in France..
Together with the Aeolian Organ in the village church, it is one of the two emblematic attractions beyond the walls of the Mechanical Music Museum.
A remarkable testimony to fairground art and popular heritage,this historic carousel has become become one of Les Gets' most iconic attractions,appreciated by families and heritage enthusiasts alike.
Built by the renowned Maison Limonaire,famous for its fairground organs and carousels, this traditional ride transports visitors back to the festive atmosphere of 19th-century fairgrounds..
A richly decorated historic carousel
The Limonaire Carousel of Les Gets features numerous remarkable elements showcasing the craftsmanship of its period:
- 20 hand-carved limewood animals: horses, pigs, and a lion
- 2 carved gondolas
- 2 moving boats
- 2 spinning tops
- A carousel organ providing musical accompaniment
The painted decorations on the ceiling and the inner façade were created by . M. Coppier,a renowned fairground decorative artist from Annecy..
The carousel revolves around a central oak mast.Originally powered by a horse,its mechanism was modernized in the early 20th century with the installation of an electric motor..
A recognized and protected fairground heritage
The preservation of this historic carousel reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding the history of fairgrounds and mechanical music..
Its complete restoration in 2018 was funded by the AMMG, with support from the French Ministry of Culture, the Haute-Savoie Departmental Council, the Region, the Fondation des Pays de France, and more than one hundred benefactors.
Thanks to its exceptional authenticity and remarkable state of preservation,the carousel was listed as a Historic Monument in 2023..
In addition, Fairground Culture was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list on 4 December 2024 for France and Belgium.
This international recognition highlights a living heritage and unique expertise that contribute to Europe's cultural richness.
Opening hours and ticket prices
Installed under a protective shelter on the Village Square,the carousel welcomes visitors of all ages during both the winter and summer tourist seasons..
Winter Season
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Christmas holidays: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
School holidays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Summer Season
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Prices
1 ride: €2.50
6 rides: €12
24 rides: €35
Information: +33 (0)4 50 79 85 75
Revenue generated by the carousel helps ensure its maintenance to preserve this unique heritageand contributes to the restoration of the museum's instruments..