L’Idéale Chenille 1922 – Delannoy
Nostalgic caterpillar ride from 1922, extensively restored
Operator: Alain Delannoy (historically documented, as of 2022; current operator unclear)
L’Idéale Chenille is a historic caterpillar ride that has been closely associated with Lille’s funfair and Christmas traditions for many years. Even at first glance, it stands apart from modern high-tech carousels: the focus is on a classic circular ride, lovingly restored design and nostalgic atmosphere. If you like rides with a history, this Chenille is a particularly interesting find.
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What to expect
- Sound system / music
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
Historic caterpillar ride built in 1922, extensively restored; winter appearances at Place du Théâtre in Lille documented.
A piece of living funfair history: a classic caterpillar ride instead of modern high-tech thrills.
What it’s like to ride L’Idéale Chenille
The ride takes you along a circular track over a wavy course. As the cars travel together around the centre, gentle rises and dips alternate. This creates the characteristic caterpillar ride experience familiar to many visitors from historic funfairs. The motion is lively, but it is not comparable to a modern inversion ride. This attraction is therefore less about extreme thrills and more about the classic fairground atmosphere.
It is the combination of movement, music and historic design that makes it appealing. The dynamics can vary depending on the ride programme. You should therefore check the current ride operation and applicable rules before boarding. Reliable information on specific speeds, height restrictions and capacity has not been published for this ride, so no estimates are given here.
General
- Year built
- 1922
- Also known as
- L’Idéal Chenille; Ideale Chenille; L’Idéale Chenille 1922
L’Idéale Chenille: The story of a remarkable caterpillar ride
The ride is associated with the year 1922. An extensive historical profile reports that it belonged to the Hoffmann family and was later painstakingly restored by Alain Delannoy. In an interview for its centenary 2022, Delannoy explained how he refurbished the run-down caterpillar ride over several years. The focus was not only on the mechanics, but also on its appearance and traditional character.
The ride has been associated with Lille for decades. Its winter appearances at Place du Théâtre, near the opera house, are particularly well known. This location is publicly documented for the 2025 season. However, whether and under what conditions the caterpillar ride will also appear there in 2026 must be checked against a current official confirmation. A previous regular appearance alone does not prove that it will return the following year.
Who is the historic Chenille suitable for?
If you love nostalgic carousels, you will especially appreciate the atmosphere here. The ride is particularly suited to visitors who want to experience traditional rides and learn about their history. It may also appeal to families. However, check the current minimum height requirements and accompanying adult rules at the ride.
My tip: Take a closer look at the decorations and structure before or after your ride. Historic rides often tell you a lot about the development of funfair culture through their design alone. You can find more classic rides in the Attractions directory. Check the funfair calendar for current event dates.
Timeline
Built in 1922; owned by the Hoffmann family; sold to Serge Hameau in 1973; extensively restored by Alain Delannoy in the 1990s. Historical details and operator information based on secondary sources.
- Operator
- Alain Delannoy (historically documented, as of 2022; current operator not known)
- Type of operation
- Travelling
Previous operators
Hoffmann family; Serge Hameau (from 1973, according to historical accounts)
Upcoming funfair dates
Ride L’Idéale Chenille 1922 – Delannoy live
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