Sweety – Familie Lereteux

What it’s like to ride Sweety Lereteux

On Sweety, the gondolas travel along a track of hills and dips around a central point. The cars rise and fall in the track’s repeating rhythm. This creates sideways forces and the characteristic sensation of a fast sled ride. The ride is not to be confused with a roller coaster: there is no long course, just a closed circuit with a series of successive hills.

The Matterhorn model by Reverchon is one of the French classics of its type. Its winter theme suits the movement, evoking a ride over snow-covered slopes. From the edge of the fairground, you can watch the cars pass over the changing heights one after another. The close sequence of gondolas creates a lively sight.

The history of Sweety: a Reverchon classic

Reverchon built Sweety in 1976. This makes it one of France’s long-running travelling Matterhorn rides. The Lereteux family of operators has given the attraction its own name. Specialist listings explicitly refer to it as Sweety by Lereteux, distinguishing it from other Matterhorn and sled rides.

The design has evolved over the years. Its winter sports theme is particularly striking, emphasising the character of the sled ride. Model makers have also recreated Sweety: an elaborately lit miniature of the Reverchon ride was unveiled in 2015. It shows how distinctive the ride’s shape and decoration have become.

The Foire Saint-Romain in Rouen is one of Sweety’s well-known venues. A surviving photograph from 2006 documents the ride there at night. Sweety’s long presence at French funfairs makes it a piece of living fairground history.

Who is Sweety Lereteux suitable for?

Sweety is a good choice if you enjoy fast circular rides and the sideways movement of a Matterhorn ride. The cars move quickly, without requiring a tall tower or an inversion. If you are sensitive to repeated turns, watch the ride from outside first. The applicable age and height restrictions are posted at the ride.

Sweety also has particular appeal for fans of classic rides. It shows how much movement a traditional undulating carousel can offer. Our attraction guide features more historic circular rides and their modern counterparts.