foire vs fête foraine, attraction vs manège

Bonjour Cori,

A fun fair in French is "une fête foraine".

Fête foraine is the most common and specific term for a travelling fair with rides, games, and attractions

Foire can also be used, though it's a bit more general and can refer to other types of fairs as well

 You might also hear "une kermesse" for smaller, local fair-type events, often organized by schools or communities.

 

A ride at a fun fair in France is called "un manège".

Un manège is the most common term for rides (literally means "merry-go-round" but used for all rides)

Une attraction can also be used, especially for bigger or more modern rides

For specific types of rides, you might hear:

Un carrousel - carousel/merry-go-round

Les montagnes russes - roller coaster (literally "Russian mountains")

La grande roue - Ferris wheel

Les autos tamponneuses - bumper cars

 

So you could say -

Allons faire un tour de manège ! = Let's go on a ride!