Think of something that fascinated adults and children alike, ever since late 19th century--the circus! In 1875, a circus group called Nouveau Cirque got together with popular clowns Fouty and Chocolat. Unlike Italian-style clowns like Pleurnella and Mallechino in the classic jest, the new pierrots had big red noses and fat lips, baggy pants and huge shoes like loaves of country bread. The term "circus" itself originated from the oval-shaped sports fields in ancient Rome; the beginnings were simply mounted military parades and acrobatic street performers. Initially a simple stint, it was just some Joe with muscles getting down on the ground and throwing his child up in the air with the feet and catching him again. Later the performances grew elaborate. By the end of the century, animal trainers appeared on the scene, and the circus started to become professional. The Barnum circus from America was notably so; with its elephants and lions, the Parisians were fascinated. I believe it was in 1867 that Japanese Torikata was cheered by the French public for walking tightropes and performing stunts on ladders in the Napoleon circus. He must have been a ninja or something. You can also find a stationary winter circus at Temple Street. If you hop into the bar au clown, you might see happen to see a pierrot dropping by for a coffee during break.