There are already a number of French rotorcraft featured in other posts. I suggest you go find the AR France autogiro, the Solido diecast helicopters, the early plastic helicopter toys manufactured by BUT, as well as the Dinky France No. 60f Cierva Autogiro. They are all terrific examples.
You really can't think about French-made helicopter toys without thinking about the Joustra line. I have around 25 Joustra helicopters, and there are still quite a few I've yet to acquire! The Joustra toys really deserve a post of their own someday, so I'm going to steer away from them here.
I'll start with one of my absolute favorite French helicopter toys. I actually have no idea who manufactured this toy - the name is not featured on the original box. I've been told Jouef Hornby, although I've seen no data to substantiate that claim. I've also heard FJ (France Jouet). This toy also came in an airplane version which had small triangular wings and a large propeller on the nose (there was no rotor on top of the airplane version). Can anyone out there help with the manufacturer?
It is primarily tin with a clockwork motor and a super-cool design. I'm lucky enough to own the only complete helicopter version I've ever seen. The plastic rotors just don't seem to survive because they're very fragile in construction. And, this is also the only original box I've ever seen for either the helicopter or the airplane version.
I'll let the photo do the talking:
Next, is small but nice SN 490 helicopter by La Hotte Saint Nicolas:
I'll end this initial thread with a battery-operated toy by R.C.P. (Richard & Co. of Paris). It's the Meeting Et Aviation and features three looping aircraft as well as a lighted terminal building:
Can you add some more great helicoper toys manufactured in France?
