A barouche is a type of carriage designed for use with pairs of horses. The design was extremely fashionable through the late 19th century, and was usually regarded as a fancy carriage for formal occasions, especially in the summer. With the advent of the automobile, barouches are relatively rare, but they can still be seen in use in some regions of the world and on special occasions. A high quality barouche can also be a very costly item, since the best ones are made and decorated by hand.

Several things distinguish a barouche from other carriages. Like many carriages designed for groups of passengers and pairs driving, a barouche has four wheels. The carriage also has two bench seats which face each other, with passengers stepping up into the space between them to enter the carriage, usually. The driver sits outside on a separate box, which may or may not be sheltered.

The top of a barouche is really what sets it apart, since it is collapsible, making the barouche into a hooded carriage which can be used in a variety of weathers. Most people preferred to ride in a barouche with the top down, enjoying warm and pleasant summer weather and showcasing elegant garments. However, in inclement weather the top could be brought up for shelter, making the four wheeled carriage more snug and pleasant to ride in, although the top does not entirely enclose the barouche.

The fashionable four wheeled carriage is most reliable on sound roads, since rough roads and ruts could potentially break axles or make the ride rather uncomfortable. Early versions of the carriage had very primitive suspensions which probably communicated every bump in the road to the passengers, although a modern barouche is usually constructed with more advanced techniques. As is the case with many formal carriages, there is usually a great deal of brass, woodwork, and leather on a barouche and its harness which must be kept shining and in good order.

Driving a barouche well requires some skill, since it requires a pair or multiple pairs of horses. The more pairs, the more implied social status, and the more challenging the carriage is to manage. Pairs of horses are of the same breed and size, so that they complement each other, and many people prefer to drive matched pairs with similar coloration, as well. Coordinating the horses is demanding, and it suggests a high level of patience and concentration on the part of the driver.