In recent years, the capital city has maintained obvious links with the magical and fascinating world of Harry Potter and his companions. Events, filming locations, shops, the city of Paris has transformed into a true sanctuary for fans of the bespectacled wizard. But now, the real question we ask ourselves is: Is Paris the French capital of Harry Potter?
The first official stop on this magical bus tour is the many Harry Potter shops in the capital. Leading the pack is Les 2 Balais. This chain, which originated in Marseille, has in recent years apparated to the City of Light, with not one, but two locations. One in the 8th arrondissement, and another in the heart of Bercy Village, in the 12th arrondissement. These locations, with the look of Diagon Alley, offer fans a range of wands and other wizarding products. And in the 12th, you can even enjoy a taste of homemade butterbeer every day, and exclusive pastries referencing the saga. And of course, not to mention the (very) numerous pop-ups that open every year in the capital.
Les 2 Balais 61, boulevard des Batignolles – 8th 11, cour Saint-Emilion – 12th More info
Plenty of Events
Every year, the capital hosts incredible Harry Potter events. The very official "Back to Hogwarts" on the first of September, which marks the start of the school year for wizards, and therefore the beginning of a new year at the school of magic. But also the Harry Potter Book Night organized every year by the French publishing house Gallimard. Or, more occasionally, extraordinary encounters and events, like the convention we mentioned a few months ago, which was the first displac.Official announcement from Rupert Grint in France.
And this is just one magical meeting among dozens of others. Puzzle and adventure enthusiasts are not left out with the themed escape games that are blooming in Paris very regularly. We think in particular of the fun and challenging quests proposed by Les 2 Balais, which is a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan. So grab your wand and get ready for a magical experience!
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Thanks to its shops and bars, the city of Paris is naturally full of references to Harry Potter. First of all, because it is home to Nicolas Flamel's house, a major character in the Fantastic Beasts series, and whose philosopher's stone is at the center of the first film of the original saga. Also, if you go to the 19th arrondissement, at Rhin-et-Danube square, you will have the chance to see a sign indicating "Diagon Alley."
Moreover, Paris.This is the background for the second volume of the Fantastic Beasts series. Even though most of the scenes were filmed in a studio, we can still recognize the glass dome of the Grand Palais and the archives room of the BNF Richelieu at the French Ministry of Magic. Or the Cour du Commerce Saint-André passage💕, which serves as a street of wizarding shops. Or the Porte Saint-Denis or the many Wallace fountains, especially the one in the Furstemberg square, which serves as the entrance to the aforementioned ministry.
And since the community of Parisian wizards (or aspiring wizards) is very engaged, the capital is full of places to spend time to immerse yourself for a few hours in the Gryffindor common room or at the Three Broomsticks, the mythical bar in Hogsmeade. For this, head to Potions & Co, which will instantly make you feel like you are in class with Professor Snape, preparing mysterious concoctions – which you can then drink. Or at Player One, a great bar for "geeks" that doesn't skimp on Harry Potter references. And to end the evening, why not enjoy an incredible Airbnbthemed on the saga in the 15th arrondissement?
Finally, the final and irrevocable argument to crown Paris as the French capital of Harry Potter is that it's the best place in France to directly access the magic of the movies. By train from Gare du Nord, you can arrive directly at St Pancras Station, which inspired Harry Potter, and is located right next to King's Cross, where the Hogwarts Express departs. From there, in just a few minutes, you can go directly to the Warner Bros. Studios to explore all the filming locations, sets and props, for an absolutely amazing journey. So, it's... Magic step, isn't it? ✨ #instagram
