Harry Potter in Paris: a walk in the footsteps of the famous wizard (2024)

Round glasses, lightning-shape scar, magical wand in hand: Harry Potter – the famous fictional character invented by J.K. Rowling – no longer needs an introduction. The wizarding world the little British wizard evolves in can seem far away from us. And yet, it is closer than we can think… You do not need to travel all the way to the UK to discover Harry Potter’s world: magic is just as alive in Paris! Stores, candies, shooting locations… Come along and enjoy a stroll in the footsteps of the wizards from Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts.

Shooting locations in Paris:

Harry Potter is not the only hero of the J.K. Rowling universe. The writer actually launched another saga: the Fantastic Beasts with Newt Scamander. This shy wizard fascinated by animals stayed a bit in Paris in the second movie of the saga. And therefore, you can visit several shooting locations from the movie Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

Therefore, discover the French Ministry of Magic hidden in two iconic places in Paris. In the movie, you can see the glass dome of the Grand Palaisand the archive room of the BNF Richelieu.

Rue Claudel – the French counterpart of Diagon Alley – was inspired by the covered passages and especially the Cour du Commerce Saint-André. You can also see the Porte de Saint-Denis, in the 10^th arrondissem*nt, or the numerous Wallace Fountains that are the hidden doors of the Ministry of Magic.

Last but not least, the bravest of you can venture to sets related to the dark wizards of the saga: the Père Lachaise cemetery – housing the mausoleum of the Lestrange family – and the Catacombeswhere takes place a major scene in the second installment of the Fantastic Beasts…

• To be read
• Tips for the week of August 12-18, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings
• What to do in Paris and the Ile-de-France region in August 2024? Tips and ideas for outings
• Amusem*nt parks and funfairs in and around Paris, 2024 program

Paris wizards:

Fans of the saga might remember the Philosopher’s Stone, a magical item giving eternal life to the one who owns it. This fantastic artefact – introduced in the first novel – was invented by Nicolas Flamel, a French public writer who is said to be an alchemist able to change metals into gold… Well, this man actually existed! He even has a street named after him in Paris 4th arrondissem*nt. And you can still see his house, the oldest in the city.

Nicolas Flamel's house, the oldest in Paris
How about a trip back in time? Today, we invite you to discover the oldest house in Paris known to date: the House of Nicolas Flamel. [Read more]

Now, head to the 19th arrondissem*nt, and especially Place Rhin-et-Danube. In this area of Paris, across the Café Parisien, you shall see a sign pointing to somewhere very special: it actually shows where to find the famous Diagon Alley, the alley where you can find all the magical stores in the world of Harry Potter!

Originally installed by mischievous cinema students, this cardboard sign became a star on social networks and Paris mayor then decided to replace it with an official sign. Interviewed by Actu Paris, the Ville de Paris explained they removed the damaged sign without suspecting the trick. The city hall said an officer of the city thought “it was a sign indicating a touristic stroll”. When looking at the twisted board, the officer then “took the initiative to report the damaged board and have it changed”.

Fans of the saga might remember what the common room of Gryffindor looks like: entirely red, decorated with paintings, it provides a cozy shelter to our heroes. But have you looked at the decoration of the room right? If so, you might have seen the tapestry of the Lady and the Unicorn, a Renaissance masterpiece you can enjoy at the musée de Cluny. As soon as the museum reopens, we highly recommend you visit it to see this exceptional tapestry.