p a r i s
t h e c i t y o f l i g h t s
Paris is the capital of France and is home to the French wizarding government: the Ministère de la Magie. Much like moldu (muggle) Paris, the magical areas of the city are timeless and classic. Beautiful architecture, glamorous interiors, and serene gardens are the norm.
The wizarding community in Paris is home to many creative and sophisticated individuals, and has a reputation for being somewhat elitist. The city hosts annual fashion shows attended by witches and wizards from all over the world. Wizarding Paris is bursting with culture and is known for its excellent restaurants, designer wizardwear, galleries, and entertainment such as the opera and theatre.
Rue Claudel is the Parisian equivalent of Diagon Alley in London, though the French will tell you it is far superior. Reminiscent of a cross between the Champs Elysées and Rue Montorgueil, it is a wide avenue lined with trees; the street is cobbled and for pedestrians only. It is accessed through a magical statue, in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Shops include:
• Gringotts de Paris
• Beauchêne's Batons (stockist of wands from across the world
• Beaumort Apothecary (potions, ingredients)
• Chaput's (wizardwear, robes)
• Matériel du Sorcier (cauldrons, scales, telescopes)
• brooms and sporting equipment
• Menagerie de Sauvage (familiars, pet supplies)
• Office Postale (post office)
• Perrault's (quills, ink, textbooks)
• restaurants, bars, and cafés
• Gladrags Wizardwear of London (Paris store)
• various fashion houses
• Madam Borboleta Candies (confectionery)
The Ministère de la Magie is located in the heart of Paris, its entrance is through the fountain of Place de la Concorde. One must throw an old wizarding franc into the fountain to gain access into the obelisk, and then to get into the French Ministry. Its architecture is similar to the Palace of Versailles, and it is located in an open space, having flamboyant gardens. The French Ministry of Magic is also ghost friendly, many former Officials’ ghosts haunting the building’s corridors. Visitors must state their reason for being at the Ministry, and then they receive a white gold badge stating their name and purpose of visit.
Though not near water, La Port is the name of the station for magical trains and portkeys that arrive in Paris. It is a grand building, designed to impress visitors from the moment they arrive.
On the outskirts of Paris, in the city of Versailles, is the French magical hospital: L’Hôpital des Maladies Magiques Bonaccord. The hospital has one of the best reputations for patient care and comfort in Europe. The building is reminiscent of the Petit Trianon, with golden accents inside and manicured gardens outside.
