before its opening, discover this magical and unique exhibition in France!

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Raise your chopsticks! The experience can begin! This is an exceptional exhibition on the Harry Potter universe which is preparing to open its doors this Saturday, October 19, 2024 in the Jardin des Plantes de Montauban (Tarn-et-Garonne), north of Toulouse. A first in France!

Wizards, do you dare to enter the Forbidden Forest where enchanted creatures and magical challenges await you? Put on your invisibility cloak, Toulouse News takes you, in preview and after dark, into the world of the most famous wizard.

A magical atmosphere

“We’re not going to go there in the middle of the night! There are lots of critters in there, even werewolves. » Readers of JK Rowling’s bestselling volumes may have recognized this passage from the first book. One of the characters in the saga, Drago Malefoyappears somewhat hesitant and, it must be said, not very reassured, before entering the Forbidden Forest.

There is no doubt that the many visitors expected to test the experience will be much more courageous. It must be said that from the moment you enter, the atmosphere leads to daydreaming. Small tinkles immediately bring to mind the music from the film credits. A majestic white deer, reference to Patronus of the hero, welcomes visitors among green, pink and blue trees.

Animated characters, interactive stands…

Here we are launched on a course of a little less than a kilometer. Just after properly greeting his Hippogriff, Hagrid welcomes us in front of his hut.

All along the way, you will have to look up to observe everything and greet Hedwig, Harry’s famous owl… but also much more disturbing characters, like the frightening Dementors.

No less than thirty employees and volunteers supervise passers-by. Because the photo stands and especially the interactive stands are numerous. In the shoes of real wizards, we are invited sometimes to cast spells, sometimes to compete in a duel. Highlight of the visit: wand in hand, simply pronounce the formula “Expecto Patronum” to make your own protective animal appear.

“Follow the spiders…”

And as the universe also refers to the world of Fantastic Beastswhose story is also linked to the Harry Potter universe, visitors are encouraged to interact with fantastical creatures… more or less benevolent.

At the bend of a path, the voice of Ron, Harry Potter’s famous companion, comes to surprise us: “Follow the spiders… Why couldn’t it be ‘follow the butterflies’…? “. And indeed, a few meters further on, it is indeed the impressive and frightening “acromantula” Aragog who emerges from his lair…

The animatronics encourage interaction with the public. This is how Grawp, Hagrid’s giant half-brother, emerges from the forest, spitting smoke and uttering growls.

A store with specific goodies

After about 45 minutes of visitthe end of the route leads to the shop “where you can find very specific souvenirs”, specifies Marion Kouyoumdjianglobal project manager. T-shirts, mugs, but also wands and pins will certainly delight fans.

The organizing team reassures that you don’t need to know the Harry Potter universe by heart to enjoy the experience. “It’s a completely transformed garden that can be discovered after dark,” underlines the project manager. There is no age limit to explore this Forbidden Forest either. Even if certain atmospheres will be likely to frighten the youngest.

Butterbeer, Gryffindor hot chocolate…

Going on an adventure is boring. At the Harry Potter Village, the last stage of the experience, different stands offer food and drinks always linked to the magical universe.

Gourmands will find the famous butterbeer, or even hot chocolates bearing the names of the four houses of Hogwarts, the wizarding school.

A first in France!

“Harry Potter – The Forbidden Forest Experience”, created three years ago, has already proven itself in several cities in the United States. It has also been exported to different continents: Belgium, Singapore and Australia. His arrival in Montauban is a first in France!

So, why turn to the Cité d’Ingres to install this project, notably presented by the major Warner Bros studios? “Montauban is a dynamic cultural city. We partnered with the City which wanted to innovate this year after the Lantern Festival. The Jardin des Plantes is a perfect place for us. It is well located, close to large cities like Toulouse, Bordeaux… We have a well-designed path, with different vegetation for our sound and light shows. »

Several dates already sold out!

Open since September, the ticket office already has several full days, notably for these two weeks of All Saints’ Day holidays, and also over several weekends in November. “We are very satisfied,” adds Marion Kouyoumdjian, who does not wish to communicate the total number of expected visitors.

Currently, interested parties can reserve their place until Sunday January 5, 2025, via the Fever website, the event’s partner event platform.

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