VIDEO. Harry Potter event in Montauban: we tested the forbidden forest for you

“Expecto Patronum!” » This time, it is a phoenix which tears through the darkness of the Jardin des Plantes. A rather rare protector blows away a charming employee. This Thursday evening, several dozen journalists as well as the families of municipal agents who worked on the project experienced a preview of the “Harry Potter: The Forbidden Forest Experience” event, organized by Warner Bros. and Grand Montauban, until February 5, 2025.

Was it the downpours of water that fell at the same time added to the play of light and mist but we allowed ourselves to be immersed with pleasure in the world of the most famous of the little wizards.

After greeting the hippogriff who comes to life, Rubeus Hagrid warns the visitor to get too comfortable. In this forest where nifflers like to rummage through handbags, we come across owls carrying messages, the giant Grawp (Hagrid’s half-brother), nargoles or Norbert, the Norwegian dragon stuck in his box . The youngest will enjoy lighting dozens of lanterns by throwing the “Incendio” formula or participating in the magic wand fight.

The irruption of the dementor, a success

If we enjoyed admiring the scene in reference to quidditch or coming across the golden egg that Harry is carrying in the Prefects’ bathroom – and this is perhaps an adult’s eye speaking – the most successful remains the section dedicated to bad guys. It’s enough to make you jump when you cross paths with a dementor which, of course, is flying in the air. Three meters further on, a Death Eater appears in the vegetation. And we don’t forget Aragog, the monstrous spider who reigns over the forbidden forest. Those who are lucky will see her come out of her cave.

Then it’s the obligatory passage through the huge shop of goodies and other derivative products. We leave the restaurants and head towards Impasse d’Anglais, at random, a slightly quirky street which could very well exist near Leadenhall Market.

In the end, the experience was rather successful. We can only salute the work of all the technicians who manage to synchronize sound and light effects with a simple arm movement. Magic! Little wizards aged 4-12 will certainly have a blast. But calling “Harry Potter: The Forbidden Forest Experience” an amusement park seems a bit overused, as the interactive stands are still limited. Especially when we know that prices can reach up to €39 for those over 13 (depending on the day and time of reservation).

On the other hand, special mention to the optimization of space. For the Lantern Festival, we were amazed by the accumulation effect of the installations but the progress was less smooth. In the forbidden forest, even the Montalbanais who master every corner of the Jardin des Plantes get completely lost. And with our broom, we land in the Faubourg du Moustier. Back to reality.

Reservations: hpforbiddenforestexperience.com/montauban