Experience the Magic of Paris

Paris is famous for being one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world, oozing style and culture. It's a great place anyway but my specific interest in going there was to investigate the magic scene - what feats of prestidigitation are being practised in the French capital that we foreigners can enjoy and possibly learn from.

The city of light provides a fabulous backdrop for magic. There is something chic about conjuring, I think, that fits very well with the culture and stylishness of Paris.

The magic caf?-theatre in the Marais district has got to be high on the list of priorities for anyone who likes magic. It?s owned by a father and daughter team of magicians called Dominique and Alexandra Duvivier, who perform both table to table and in the tiny theatre downstairs. Le Double Fond, as it is called, is a meeting and performing centre for amateur, aspiring and established local conjurors.

Magicians appear in mainstream Paris theatres far more often than I would have expected. When we were there, magic shows or plays with magic in them were running on three different stages. You can also catch a magic show - and have a civilised dinner - while cruising along the Seine. The Museum of Magic is worth a visit and practitioners of the art should definitely check out the magic shops, which are many and excellent.

Of course, there are hundreds of other things to do in Paris as well as watch magic. Even during a short, magic-focused visit such as ours, my friend and I managed to go up the Eiffel Tower, stroll around Montmartre and admire Sacr? Coeur, spend some time in several marvellous museums, have some nice long lunches and take a guided boat trip.

Having had some delicious North African food in Paris and been inspired to buy a tagine, I plan during my next trip to see the Islamic sights there. The Institute of the Arab World sounds interesting - as does the Mosque, which has not only a great caf but also a Turkish bath.

Further afield, you can spend a day at Disneyland Paris, tour a champagne vineyard or visit Claude Monet?s house. The public transport is regular and reliable, so a day trip out from Paris is comfortably doable.

There is no doubt that Paris is a magical city, on many levels. I came home feeling satisfied, inspired and raring to go back as soon as possible. I suggest you book your tickets right now and give yourself a well earned treat.

About the Author

Georgina Kirk's Paris Magic site offers a lot of useful advice for your trip, as well as recommendations about magic in Paris.

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