From November 12 to January 15, the Harry Potter Studios in London are transformed for the Christmas holidays
Visit the Great Hall, Diagon Alley or Dumbledore's office... Fans will find the mythical filming locations of the saga
Beyond the sets and costumes, the studios are an opportunity to discover shooting secrets and the work of the special effects teams.
Going to visit the Harry Potter studios in London is a dream for many... The legendary saga of the little wizard with the scar, whose first film was released in 2001 on the big screen, continues to fascinate crowds, from 7 to 77 years old .
On a rainy November day, typical of England, young and old crowd outside the Watford film studios, about an hour from London.
Sorcerer's capes mingle with more comfortable jean-sneaker ensembles, and a wave of tourists (and fans) flock to the opening.
From November 12, until January 15, the studios are getting ready for the end of the year celebrations with "Hogwarts in the snow", an emblematic period in all the films of the saga.
In the grand entrance, a huge dragon hanging from the ceiling sets the tone: the visit will be magical.
Christmas atmosphere obliges, a huge illuminated and snow-covered fir tree welcomes visitors, who are not yet at the end of their surprises.
While some flock to taste a beer (drinking far too disgusting, in our opinion), or are already starting to adjust each decoration element, it is time to start the visit.
After a quick glance at the famous cupboard under the stairs, visitors are informed about the rules relating to studios, announced by JK Rowling herself on a giant screen: fortunately, she will not pronounce any transphobe remarks (in any case, not here).
On the way to Hogwarts, decor by decor
First shock for those who have dreamed of their childhood of their letter of acceptance at Hogwarts: the great room does exist.
The mythical place where Harry and his other comrades will be assigned their houses and will taste the biggest feasts stand there, before our eyes.
For Christmas, the large room is adorned with illuminated fir trees and (false) festive dishes.
The wonder is total, we are on the verge of setting up to wait for Dumbledore's speech.
Only disappointment: the ceiling is not made of floating candles, but large spotlights.
Hard return to reality.
The continuation of the visit to the studios is enough to make you dizzy: the costumes from the film are presented alongside the wigs, the miniature decorative elements rub shoulders with the enormous cauldrons, and the potions room or the Weasley Burrow contain small artifices that will amuse observer fans.
Interactivity is present in each room, giving rise to long minutes of contemplation for the most curious.
Dumbledore's office is teeming with details, from his phoenix to the 9,000 small vials affixed next to the Pensieve.
Passing through the Forbidden Forest, we will jump at the huge spiders descending from the ceiling.
Finally, here we are on platform 9 ¾, in front of a gleaming Hogwarts Express.
Good,
if the real train that can be seen in all the films is actually the Jacobite Steam Train which passes over the viaduct of Glenfinnan, in Scotland, we would believe it.
The photo break next to Harry Potter's cart seems almost obligatory.
Filming secrets and special effects, to know behind the scenes
After a well -deserved break (more than 3 hours of visit, it digs), an external part allows you to admire the Hogwarts fountain, or even to visit the famous House of Dursley on Privet Drive.
There follows a tour by the greenhouse of Professor Chourave, where mandragores more true than life will continue to buzz the ears of the most sensitive even after the visit.
The second part of the studios tour is more focused on the special effects and the immense work of the teams of the different films so that the magic operates.
We reveal filming secrets (which we will not disclose here), original drawings, and all the mechanics to create the many magical creatures present in the film.
Because no, Dobby does not really exist (and that, the
20 -minute fake off service
refuse to admit it).
And yes, we too, it split our hearts.
After a passage inside the famous Gringotts bank, whose chandeliers would crush you in the event of an earthquake, here we are in another rather mythical place in the Harry Potter universe: Diagon Alley, where Harry will buy his first baguette, or Fred and George's jokes and tricks shop.
Again, the decor is adorned with a film of snow, honoring the season.
The final highlight is the room housing a gigantic model of Hogwarts castle, which will delight fans and possibly cause a few disappointments.
Because yes, Hogwarts doesn't really exist, it's a setting, and even if the snowy model has something to amaze you with its size and details, a small part of our inner child regrets that it doesn't exist somewhere .
Before leaving,
So, is it worth it?
Despite the high price of tickets (60 euros for adults, 46 for children under 15), we are amazed.
If the festive atmosphere of Christmas brings a little something extra to an already magical universe, the quantity of activities offered within the Harry Potter Studios is enough to amaze.
We come out of these four hours of visit empty, with stars in our eyes, despite the number of visitors sometimes taking up a lot of space.
And even if you're not a fan, there's enough to see so you don't get bored.
We recognize mythical scenes that we all know, which will recall beautiful childhood emotions.
Because even if some of us regret not having been able to study at Hogwarts, there is something surreal about seeing where movies were shot and touching places that lit up cold winter evenings.
Leaving the studios, the rain returns, and one thing is certain: we want to see all the films again, marathon style.
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