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After watching Newt Scamander and Tina Goldstein scurry along the streets of Paris in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Crimes of Grindelwald, I couldn’t wait to get back to the City of Light! Unfortunately, I didn’t come across any matagots or zouwus, but I did find some amazing creatures. Go on your own fantastic beast hunt on your next trip to Paris!
Gargoyles of Notre Dame
Heights are really not my thing. Given the chance, I’ll always keep my feet on the ground. But the best way to view the fabulous gargoyles of Notre Dame is to climb the towers. 387 steps later and you’re eye to eye with the monsters…with an expansive view of the Paris skyline as an added bonus.
Climbing the towers used to be a time consuming affair that often meant hours standing in line. Thankfully that is no longer the case. You now reserve a time slot the morning of your visit–either through the JeFile/Duck the Line app or computerized kiosks near the entrance to the tower–and simply return at the appropriate time. If you have some time to kill before your appointment, check out the cathedral (it’s free!), the Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportation, the Shakespeare & Co. book store, or any of the many cafes and restaurants in the area. (See my post on The Best Bakeries to Try in Paris for some suggestions.)
The entrance to the towers is just to the left of the entrance to the main cathedral. You’ll climb part way to the ticket desk where you can buy your ticket (or use your Paris Museum Pass) and then head up the rest of the way. It’s a long, tight spiral staircase both ways and, while there is a safety cage, the walkways at the top are very narrow and uneven. I admit, even knowing what I was getting into, I had a small moment of panic during my visit…but managed to get it under control and enjoy the incredible view!
The Lady and the Unicorn
One of the highlights of the collection at Musee de Cluny is a series of beautiful unicorn tapestries. Six large tapestries fill their exhibit room with colorful scenes highlighting the senses. I spent a long time enjoying all the intricate details.
Unfortunately, the Cluny museum is undergoing renovation that is expected to last until 2020, which limits the access to the rest of their collection. When I visited, a temporary exhibit on gothic architecture and the unicorn tapestries were the only things on display…which made for a really quick visit. Thankfully it was included on my Paris Museum Pass. Be sure to check out the museum’s website before you go to find out which areas are open to view.
Auberge Nicolas Flamel
That friend of Albus Dumbledore with a safehouse in Paris just in case things go terribly wrong…. Well, that house exists…and it’s currently a restaurant, Auberge Nicolas Flamel. Built in 1407, it’s the oldest stone house in Paris and used to belong to Nicolas Flamel (yes, *that* Nicolas Flamel). The front of the building is still adorned in alchemy symbols as homage to it’s previous owner.
The restaurant itself is fantastic. It’s small and popular (even more so since Harry Potter), so reservations are highly recommended (you can make them through The Fork). I had the three course set menu which gave a couple options for each course (including an incredible magic chocolate sphere for dessert!) for 42 Euros.
What incredible beasts have you discovered on your travels in Paris?
