REVIEW · PARIS
Fantastic Evenings of Laurent Beretta
Book on Viator →Operated by Soirées Fantastiques · Bookable on Viator
Paris can be loud. This experience isn’t.
Fantastic Evenings of Laurent Beretta swaps the usual Paris check-list for a period-style close-up magic performance in a beautiful old venue—exactly the kind of evening that feels more personal than touristy. I especially like the up-close format (great views from wherever you sit) and the way Laurent Beretta blends English and French storytelling for a smart, accessible show.
The main thing to consider is that it’s an evening show with a set length (about 2 hours), so if you’re only in Paris for tight timing, you’ll want to plan your dinner around it rather than treating it like a casual “maybe later” stop.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- A period-style magic evening that feels like stepping back in time
- The show length and timing: planning a 2-hour block
- Laurent Beretta’s close-up style (and why English matters)
- Hôtel Westminster: why this stop feels special
- What a champagne upgrade changes (and when it’s worth it)
- Who this is best for in Paris
- Value for $102.80: what you’re really paying for
- Practical tips so you enjoy it fully
- Should you book Fantastic Evenings of Laurent Beretta?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of Fantastic Evenings of Laurent Beretta?
- Where does the experience take place?
- Is the experience offered in English?
- Do I get a ticket on my phone?
- Is this suitable for families?
- Is it a private group experience?
- Is there an option to add champagne?
- Is free cancellation available?
Key highlights at a glance
- 19th-century French magic vibe at Hôtel Westminster, with a story-driven performance feel
- Close-up staging where every seat gets a strong view, not just the front rows
- Family-friendly tone that works for all ages
- English offered, with Laurent Beretta weaving languages through the storytelling
- Champagne upgrade for a more celebratory atmosphere
- Mobile ticket and an easy public-transport location in central Paris
A period-style magic evening that feels like stepping back in time

Paris is full of big sights. This isn’t that kind of evening.
What makes Fantastic Evenings different is the mood: it’s built around the charm of 19th-century French magic, with theatrical touches and story moments that don’t require you to be a die-hard magic fan. The show is described as high-end illusion, and the tone aims for wonder rather than shock.
You can expect the kind of performance where the magic happens in front of you, close enough that you feel part of the room’s energy. That matters in Paris, because it’s easy to end up in crowded attractions where you barely notice what’s going on. Here, the focus stays on the performer and the magic.
The venue choice also does a lot of work for you. Hôtel Westminster is the kind of setting that naturally supports a themed show. Even if you’ve never cared much about history-themed entertainment, being in a venue that looks like it belongs to an earlier era helps your brain accept the story. And when the performance includes playful fantasy (like instant blooming and magical “props”), the setting makes it feel less like a trick and more like a mini world.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Paris.
The show length and timing: planning a 2-hour block

The duration is about 2 hours, which is long enough for a real arc but short enough that you can still enjoy dinner or a night stroll afterward. Because it’s an evening activity, I’d treat it like a key plan—not like an optional filler.
Also, the experience is listed as private for your group. In practical terms, that usually feels better than joining a huge, mixed crowd. It’s the kind of setup where you can better settle into the show rather than scanning for where to stand and where to sit every few minutes.
One more timing detail to keep in your planning: it’s commonly booked around 79 days in advance on average. That doesn’t mean it sells out instantly every night, but it does suggest popularity. If you want a specific date, I’d lock it in sooner rather than hoping for perfect availability.
Laurent Beretta’s close-up style (and why English matters)

This show is about illusion and performance, but what you’re really buying is access: close-up magic in an intimate setting. The experience highlights that you get a great view from every seat. For you, that’s huge. It means you don’t need to arrive early to “score” a good spot. You can show up, get settled, and focus on what’s happening.
Laurent Beretta is also a key part of the value equation. The performance is in English, and the storytelling can weave in French too. That bilingual feel is more than a gimmick—it helps the show stay lively. You’ll get the meaning without losing the Paris flavor.
A practical note: if you enjoy magic that relies on storytelling and atmosphere rather than just rapid-fire tricks, this is the right lane. The descriptions include whimsical moments and “miracles of the past,” which points to a narrative approach. That tends to play well even with families, because kids usually stay engaged when they understand the plot thread.
Hôtel Westminster: why this stop feels special
The heart of the evening is at Hôtel Westminster for an exclusive moment called The Charm of 19th Century French Magic. This is where the performance is framed like an evening you’d want to dress up for—even if you don’t go full costume, the venue sets the tone.
Here’s what you can expect during the show moments:
- Instant orange-tree bloom: a quick visual transformation that leans into the fantasy side of the era theme.
- An automaton pastry chef: a playful character that connects the magic to something familiar and charming—food dreams, not just spectacle.
- Butterflies flying into a reverie from another time: the show includes airy, dreamlike imagery that fits the old-world theme.
Even without knowing the mechanics of any single trick, these descriptions tell you something important: the show isn’t only about card tricks or sleight of hand. It uses themed “stage miracles” that match a 19th-century imagination—instant transformations, crafted characters, and gentle visual moments.
Drawback to consider: if you strongly prefer modern, fast-paced magic or large stage spectacle, you might find the period tone more whimsical than intense. Close-up shows also depend on your seat and your comfort in a small space. The good news is that every seat is promised a great view, but you’ll still want to be ready for an up-close room experience rather than a distant performance.
What a champagne upgrade changes (and when it’s worth it)

You can upgrade to a champagne service for a more celebratory atmosphere. That upgrade is essentially about the vibe: it turns the evening from a great show into a more “occasion” evening.
Is it worth it? If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or you just like treating yourself on a trip, the champagne option can make the whole night feel more polished. If you’d rather keep things simple and focus on the magic, you can still have a full experience without it.
Because the show is about atmosphere, champagne doesn’t need to be “about taste” to add value. It’s about mood. Just make sure it fits your plans afterward—since you’re on a fixed schedule, you don’t want to feel rushed or slow when you leave.
Who this is best for in Paris

This is positioned as family-friendly, so it’s a good fit when you’re traveling with kids or when you want a night that won’t feel awkward for different ages. The atmosphere also sounds more gentle and entertaining than confrontational, which usually helps families enjoy it together.
English speakers should feel comfortable. The experience is offered in English, and Laurent Beretta’s storytelling can weave English and French. That’s a good combo because you get clear narration without losing the French flavor.
You’ll likely enjoy it most if:
- you want a break from standard sightseeing routines
- you like character-driven shows, not just generic performances
- you care about intimate staging where you’re close to the action
- you’re open to period-themed entertainment in a classic Paris venue
If you’re the type who only wants the biggest, loudest attractions at all times, the more “crafted” and intimate format might not be your top priority. But for a smart, atmospheric evening, it’s a strong option.
Value for $102.80: what you’re really paying for
At $102.80 per person, this isn’t the cheapest activity in Paris. But price in Paris rarely tells the full story. What you’re paying for here is a mix of things that often cost extra when booked separately:
- a high-end illusion show with story elements
- an intimate, close-up experience where you don’t need special seating
- a venue with period ambiance at Hôtel Westminster
- admission ticket included
- English availability and a bilingual performance style
- optional champagne service
Also, consider the “experience economics.” A 2-hour activity in an expensive city can feel pricey, but the evening is designed to be a complete plan. You’re not cobbling together tickets, transport, and time—this is a single focused activity with a clear start-to-finish arc.
If you’re comparing it to museums or landmarks, think differently. Museums give you hours of wandering; this gives you concentrated entertainment and atmosphere. For many travelers, that contrast is exactly why it feels like good value.
Practical tips so you enjoy it fully
A few things can make your night smoother:
- Treat it like an evening appointment. Plan your dinner so you’re not stressed about being late.
- Dress in a way that feels good for a more polished setting. You don’t need formal wear, but comfort helps because it’s a seated, show-focused time block.
- If you’re bringing kids, this is one of the better choices because it’s family-friendly and likely easier to follow than a trick-only show.
- Since it’s near public transportation, use that to build a realistic route plan. In Paris, transit can save you time, but you still want buffer for walking.
- Choose the show as a “main event” night. If you cram too much around it, you’ll lose some of the magic effect.
One more small planning point: confirmation happens at booking, and you get a mobile ticket. That’s convenient—just make sure your phone battery is healthy.
Should you book Fantastic Evenings of Laurent Beretta?
I’d book it if you want an evening that feels like Paris, but not the usual Paris parade. The close-up staging, the period-style theme, and the bilingual storytelling make it a smart choice when you want something memorable without needing to research a dozen practical details.
I’d hesitate only if you’re chasing a big-spectacle, modern vibe, or if your schedule is so tight you can’t comfortably spare about two hours in the evening. In that case, you might prefer a shorter, more flexible activity.
For most people looking for a unique night in Paris—especially families, English speakers, or anyone who loves an intimate performance—this is exactly the kind of ticket that turns a trip from “I saw things” into “I remember the feeling.”
FAQ
What is the duration of Fantastic Evenings of Laurent Beretta?
The show runs for about 2 hours.
Where does the experience take place?
The performance is at Hôtel Westminster in Paris, France.
Is the experience offered in English?
Yes, it is offered in English.
Do I get a ticket on my phone?
Yes. The experience includes a mobile ticket.
Is this suitable for families?
It’s described as family-friendly, so it’s designed to work for all ages.
Is it a private group experience?
Yes. It’s listed as a private tour or activity, and only your group participates.
Is there an option to add champagne?
Yes, you can upgrade to a champagne service for a more celebratory atmosphere.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t receive a refund.
























