Hiring a Magician for an Event in France: Formats and Prices

Hiring a magician for an event is one of the easiest ways to get guests talking: they can work the room during drinks, or put on a proper show for everyone at once. As a rough guide in France, a close-up magician costs around €300–€900 for 1–3 hours, and a stage show €500–€1,500 or more. Below you'll find how the two formats differ, when magic works best, what to ask and how to fit it in with the rest of your entertainment.

Close-up or stage show?

Close-up (strolling) magic

The magician moves between groups of guests, performing a few inches from their faces: cards, coins, borrowed objects, mind-reading. Each little group gets its own moment, without anyone having to sit down or stop chatting. In France you'll often see this called magie close-up or magie déambulatoire. It's perfect for a drinks reception – known at French weddings as the vin d'honneur – or a cocktail party.

Why it works:

• no stage, sound system or special lighting needed;
• it breaks the ice between guests who don't know each other – very handy when half the party speaks French and half doesn't, since much of the magic is visual;
• it fits any space, indoors or out.

Stage show

Here all your guests gather in front of the magician for a structured performance, usually with volunteers called up to help. It may include mentalism, larger illusions and plenty of comedy. A stage show generally needs a clear space, a sound system and an audience that is seated or gathered together. If many guests don't speak French, check which language the show is performed in – some magicians can work in English or in both.

Plenty of magicians offer both: close-up during drinks, then a short show at the end of the meal.

When a magician works best

• Drinks reception: the classic slot for close-up. While the couple are away having photos taken, guests are entertained rather than waiting around.
• Between courses: the magician goes from table to table during dinner. Let the caterer know so the service and the tricks don't get in each other's way.
• Company events: seminars, Christmas parties (soirées de fin d'année), product launches. A magician can even work your logo or a company message into a trick.
• Children's parties: visual, interactive magic goes down brilliantly with younger guests. Children's entertainers often combine magic with games and balloon modelling; see our kids' party entertainment ideas.

A stage show is harder to slot into the middle of a dance party, though. Schedule it before the dancing starts, while guests are still ready to watch.

How much does a magician cost?

Prices depend on the format, how long you need, the performer's experience and travel. The ranges below are indicative and vary by region, season and date.

What pushes the price up or down:

• length of the booking and number of sets;
• date: a Saturday in June is in more demand than a Thursday in November;
• travel, if the performer comes from further afield;
• personalisation: a bespoke trick for a company or the couple takes preparation;
• equipment needed for a stage show (sound, stage, lighting);
• language: a bilingual act may be harder to find in some regions.

How long should you book?

For close-up, the main factor is guest numbers: the magician needs time to reach every group without rushing. For a drinks reception of about an hour and a half with around a hundred guests, booking the magician for the whole reception is a good starting point. For larger crowds, some magicians work as a pair.

A stage show is usually shorter than a strolling set – attention drops after a while, especially after a big meal. For children, keep it short and lively.

Questions to ask before booking

• Which format would you recommend for my type of event and number of guests?
• Do you have videos of real performances, not just a showreel?
• Can you perform in English, or mix French and English?
• What do you need from us: space, sound, a changing area, a meal?
• Is travel included in the quote?
• Can you personalise a trick (the couple's names, a company logo)?
• Is your act suitable for families or a professional audience?
• What are your payment and cancellation terms?

It's also worth asking for the performer's SIRET number (French business registration) and proof of RC Pro, the professional liability insurance French suppliers carry. Our guide on how to compare event supplier quotes explains what else to look for.

Combining magic with other entertainment

A magician pairs well with other suppliers, as long as the highlights don't overlap:

• Close-up during drinks, then a DJ for the evening – the classic wedding combination.
• Magician and photo booth: two activities that keep guests busy at different moments.
• Magician and caricaturist at a corporate drinks event, for lots of small moments of surprise.
• Children's entertainer running alongside the adults' dinner, so younger guests get their own show.

On Eventéo you can post a request for each type of supplier and compare up to 5 quotes for each. Suppliers are checked before their profile goes live (SIRET number and RC Pro insurance), and only clients who booked through Eventéo can leave a review.

The bottom line

Close-up to liven up drinks, a stage show to bring everyone together, or both: a good magician gives your guests a moment of wonder they'll talk about long afterwards. Pick the format that suits the timing of your event, compare detailed quotes and ask the right questions.

Ready to find your magician? Post a free request, or browse magicians in Paris and magicians in Nice.