Is Paris the most photogenic city in the world? Film directors seem to think so. So does Spotahome. It’s the backdrop to 900 movies each year.
It’s not a surprise though, is it? The French capital just has a certain je ne sais quoi. With its winding streets, elegant architecture and romantic reputation, it’s no wonder the city shines so bright on the silver screen.
If you’re a film fanatic, you should do the Set in Paris walking tour. It’s all about movies in Paris. With five stars on TripAdvisor, it’s guaranteed to impress even the most well-informed film buff.
You can also travel around Paris visiting the real-life sets of your favourite scenes of movies in Paris. It’s a fun way to see the city. Let’s get started…
Six famous movies in Paris
Amélie
In 2001, the world was introduced to Amélie Poulain and her personal, colour-saturated Paris. Many indoor scenes were actually filmed in Germany, but there’s no mistaking the charming streets of Montmartre or the romantic Canal-Saint Martin.
Au Marche de la Butte is the quaint little shop where Amélie buys her groceries. In the movie, the shop is called Maison Collignon. The fictional sign still hangs above the shopfront.
The most popular place for Amélie tourists is the Café des 2 Moulins. Amélie waitressed here, but it’s a real café. Enjoy a Crème Brulée. Listen to Yann Tiersen’s soundtrack. You’re in the movie.
Visit Le Studio 28, on Rue Tholozé. Its where Amélie goes to watch people watching movies in Paris. This historic cinema/art house is worth a visit in its own right. Why? Because it has a nostalgic, retro vibe that will make you feel cosy and warm.
Midnight in Paris
This magical movie is a rich person’s guide to Paris. Some of the sets are outstanding. Here is what you should do:
- Spend the night in style at Hotel le Bristol. Along with the movie’s main characters, this hotel has hosted several famous guests, including Rita Hayworth and Charlie Chaplin. Woody Allen stayed here throughout filming. Lucky Woody.
- Sit on the side-entrance staircase at the Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church at midnight. Like Owen Wilson’s character, you might be whisked back to the 1920’s. But you’ll have to wait patiently alongside the other hopefuls sat next to you. Say hi.
- Buy a book at Shakespeare & Co. This iconic bookshop is visited by Gil in Midnight in Paris. It also appears in Before Sunset. Did you know: you can stay overnight in exchange for helping in the store for a few hours.
La La Land
Put on your dancing shoes. Go to Caveau de la Huchette. This funky jazz bar appeared briefly in La La Land. It’s one of the only jazz clubs in the world where you can actually dance.
The Devil Wears Prada
Remember when Anne Hathaway’s character throws her phone into the fountain? If you feel like it, you can do the same in the Place de la Concorde. But you should know that mobile phones contain toxic chemicals that leak out. Not cool.
Paris Je T’aime
For a guided tour of Paris without leaving home, watch Paris Je T’aime. It’s made of 20 short films, and it’s set in all 20 arrondissements.
Place des Victoires is where Juliette Binoche’s character follows her son into the night. It was also one of the first squares built in Paris.
Did you see the scene with Oscar Wilde’s ghost? You can visit his grave. It’s in Père Lachaise cemetery, in the 20th arrondissement. Things have changed since Paris Je T’aime, and you can no longer kiss his grave. Authorities had to protect the tomb from lipstick stains before it was completely destroyed. Naughty people.
The Tourist
Le Nemours café features in The Tourist, when Angelina Jolie receives a letter. You might also recognise it from The Intouchables – one of the most popular of movies in Paris. The terrace is charming.
But what if I actually want to watch a movie?
No problem. With 302 cinemas and counting, Paris is the city with the highest concentration of cinemas in the world.
The big ones
Le Grand Rex
Le Grand Rex has the largest screen in Europe. But with water features, art deco design and frequent Hollywood premieres, there’s a lot more to see here than just movies.
Where: 1 Boulevard Poissonnière, 75002 Paris, France
Closest metro: Bonne Nouvelle (lines 8 & 9)
La Géode
This cinema boasts the largest dome screen in the world. Come to La Géode to see nature documentaries, feature films and satellite concert events.
You can make a day of it, because it’s inside La Villette Park.
Where: 26 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019
Closest metro: Porte de la Villette (line 7)
Most unique cinema experience
La Péniche
A cinema, on a boat? Yes, you heard it right. At La Péniche, you can watch a range of eclectic films or take part in discussions and workshops.
Where: 59 Boulevard Macdonald, 75019 (in Parc de la Villette)
Nearest metro: Porte de la Villette (line 7)
Le Louxor
This neo-Egyptian-themed cinema has seen a lot, and we’re not just talking about movies. Le Louxor was a silent movie cinema, then a drug den, then an 80’s gay club, then an abandoned building.
Where: 170 Boulevard de Magenta 75010
Nearest metro: Barbès – Rochechouart (lines 2 & 4)
Outdoor cinemas
La Villette Open Air Cinema
From 12 July – 20 August 2017, you can watch your favourite movies on a big screen in Parc de la Villette. The program is packed with modern, classic and independent films. All movies shown in their original language. This year’s theme is ‘in the kitchen’.
Where: 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019
Silhouette Festival
Every year, for one week only, the Silhouette Association organises a free, open-air cinema event. Festival Silhouette specialises in short films and is completely free. In 2017, it takes place from 25 August until 2 September. Get there early – this event is so popular you can struggle to find a space!
Where: Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge
Nearest metro: Pré-Saint-Gervais (line 7B)