10 Famous Movie Locations in Paris

Oh là là! Paris, the City of Light, is not just a feast for the eyes but a dazzling stage for countless films that have captured our hearts!

Emily in Paris? How about you in Paris? Nothing can deny the fact that Paris is one of the world's most enchanting cities, with its architectural wonders and lush ambiance. Paris has gained its stardom, perhaps the most, as the ideal movie backdrop. You might’ve seen the various movies and TV shows that have used famous places in Paris as their setting, such as Amélie. In this article, we go through the top 10 well-known Paris movie locations so you can have your magical movie moment.  

You’ll be Taken aback by this alluring boulevard, whose sides are lined with trees situated in the beating heart of Paris. This famous place in Paris was built first in the 17th century. This spot is exactly where Liam Neeson meets up with an aged CIA liaison in the rip-roaring electrifying thriller movie Taken (2008). Furthermore, Avenue des Champs-Élysées is where Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant meet at the exciting marionette display in the 1963 movie, Charade, which seamlessly blends romance and suspense. Other than being the perfect movie backdrop for movies filmed in Paris this spot also connects the Arc de Triomphe, the Élysée Palace, and the Place de la Concorde, along with hosting lush parades and spirited parades.  

The classic Café des Deux Moulins is a French bar situated in the spellbinding avenues of Montmartre. This cafe is none other than the one where the nominal character from the romantic comedy film Amélie (2001) works. The film revolves around the captivating story of a peculiar girl’s life who spreads joy and happiness. Similarly, this cafe exudes glee as it did in the entertaining film, allowing you to bask in the classic Parisian bistro ambiance. Make sure you give their well-known 'Crème Brûlée d'Amélie' along with their French classics such as croque-monsieur and escargots, a shot so that you have the best experience.

One of the most notorious Paris scenes can be viewed in the famed “Emily in Paris” (2020–present). This interesting film has swept viewers off their feet with its captivating backdrops that are none other than in Paris, as the name suggests. There’s no denying that Montmartre’s vibrant pink La Maison Rose, a luxurious restaurant that was once a performance ground, is one of the most spellbinding backgrounds in the movie. Head out to the world-renowned Palais Garnier where Emily basks in the lush ambiance of the wonderful opera in Season 1. Or maybe for an intimate experience head over to the Pont Alexandre III also showcased in the movie, but once you get there and get lost in the vibrance, you’ll feel just like Emily.  

One of the movies filmed in Paris is the 2004 witty-romantic film starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy “Before Sunset”, whose opening scene was blessed with the stunning vistas of Shakespeare and Company, Latin Quarter. This bookstore is a hot spot for all those who are interested in a lush vintage bookish ambiance, as well as a movie background. Besides being a backdrop for the famous movie, this famous place in Paris has been an everlasting hub for English-language readers residing within Paris.

Sway to the jazz beats at La Caveau de la Huchette, Latin Quarter featured in the legendary 2016 film “La La Land” (2016) featuring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, who played the alluring Sebastian the jazz performer and lovely Mia the wonderful actress respectively. The film is particularly well known for that Best Picture Oscar blunder. However, Sebastian and Mia share a lovely moment losing themselves to the bewitching jazz music in this exuberant Paris movie location.

If you’ve watched the 2011 fantasy film by Woody Allen “Midnight in Paris” you’ll instantly recognize notable Parisian vistas. Visit the 16th-century Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, which was broadly highlighted in the film, where the character travels down memory lane all the way back in time to Paris bathing in Jazz. Owen Wilson’s character also meets Hemingway, Dalí, and Gertrude Stein there. This church is lined with various lovely, stained-glass windows, a highly adorned vintage pipe organ, and the only antique rood screen present in all of Paris. The church also holds religious value as it was the shrine of Paris’s patron Saint Geneviève, whose soul rests in an ornamented gold casket. Take a stroll down the steps of this place as you watch the serenading vista of the sun dipping down the heavenly horizon.

Be it thriller or romance the Pont de Bir-Hakeim was used in either way for movies filmed in Paris. This bridge spans over a large area and got its name after World War II and is lined with metal plates in the loving memory and recognition of the brave and dedicated French soldiers. This magnificent structure was first used in the 1972 film Last Tango in Paris, becoming the spot where Marlon Brando lays eyes on his sweetheart for the first time. Moreover, the Pont de Bir-Hakeim is also well recognizable from the movie Inception (2010) as the place for the strange mirror bridge that Ariadne builds in her dreamland. Other than movies this bridge is also used widely for memorable wedding pictures and stunning fashion shoots, all thanks to the looming Eiffel Tower backdrop.

Constructed in the 17th century by Louis XIV, this Paris movie location was featured in the 1966 movie How to Steal a Million, where Peter O'Toole decides to try out his boomerang by tossing it out his hotel balcony. Additionally, this spot was also used in the car chase scene in the movie The Bourne Identity (2002). It also played a vital role in being the ground for Langdon's stylish hotel in the entertaining 2006 film “The Da Vinci Code”. The ratings are high so head up to this elegant square located in the beating heart of Paris. 

Seal your love at Pont des Arts, the bridge well known from the 2008 movie Sex and the City as the perfect sensational ending shot where Mr. Big and Carrie seal their fate as lovers head over heels for each other. Besides being a famous movie location, this bridge is quite well known amongst couples and friends who head over here to add their own special love lock into the billions that line the sides of this bridge. It's not only love that prevails here but rather a thrill, as in the action movie The Bourne Identity (2002) where Jason Bourne cryptically disappears. You’ve seen the bridge in the crime nail-biter Now You See Me (2013) at the stirring ending with the even more dramatic final reveal.

Concluding the list of famous places in Paris with the iconic Louvre, home to art and luxury at its finest, as well as to “The Da Vinci Code” (2006). This is one of Dan Brown’s chart-topping books which sure enough received top criticism, but there's no denying the fact that it sure was a commercial success. The Louvre plays a crucial role as the center stage for both the ending and start of the movie, giving it the perfect cinematic touch it needs. The Louvre Museum should be on bucket lists when visiting Paris for the first time, as it has an ambiance that leaves a long-lasting imprint. 

In a nutshell, Paris scenes and backdrops are nothing less than a magical moment. It's almost like entering a different enchanting world full of picturesque vistas. To say this city is the ideal spot for tourists and couples is an understatement, as its idyllic waterfront and notable sights attract millions from around the globe. So, grab your bags head out to these movie spots, and snap memorable pictures.