Four Romantic Movies Set in Paris and their Filming Locations
The City of Light has been a captivating backdrop for some of the most iconic and romantic films in cinematic history. From dreamy romances to heartwarming tales, the city’s elegant streets, world-famous landmarks, and natural beauty have provided the perfect setting for stories about love and romance.
If you’re a fan of romantic movies and planning a trip to Paris, here are some must-see films set in the city, along with the locations that have become synonymous with their tales. Consider exploring these spots on your next trip.
1. Before Sunset (2004)
Before Sunset takes you on a stroll through the rues de Paris as two former lovers reunite and spend an enchanting afternoon together. The film is the second in the ‘Before’ trilogy and takes place nine years after the couple’s encounter in Vienna. Jesse (Ethan Hawke) is in Paris for the launch of his novel, and he reunites with Celine (Julie Delpy) for a few hours, capturing the complexities of their relationship. The film unfolds in real time, following the characters as they engage in deep and intricate conversations as they stroll. It’s a love letter to a flânerie through the streets of the French capital, and the iconic Shakespeare & Company bookstore, nestled near the Seine and Notre Dame, is a must-visit location for lovers of this film.
Shakespeare and Co. is an iconic location and features in many movies. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/ Shadowgate from Novara
Before Sunset Filming Locations
Rue Charlemagne, Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul & Rue Saint-Julien le Pauvre, 75004
Céline’s apartment: 75 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75011
Quai de la Tournelle, 75005
1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont, 75012
Le Pure Café: 14 Rue Jean-Macé, 75011
Shakespeare and Company: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005
2. Midnight in Paris (2011)
Midnight in Paris is a whimsical tale that transports you through time as the protagonist explores the streets of Paris at night. Gil Pender (Owen Wilson), an aspiring novelist, is thrown into a whole new era during his late-night walks, going back in time and meeting literary icons such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. The movie expertly crafts a romantic storyline that delves into themes of love and longing, making it a timeless romance. The Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont is one of the many iconic locations featured in the film, immersing viewers in Paris’s beauty and architectural splendor.
Saint-Étienne-du-Mont on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in the 5th arrondissement, near the Panthéon, contains the shrine of St. Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. Photo credit: Bernard Laguerre / Flickr
Midnight in Paris Filming Locations
Le Café Saint-Médard, 53 Rue Censier, 75005
Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church, 68 Rue de la Montagne Ste Geneviève, 75005
53 Quai de Bourbon, 75004
Square Jean-XXIII, 75004
Musée Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007
Deyrolle, 46 Rue du Bac, 75007
Pont Alexandre III, 75008
Rue Galande, 75005
Le Bristol, 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008
Restaurant Paul, Place Dauphine, 75001
3. Amélie (2001)
Amélie is a heartwarming and visually stunning film set in the charming neighborhood of Montmartre. The story revolves around Amélie (Audrey Tautou), a shy and quirky waitress who, after deciding to change the lives of those around her for the better, embarks on a quest to spread joy, leading her to find true love. The Café des Deux Moulins, where much of the movie unfolds, is a delightful spot to experience the same whimsical atmosphere that continues to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
This charming corner café was made famous by the movie Amélie, where locals and tourists alike enjoy classic French dishes and a relaxing atmosphere. Credit: Diogo Fagundes, Unsplash
Amélie Filming Locations
Amélie’s apartment and the grocery store: Au Marché de la Butte, 56 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018
Métro Lamarck-Caulaincourt, 75018
Café des Deux Moulins, 15 Rue Lepic, 75018
Sacré-Cœur, 75018
Quai de Valmy, Canal Saint-Martin 75010
Gare de l’Est, Rue du 8 Mai 1945, 75010
4. Paris, je t’aime (2006)
Paris, je t’aime is an anthology feature film that showcases 18 different five-minute segments, each depicting various narratives. The movie explores the plurality of love, with 20 filmmakers contributing to the project, and each segment is set in a different Parisian neighborhood, weaving together a single narrative. From the bustling streets of Faubourg Saint-Denis to the iconic Tour Eiffel, this film showcases the diverse and romantic tapestry of the City of Light. As each section is in a different arrondissement, there’s a wide selection of filming locations, one of them being the Tuileries metro station. Steve Buscemi breaks the carinal rule of avoiding eye contact and suffers the consequences, as directed by the Coen brothers…
The Tuileries metro station was chosen as the filming location by the Coenn brothers for their short segment in Paris, I love you. Photo credit: Arthur Weidmann/ Wikimedia Commons
Paris, je t’aime Filming Locations
Tuileries metro station, 75001 (actually filmed in Porte des Lilas, the abandoned metro station)
Place des Petits-Pères, 75002
Quartier des Enfants Rouges, 75003
Rue des Rosiers & Place des Vosges, 75004
Jardin Tino Rossi, Grand Mosque of Paris & Jardin des Plantes, 75005
Rue de Médicis & Café le Rostand, 75006
Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars, 75007
Rue du Rocher & Rue Portalis, 75008
Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis, 75010
Place de Bastille, Brasserie du Square Trousseau, 75011
Porte de Choisy, Rue de Tolbiac & Rue Nationale, 75013
Parc Montsouris, 75014
Parc Monceau, 75017
Place des Fêtes, 75019
Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, 75020
The “I Love You” wall in Paris. Credit: Shutterstock
Lead photo credit : Photo courtesy of Pixabay
More in Filming locations in Paris, love in Paris, movies in Paris, Paris cinema, Paris sightseeing, romance
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