Paris... magnificent and famous, the capital of France, overflowing with museums, restaurants and places to dazzle you: it's the city for lovers of love and inveterate dreamers. Not only does it attract large numbers of tourists, it also attracts film-makers from all over the world to shoot their movies. Perhaps you've already recognised it; if not, don't panic: Petit Futé today reveals its top 13 mythical film locations in Paris.
1. Pont Bir-Hakeim, one of the legendary film locations in Paris
The Bir-Hakeim bridge, a link between the two banks of the Seine, a blend of elegance and practicality. Known for its breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, it is also known as the Inception Bridge. This is because it was the location for a legendary scene in Christopher Nolan's film Inception. In this scene, Ariane, who is an architect of dreams, learns to manipulate them and modulates this place to her liking. If you decide to take a walk on it, don't worry... it will remain stable and fixed. The Bir-Hakeim Bridge is an in-between dream and reality in the movies, and in real life, things aren't much different! If you're lucky, as you cross it, you'll see marriage proposals, newly-weds shooting and maybe even a film, series or video clip being shot in the middle of the tourists. It's a bit magical, isn't it?
Is this your first time in Paris and you're afraid you'll miss something? Check out the must-sees.
2. Café des deux moulins, in the footsteps of Amélie Poulain
Some people are romantic. What makes them special? They marvel at everything, detect the hidden charm in the simplest things and notice the little pleasures that life throws at them. Eating raspberries with her fingertips, licking the Prince's cake to smell the vanilla: Amélie Poulain is definitely in this category. Dreamy, sensitive and introverted, we appreciate her boundless imagination. She lives in Montmartre, works in a café, and we won't tell you any more because this film is a cinematic masterpiece that you have to see for yourself (if you haven't already). What we can tell you, however, is the café where she works, located in the 18ᵉ arrondissement of Paris; it's called the Café des Deux Moulins.
For being unusual, this café fits well into the no-fuss category. Nevertheless, even if you like something out of the ordinary, you don't intend to feed yourself exclusively on coffee and that, we understand. Check out our Top 11 unusual restaurants in Paris.
3. Vincennes Zoo: location of the cult film Le Père Noël est une ordure
If you had to make a dead body disappear, how would you go about it? We know some people who have wrapped them in pretty wrapping paper and... thrown them to the lions. Sound familiar? Maybe it's because this scene, filmed at Vincennes Zoo, is taken from one of the most iconic Christmas films of all time , Father Christmas is a Scumbag. Thanks for the tip, now you too will know how to hide your misdeeds - well... we don't know about you, but to get you through Christmas (and potentially the whole year), the Petit Futé team has other plans!
Are you and your friends struggling to find anything to do other than go to the zoo? We don't know what you're planning, but we do know that it's in your (and our) best interests to discover the best things to do with friends in Paris
4. Terra Nera, an Italian restaurant that became one of the filming locations for Emily in Paris.
Paris, my love. Every year, the capital attracts tourists from all over the world, eager to discover the city and all its secrets. Clichés abound, and Emily in Paris isn't going to put an end to them. A charming American who has come to Paris for her professional life, Emily is living the Parisian dream - and that's putting it mildly: a boat cruise, a flat with a view, a gourmet restaurant and a luxury dressing room - it's the high life. Her favourite addresses include Les Deux Compères, with dishes and a chef just as appetising! In fact, this Italian restaurant is called Terra Nera, and since the series came out, it has been welcoming a large number of tourists who have come to follow in Emily's footsteps.
With her job, the language barrier and an unsympathetic boyfriend, it wasn't looking good for Emily to make the most of her life in Paris. Are you planning a trip or an excursion to Paris and don't intend to do what Emily did? Check out what to do and see in Paris The 28 must-sees.
Do you love Emily in Paris and, above all, eating? Book your official Emily in Paris culinary tour by clicking here.
5. The Champs-Élysées, the legendary backdrop of French cinema
You're strolling down the avenue, your heart open to the unknown... You're on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées! The name comes from Greek mythology and refers to the place where the souls of heroes rest. Located in the 8ᵉ arrondissement of Paris, it is packed with luxury boutiques, department stores, restaurants and... tourists! We're sure you already know it, but did you know that a scene from the film Breathless was filmed there? We'll explain. In the scene, Patricia is selling newspapers on the bustling avenue and Michel comes to meet her. We love Godard for this cinematic nugget. The scene was shot at number 54. If you're a fan of Nouvelle Vague films, all you have to do is visit this place for yourself!
Fancy a breathtaking view of the Champs-Élysées? Book a place on the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe here.
6. The Louvre, the first piece of the Da Vinci Code puzzle
The Louvre. 35,000 works on display, 9 to 10 million visitors a year: it's one of the most visited museums in the world... and it's easy to see why! With its long aisles, legendary works and glass pyramid, it's an emblem of Paris that shines around the world. The Da Vinci Code film was shot in this cult location, which is exceptional because it is very unusual for films to obtain permission to shoot in the Louvre. To avoid disturbing visitors, the scenes were filmed at night. Not sure what to watch this weekend? The Da Vinci Code, without hesitation. This chilling thriller set in the heart of the Louvre will thrill you with its history, sect and religious interpretation.
Are you scared of the Louvre not because of The Da Vinci Code but because you're afraid of getting lost? Check out our tips for preparing your visit to the Louvre.
Would you like to visit the Louvre? Book your tickets now by clicking here.
7. Gare du Nord, Gossip Girl makes a stopover in Paris
Stations... places of departure and arrival, crossroads of sadness and happiness, heart-rending goodbyes or outpourings of joy: they are veritable nests of emotion and life. Speaking of these beautiful scenes of life, did you know thatone of the legendary scenes from the series Gossip Girl was filmed here? In the first episode of season 4, Blair is reunited with Chuck, whom she thought was dead. What follows is a dialogue that is both sad and romantic, and has left a lasting impression on many fans of the series. The Gare du Nord, with its imposing architecture and lights, adds to the dramatic tension and beauty of the scene. To our very dear readers, we're delighted to have been able to tell you more about your favourite series. Xoxo, Petit Futé.
Railway stations... places to go on holiday or for the weekend. What are you dreaming of right now? Escaping Paris for 48 hours. Check out our article: Where to go for a cocoon weekend around Paris? The best accommodation in 2025.
8. The Cité du Cinéma, where the film Lucy was shot
At Le Petit Futé, we're never against a good action film to clear your head. But what to watch... If we had to give you a helping hand, we'd suggest Lucy. This internationally acclaimed Franco-American film, starring Scarlett Johansson, was shot at the Cité du Cinéma in Saint-Denis. And yes, with its shooting, we can say that it's a film made in America but also made in France! And that's thanks to Luc Besson. He founded the Cité du Cinéma with the aim of creating a place where all the stages of the film-making process could be brought together, which means that Lucy was not only shot in France, but also the post-production and editing stages!
This selection will make you want to go to the cinema. So do we, and we're convinced that everyone, whatever their situation, should be able to enjoy these releases. Discover our Top 15 films adapted for the disabled.
9. Notre Dame de Paris, witness to the stories of Les Misérables
For our next mythical film location in Paris, it's time for cathedrals! Yes, Notre-Dame de Paris has featured in many films, and the one we've chosen is Les Misérables! The scenes were not shot inside the cathedral, but Notre-Dame is used as a strong symbol in certain scenes of the film to further anchor the facts. Are you disappointed because we're almost at the end of this selection? Don't be a Cosette, there are 3 more to go!
Would you like to visit Notre-Dame de Paris? Times, prices and bookings: what you need to know.
10. Place des Vosges: an elegant and romantic film location
The Parisian spirit is all about taking a long stroll, admiring the streets and the different atmospheres as you go, then, when you're tired, settling down comfortably in a park with a book. Strangely enough, this place seems very familiar. Wouldn't you have ended up in another of the capital's landmarks? A park encircled by perfectly symmetrical red pavilions, a pretty fountain in the centre... you're in no less than the Place des Vosges. A listed historic monument, it was the setting for a scene in the film Something's Gotta Give. It appears when the character takes a stroll around Paris after a birthday party. And watching him do it, we couldn't help thinking that it's the perfect place for a stroll!
You can certainly sit in the park, but do you know what's even better? On the terrace. Discover the Top 15 of the most beautiful terraces in Paris.
11. Espaces Abraxas, one of the legendary film locations in Paris
An apocalyptic sci-fi atmosphere or a dystopian world, the Espace Abraxas, located in Noisy-le-Grand, fascinates many. It's one of the most legendary film locations in Paris. Indeed, film-makers go crazy for its spectacular, massive and almost unrealistic aesthetic. In the film Rebellion, part of the famous Hunger Games saga, a battle scene takes place here. The least we can say is that we never thought this place would exist for real, and even less so in Noisy-le-Grand!
Imagine yourself in the middle of the Hunger Games film shot in Noisy-le-Grand. In such cases, it's best to know how to... run. Parisian, we've got your heart rate under control, check out Where to run in Paris? The 14 best spots.
12. The Centre Pompidou on a secret mission with James Bond
The Centre Pompidou is a bit like "My name is Bond, James Bond" - it's familiar and we love it! Its bold, innovative architecture is a sight to behold. This famous museum of modern art is located in the Beaubourg district, where you can find works by Matisse, Warhol and Pollock. All the more so when you realise that it was the setting, or should we say the location, for a scene in the James Bond film Moonraker.
A quick photo and off you go! The Musée Pompidou is in your Instagram story. To keep you (and your Instagram account) happy, we've put together a list of the most Instagrammable places in France most Instagrammable places in Paris.
13. The Butte de Montmartre, one of Paris's legendary film locations
If you hate having sore feet and climbing, it might not be a brilliant idea to go to Montmartre. But if you love artists, charming streets and panoramic views over Paris, then you absolutely must go! Sublime, it's easy to see why it's featured in so many French films. In fact, the district features in the film Amélie Poulain, mentioned earlier in the selection, and also in Le Dernier Montmartre. A film to discover or rediscover the artistic soul of the district.
Book your visit to Montmartre by clicking here
Did you love this top 13? Discover our top 13 ghost stations on the Paris metro.
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