Filming locations: a Parisian weekend in the footsteps of your favourite films

Every year, hundreds of films and series are shot in Paris. Whether they have marked generations or become cult hits, these cinematic works have left their mark on the city's streets. So it's no surprise that the capital's film locations attract tourists by the thousands, as well as Parisians curious to discover their city from another angle. Whether it's an action film, a romance or a comedy, visitors can put themselves in the shoes of the characters and experience a whole new range of sensations as they walk in the footsteps of their favourite actors and actresses. From The Da Vinci Code to Emily in Paris, not forgetting Amélie Poulain and Un indien dans la ville, we've put together a little Parisian weekend exploring the capital's most legendary film locations. Let's get to work!

Silence, it's spinning!

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Before we begin, a few secrets about the filming...

Day 1: revising the classics

Daydreaming on the Pont de Bir Hakeim, cult location in Inception

Parisians call it the Pont de Bir Hakeim, but foreigners call it the*****Inception***** Bridge. It has to be said that Christopher Nolan 's 2010 film was a hit, and the scene in which Leonardo DiCaprio and Elliot Page chat on the bridge left a lasting impression. Marion Cotillard is also involved, appearing in the memories of Dom's character. With its Art Deco columns and view of the Eiffel Tower, this is one of the most popular photography spots in Paris.

Bir Hakeim Bridge, filming location for Inception.

- © Nine_Tomorrows / Shutterstock

Climb the Eiffel Tower like in The Indian in the City

Like many people around the world, Mimi-Siku, the young hero of the film An Indian in the City, dreamed of discovering the Eiffel Tower. His father, played by Thierry Lhermitte, took him to Paris to see the legendary Iron Lady. But while in the film the teenager climbs the Eiffel Tower with his bare hands, we still advise you to take the stairs or the lift. Of course, the country's most famous monument appears in many other films, including Sense8, Independence Day: Resurgence, Ratatouille and Eiffel.

The Eiffel Tower on the Champ de Mars.

- © Catarina Belova / Shutterstock

Descending the Champs Elysées like Liam Neeson in Taken

Now head for the Arc de Triomphe, from the top of which visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the whole city. Then walk down theAvenue des Champs Elysées. As well as reminding you of Joe Dassin's famous song, you might even recognise one of the sets from the film Taken. Yes, this is where the former secret agent played by Liam Neeson has a clandestine meeting with a former CIA contact who will help him find his daughter Kim, played by Maggie Grace.

The Champs Elysées, filming location for Taken.

- © givaga / Shutterstock

Michelin-starred lunch at Woody Allen's favourite, Le Grand Véfour

After crossing the Place de la Concorde - which may remind you of a scene from The Devil Wears Prada - and the Jardin des Tuileries, head to the Jardin du Palais Royal for lunch at the gastronomic restaurant Le Grand Véfour, run by chef Guy Martin, who deserves his two stars. It has been frequented by Napoleon Bonaparte, Victor Hugo, Colette, André Malraux and, more recently, Woody Allen and the cast of Midnight in Paris. It is in this establishment that Gil(Owen Wilson), Inez(Rachel McAdams) and his parents lunch and discuss politics.

An afternoon at the Louvre to discover the Da Vinci Code

The Louvre didn't need The Da Vinci Code to make it famous the world over, but many visitors enjoy wandering its corridors in the footsteps of Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu, played by Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou. The museum and its works are at the heart of the film's plot, and you can have fun searching for The Virgin of the Rocks, behind which Sophie finds the key to a safe, or unlocking the secret of the Mona Lisa's smile.

The Mona Lisa at the Louvre.

- © Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock

The film also helped to spread the misconception that the Louvre pyramid is made up of 666 glass panels (there are in fact 673). After the visit, head for the church of Saint-Sulpice, which houses one of the clues to the discovery of the Holy Grail in the film.

Dinner at Terra Nova, Gabriel's restaurant in Emily in Paris

Emily in Paris is the hottest new series at the moment. Emily, played by Lily Collins, is a young American who arrives in Paris for work and learns to integrate into a culture so different from her own. We see her moving around the capital, but one place in particular stands out: the Place de l'Estrapade, where she has her flat and the restaurant run by her charming neighbour Gabriel, played by Lucas Bravo. In reality, the restaurant is an Italian eatery serving delicious pizzas, perfect for dinner!

Trying to catch a glimpse of the Phantom of the Opéra Garnier

Originally published as a novel, The Phantom of the Opera has since been adapted into a musical and numerous films. The plot takes place at the Opéra Garnier in Paris, where a ghost is said to be on the prowl... Dare you attend a performance at France' s most famous opera house? If so, keep your eyes peeled for Erik, played by Gerard Butler, Robert Englund and Claude Rains.

The Opéra Garnier auditorium.

- © Isogood_patrick / Shutterstock

Overnight at the Hotel Regina, the most photogenic hotel in Paris

The Hotel Regina was opened for the 1900 Universal Exhibition and has been used as a film location ever since. From La Mémoire dans la peau with Matt Damon to Luc Besson 's Nikita and Adèle Blanc-Sec with Louise Bourgoin, the hotel is regularly transformed into a film set. Spending the night here will allow you to slip into the shoes of your favourite characters. We have no doubt that your dreams will be filled with action and romance!

Hôtel Regina Louvre 5* - Paris Paris
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Hôtel Regina Louvre 5* - Paris

Just a stone's throw from the Louvre Museum, this 5-star hotel is a veritable temple of luxury! Restaurant, bar, incredible rooms... It's all here!
8.8
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Day 2: time for action

Cruise the Seine in Jason Bourne mode

Remember Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) and his girlfriend Marie (Franka Potente) attempt to escape from the police in a thrilling chase along the banks of the Seine - against the flow! For our part, we'll settle for something a little quieter: a cruise on the Seine. Relax and enjoy the spectacular view of all the hotspots of Paris, but keep an eye out for a red Mini at any moment...

A barge on the Seine in front of the Eiffel Tower.

- © Catarina Belova / Shutterstock

Playing Amélie Poulain in Montmartre

In 2001, it was Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain ) that made its mark, filming in the streets of the famous Montmartre district, right in the heart of Paris. A cult French film starring Audrey Tautou as Amélie, it raised the profile of the places visited by the heroine. The Maison Collignon grocery shop has seen many fans of the film pass through its doors, while the Café des 2 Moulins has become a famous spot throughout Paris, and even offers 'Amélie's snack', featuring the character's favourite crème brûlée. The perfect place for lunch, don't you think?

Café des 2 Moulins pays tribute to Amélie Poulain.

- © Amelie2022 / Shutterstock

Afternoon at the Centre Pompidou in the footsteps of James Bond

In Moonraker,cinema's most famous spy meets Dr Holly Goodhead in the offices of a major Californian company. Except that in reality, actors Roger Moore and Lois Chiles didn't shoot this scene in the United States, but in Paris, in the pipes of the Centre Pompidou! The museum of contemporary art was chosen by the production team for its futuristic feel. So take on the role of Agent 007 as you stroll through the centre's modern corridors and admire the superb works of art on display.

The facade of the Centre Pompidou in the Marais district.

- © nikolpetr / Shutterstock

Climb to the top of the Tour Montparnasse... Infernal

At sunset, we recommend climbing to the top of the Tour Montparnasse for an incredible panoramic view of the whole capital. But if you come across Eric and Ramzy dressed as window cleaners, it might be time to get the hell out of there before a Machiavellian gang descends to wreak havoc on the Tour Montparnasse Infernale in a series of grotesque and hilarious adventures.

The Tour Montparnasse (Infernale$2) in Paris.

- © Viacheslav Lopatin / Shutterstock

Having a party at La Coupole

Opened in 1927 in the Montparnasse district, La Coupole brasserie is one of those Parisian institutions that has been attracting celebrities and strangers alike for almost a hundred years. Many people recognised it in 1980 when the young Vic, played by Sophie Marceau, shared a meal there with her grandparents in La Boum. The film left its mark on a whole generation of teenagers, who will no doubt enjoy a little nostalgia when they dine here.

La Coupole restaurant, filming location for La Boum.

- © Petr Kovalenkov / Shutterstock

Making a new friend at the Hôtel Pullman Paris Montparnasse

Let's round off this Parisian weekend with a restful night at the Hôtel Pullman Paris Montparnasse. At the bar, you may recognise the decor from the film Une nouvelle amie starring Romain Duris and Anaïs Demoustier, although the decorators have done a titanic job of completely changing the atmosphere of the place. The hotel's rooms, lifts and corridors were also used in the film's shots. Who knows, you might make a new friend along the way!

Pullman Paris Montparnasse 4* Paris
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Pullman Paris Montparnasse 4*

In the lively Montparnasse district, this 4-star hotel will meet all your expectations thanks to its many services.
8.5
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£227 / night
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by Faustine PEREZ
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