7 Filming Locations from Classic Movies You Can Visit in Paris Today - A Self-Guided Tour

7 Filming Locations from Classic Movies You Can Visit in Paris Today - A Self-Guided Tour - Café des Deux Moulins from Amélie in Montmartre District

In the heart of Montmartre, the Café des Deux Moulins beckons, instantly recognizable to fans of the movie "Amélie." More than just a movie set, this is a functioning café deeply embedded in the fabric of the neighborhood. Its name, referencing the area’s windmill history, hints at a past beyond the silver screen. You can step inside any day, from morning until late at night, and find yourself amidst a mix of locals and tourists, all drawn to its authentic Parisian atmosphere and menu of classic French dishes. While the film brought fame, the café maintains a certain unassuming charm, a welcome contrast to some of the more overtly tourist-focused spots that can proliferate around famous locations. It’s a place that feels both familiar and like a genuine slice of Parisian life, managing to retain its character even with its cinematic fame. For those seeking a less manufactured experience while exploring Montmartre's well-trodden paths, the Café des Deux Moulins offers a worthwhile detour.

Nestled on Rue Lepic in Montmartre, the Café des Deux Moulins derives its name from the district's historical windmills – the Moulin Rouge and Moulin de la Galette – a subtle reminder of Montmartre’s less urbanized past. While it functions as a standard Parisian cafe serving expected dishes, its primary draw is its portrayal in the 2001 film "Amélie." The interior design deliberately mirrors the movie's visual style, transforming it into a destination for film devotees looking to step into the celluloid world. However, it's important to note the café's presentation in the film might be more of a romanticized construct than an accurate representation of typical Parisian cafe

7 Filming Locations from Classic Movies You Can Visit in Paris Today - A Self-Guided Tour - The Pont Alexandre III Bridge from Inception and Midnight in Paris

The Pont Alexandre III, completed at the end of the 19th century, stands as a rather opulent symbol of a past French-Russian alliance. Connecting the Champs-Élysées with the area around the Invalides, it's hard to miss, though perhaps a bit overdone in its decoration. Golden statues and those somewhat gaudy Art Nouveau lamps are prominent features. It’s a popular spot, no doubt enhanced by its appearances on screen, particularly in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.” The bridge acts as a photogenic backdrop, especially in the movie's conclusion, where the main character supposedly finds some sort of Parisian epiphany while gazing from it at night.

Beyond cinema, the bridge attracts its share of attention. Wedding photos seem to be a constant occurrence, and it's definitely on the typical tourist route, often included in self-guided tours focused on movie locations around Paris. These tours guide visitors not just to this bridge, but also to other well-known spots from various films, like the Louvre courtyard or the Tuileries Garden, contributing to the somewhat predictable cinematic image of Paris. While undeniably picturesque, the bridge's constant crowds might detract for those seeking a more reflective experience.

Connecting the Champs-Élysées with the Invalides, the Pont Alexandre III was inaugurated at the turn of the 20th century. This bridge, far from a simple river crossing, serves as a grand statement of Franco-Russian amity, a notion perhaps more symbolic than substantive given the subsequent geopolitical shifts in Europe. Its design leans heavily into Beaux-Arts extravagance, showcasing gilded figures and elaborate lamp designs – flourishes that seem almost theatrical in their opulence. Moviegoers might recognize it instantly, particularly from Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris”. The film leverages the bridge's inherent romanticism, positioning it as a scenic overlook where protagonist Gil contemplates the allure of Paris. It's not just a backdrop, but actively contributes to the film’s dreamlike atmosphere, most prominently in the concluding scene set against the nocturnal Parisian skyline.

Beyond its cinematic role, the Pont Alexandre III has become a magnet for photographers, especially those capturing weddings or engagements. This popularity, while understandable given its photogenic qualities, does raise questions about authenticity and the potential for sites to become overly curated for visual consumption. Walking tours frequently incorporate the bridge as part of a larger itinerary of movie locations within Paris, guiding visitors through a curated cinematic geography. While such tours can offer a structured way to see the city, it's worth considering if this focus on film obscures other facets of Parisian history and urban life that deserve attention. The Louvre, Place de la Concorde, and Tuileries Garden, often cited alongside the bridge in these tours, certainly possess their own rich narratives independent of any movie appearance.

7 Filming Locations from Classic Movies You Can Visit in Paris Today - A Self-Guided Tour - The Rodin Museum Gardens Seen in Midnight in Paris

The Rodin Museum Gardens, recognizable from a scene in "Midnight in Paris", present a moment of calm amidst the Parisian bustle. Situated within the 18th-century Hôtel Biron, former residence of Auguste Rodin, the museum’s grounds provide a fitting backdrop to Rodin's creations, including the inevitably popular 'The Thinker'. The gardens, frequently praised for their roses, are indeed visually appealing and encourage a relaxed pace through the sculpted landscape. While its appearance in film adds to its visitor count, the museum does hold genuine artistic weight beyond its brief screen time. For those following a movie-themed itinerary across Paris, or simply seeking a green space with artistic merit, the Rodin Museum Gardens merit consideration.

In the 7th arrondissement, slightly removed from the Seine’s immediate bank, lies the Musée Rodin, another location immortalized by “Midnight in Paris.” This isn't just a conventional museum building, but rather the Hôtel Biron, an 18th-century residence that once served as Auguste Rodin's home. The film’s characters, Gil and Inez, wander through its gardens with the somewhat pretentious Paul and Carol, and even encounter Carla Bruni in a cameo guide role. What's perhaps most striking is that these gardens weren't merely a backdrop chosen by a location scout; Rodin himself conceived and crafted these green spaces as an integral part of his artistic vision. He personally selected the plantings to complement his sculptures, aiming for a deliberate dialogue between form and nature.

Stepping into the Rodin gardens, one is immediately immersed in a carefully orchestrated tableau where sculptures are not simply placed outdoors but are intentionally positioned within a designed landscape. Over a hundred of Rodin's pieces reside here, including iconic works like “The Thinker” and “The Kiss,” prompting one to consider how the environment itself shapes the perception of art. The juxtaposition of the 18th-century architecture of the Hôtel Biron with Rodin’s relatively modern sculptures, all set within these curated gardens, creates an interesting temporal layering. In “Midnight in Paris,” the gardens function as more than just scenery; they contribute to the film’s overall sense of Parisian charm and its exploration of artistic inspiration across time. It’s almost as if the film captures something of Rodin's own intended experience, a space for contemplation and a personal encounter with art outside the formal confines of gallery walls. The admission fee to the gardens is notably less than the full museum entry, which seems designed to encourage a more casual engagement, a stark contrast to the often heavily commercialized and expensive cultural experiences found in other parts of Paris. The garden evolves through the seasons, presenting a subtly different perspective on the sculptures depending on the time of year – a living exhibition, if you will. Many of the sculptures are cast in bronze, a material chosen perhaps as much for its weathering capabilities as for its aesthetic qualities in an outdoor setting. Unlike some museum environments that can feel overly directed or crowded, the Rodin gardens are structured to allow for moments of solitude, inviting a more personal interaction with both the art and the surrounding nature.

7 Filming Locations from Classic Movies You Can Visit in Paris Today - A Self-Guided Tour - Place Vendôme Square Featured in The Devil Wears Prada

Place Vendôme Square stands as a glamorous highlight in "The Devil Wears Prada," particularly during the film's Paris Fashion Week scenes. Known for its elegant architecture and the opulent Ritz Paris at its edge, the square serves as a striking backdrop that enhances the film's exploration of the fashion world. Its fountains and the iconic obelisk add to the cinematic allure, making it a must-visit for fans. While the film captures the square's beauty, it also raises questions about the commercialization of such iconic locations in the context of global fashion. Visitors interested in the film's Parisian locations can embark on a self-guided tour, taking in the square's historical significance alongside its cinematic glory.

## 7 Filming Locations from Classic Movies You Can Visit in Paris Today - A Self-Guided Tour - Place Vendôme Square Featured in The Devil Wears Prada

Place Vendôme makes an appearance in "The Devil Wears Prada," notably during scenes set at Paris Fashion Week. One might observe the square's carefully orchestrated aesthetics – the fountains, that somewhat incongruous Egyptian obelisk – as contributing to the film's undeniably heightened visual drama. It’s a location with a clear sense of grandeur, well-established in the Parisian urban landscape, and carrying a definite weight of history, even before Hollywood's cameras arrived. Just around the corner, Avenue Montaigne also gets screen time, with Anne Hathaway's character seemingly positioned to further underscore the film's preoccupation with Parisian fashion aesthetics.

Beyond its cinematic role, Place Vendôme is architecturally quite deliberate, dating back to the 17th century and conceived under Louis XIV’s directives. It’s a showcase of neoclassical urban planning, designed with a rigorous symmetry in its building facades around the square’s perimeter. Originally named for a grand residence, it later became a stage for some fairly significant historical moments, especially around the French Revolution period. The Column Vendôme at the center, erected in the 19th century, is not just decorative; it’s constructed from melted-down enemy cannons, a somewhat bombastic monument to Napoleonic military successes. Today, it's perhaps more readily associated with high-end boutiques and jewelry houses, continuing a tradition of commerce that stretches back to the 1800s, making it a long-standing hub for luxury and artistry, not just a modern film set.

When considering "The Devil Wears Prada," the film certainly leverages Place Vendôme's existing reputation for glamour, almost amplifying it to match the fashion industry's perceived high stakes. The cinematic

7 Filming Locations from Classic Movies You Can Visit in Paris Today - A Self-Guided Tour - Shakespeare and Company Bookstore from Before Sunset

## 7 Filming Locations from Classic Movies You Can Visit in Paris Today - A Self-Guided Tour - Shakespeare and Company Bookstore from Before Sunset

Shakespeare and Company, nestled at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, draws visitors with its cinematic connection to "Before Sunset." For those familiar with Richard Linklater's film, this bookshop is more than just a location; it’s practically a character in itself. It's here that Jesse, the protagonist, holds a book reading, and where the central narrative with Celine reignites. The bookstore itself is a Parisian institution, predating its movie fame considerably, with a history of hosting literary figures and events since its earlier iterations in the 20th century. Strolling through the surrounding streets, such as Rue Saint Julien le Pauvre, allows one to trace the footsteps of the film's characters and perhaps experience a hint of the atmosphere captured on screen. While the area naturally attracts those seeking out filming locations, it also offers a glimpse into a more enduring aspect of Parisian cultural life, beyond the fleeting spotlight of cinema.

## Shakespeare and Company Bookstore from Before Sunset

Nestled on the Left Bank at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, in Paris's 5th arrondissement, Shakespeare and Company bookstore serves as a key backdrop in Richard Linklater’s "Before Sunset". It's easy to see why filmmakers are drawn to this place; it's visually distinct and carries a certain weight of cultural history. In the film, Jesse encounters Celine amidst its shelves, attending a book reading, which neatly leverages the bookshop's actual function. Though its cinematic fame is noteworthy, it also appeared in “Midnight in Paris”, the location’s real significance arguably lies in its longer, richer, literary pedigree.

Founded in 1919 by Sylvia Beach, though at a different address originally, this iteration of Shakespeare and Company has become something of a contemporary literary institution. It occupies an old building, its interior a charmingly disorganised labyrinth, supposedly once a monastery. This irregular structure lends itself to intimate nooks filled with second-hand volumes. It feels less like a highly designed retail space, and more like an organically grown repository of literature. Beyond just selling books, it’s known to host writers, and even offers lodging to aspiring authors – the so-called ‘Tumbleweeds’ – in exchange for help around the store, a practice that hints at a genuine commitment to literary community beyond mere commerce. For visitors tracing Parisian film locations, this bookstore offers a different kind of draw. It's less about grand spectacle like the Pont Alexandre III or the curated luxury of Place Vendôme, and more about stumbling into a space that feels genuinely inhabited by ideas and literary history. It’s a curious blend of a working

7 Filming Locations from Classic Movies You Can Visit in Paris Today - A Self-Guided Tour - The Famous Stairs at Montmartre from An American in Paris

7 Filming Locations from Classic Movies You Can Visit in Paris Today - A Self-Guided Tour - Le Train Bleu Restaurant at Gare de Lyon from The Bourne Identity

Le Train Bleu, situated within the Gare de Lyon railway station, presents an unusual encounter: a remarkably opulent restaurant nestled within a transport hub. Originally established at the dawn of the 20th century as the Buffet de la Gare de Lyon, it was later rebranded in tribute to the famed Paris-Ventimiglia train line. Stepping inside is akin to entering a different era, defined by Belle Époque aesthetics – think elaborate gilded woodwork, meticulously detailed frescoes – a stark contrast to the functional purpose of the station outside. One can observe why filmmakers might find this location appealing, its inherent grandeur lending a certain theatricality, as seen in "The Bourne Identity".

Open for both lunch and dinner, with a bar operating throughout much of the day, Le Train Bleu seems to cater to both travelers with time to spare and those specifically seeking a noteworthy dining experience. It has garnered recognition for its culinary offerings, even achieving Michelin stars in the past, which suggests a level of ambition beyond mere station fare. The historical designation of parts of the establishment underscores its architectural and cultural significance, positioning it not merely as a restaurant, but as a preserved fragment of Parisian history. While its film appearances might draw a certain type of visitor, the enduring appeal likely resides in this blend of lavish environment, traditional