Famous filming locations in Paris

Being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, not to mention one of the most romantic, Paris has naturally served as the backdrop for many famous films over the years. Here are some locations that you can add to your itinerary on your next trip, if you’re looking to incorporate some movie magic into your stay.

A rather unassuming street happens to be the setting for the climax of one of the most important films in French film history. Rue Campagne-Première, located in the 14th arrondissement, served as the final location for Jean Luc Godard’s À bout de souffle (Breathless, 1960), featuring Jean Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg. This location was re-visited in Richard Linklater’s 2025 film Nouvelle Vague, which tells the story behind the making of the film. The scene where the filming of the finale takes place humorously shows Jean Paul Belmondo telling the real passers-by not to look at the camera, which he was able to in real life thanks to the lack of live audio-recording equipment. The street is also now home to a restaurant named after the film!

Address - Rue Campagne Première, 75014 Paris, France

If you’re looking to time travel you might want to visit the Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church on the Place de l'Abbé Basset in the 5th arrondissement. This is where Owen Wilson accidentally travels back to the vibrant 1920s in Woody Allen’s comedy Midnight in Paris(2011). The church itself is also free to enter, so be sure to have a look inside to appreciate the architectural splendour.

Address - Place Sainte-Geneviève, 75005 Paris, France

The famous Pont de Bir-Hakeim bridge that sits between the 15th and 16th arrondissements has been featured in many films, but perhaps most notably in Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi/action film Inception (2010) featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. Around 40 years earlier however, the same location was notably included in the opening scene of Bernardo Bertolucci’s erotic drama Last Tango in Paris (1972), capturing a sorrowful Marlon Brando. Interestingly, the bridge is named after The Battle of Bir Hakeim which took place in 1942 - a battle which the allies actually lost.

Address - Pont de Bir-Hakeim, 75015 Paris, France

If you’re looking to get a coffee in a cinematic setting then head to Le Pure Café in the 11th arrondissement, where reunited lovers Jesse and Celine wind up towards the beginning of Before Sunset (2004), directed by the aforementioned Richard Linklater. One is able to book a table at this establishment, and with some luck you may end up sitting at the very same one the couple sit at in the film. The film opens in the more well-known location of the Shakespeare and Company bookstore located in the 5th arrondissement, but this is a much more touristy location!

Address - 14 Rue Jean-Macé, 75011 Paris, France

More recently, Emily in Paris (2020) has brought the city to audiences through Netflix. The Place de l'Estrapade is a square in the 5th arrondissement that serves as the eponymous character’s neighbourhood, so it is featured in many scenes. The name of this square holds a morbid origin, being named after a form of torture that was used on the site in the 16th and 17th centuries!

Address - 75005 Paris, France

The bohemian neighbourhood of Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement serves as the setting for many scenes in the beloved 2001 film Amélie. The titular character works as a waitress in the Café des Deux Moulins, which you can visit and likely meet other fans of the film. There are many references inside to enjoy, including pictures of the characters and menu items seen in the film, such as crème brulée and raspberries and cream.

Address - 15 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris, France