Hopefully, this summer Paris will open the welcoming arms for all visitors.
Oh dear, I’ve missed your croweded streets so much!
In the meanwhile, why not have a virtual trip to the city of light? No plane ticket required. Only a wish for an adventure and a couple of films.
The ones that were set in Paris, breathe Paris and reflect best its so special atmosphere. That’s why here is my recent collection of films that will make Paris come to you, or vice versa.
Believe me, as a guide in Paris, I know what I’m talking about when it comes to the city’s best places😉 Besides, such a virtual voyage can inspire you to see the places of action in flesh one day; to walk the streets Edith Piaf, Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Ernest Hemingway, Picasso once walked. To admire the views of Paris together with the famous actors playing those legendary people, and to become protagonist yourself. Isn’t it exciting?!
No doubt, Paris has inspired all kinds of artists over the years. From the Impressionists painters, literary giants to the film directors. In all times this city served as an important backdrop to countless movies made to encapsulate Paris’s charm. Be it drama, thriller, comedy, fantasy, romance, the City of light knew to steal the scene. Always.
This film collection is a cocktail of different genres, so everyone could find something that’s more to one’s liking.
Let’s get closer to the subject. Is pop-corn ready? Off we go!
And here comes the drumroll for romantics.
1. Midnight in Paris (2011) by Woody Alen
I adore it for it being so sweet, romantic, sentimental, and nostalgic. Just like Paris. And also, because this film can become a real walking guide for you. You’ll walk along the Seine, discovering “Les Bouquinistes”. You’ll stroll the little Left Bank shops, Saint Louis Island, and even Montmartre. And it is only the tip of the iceberg. And the final scene is under the rain on the bridge of Alexander III… what can be more romantic?
2. La Vie en Rose (2007) directed by Olivier Dahan
Here I invite the admires of the legendary Edith Piaf and her life. And again, Marion Cotillard starring, but this time, marking the first Oscar for the best actress for a French-language role. And there irresistible Montmartre on backstage
3. Hugo (2011) by Martin Scorsese
This time you visit the city with Hugo, a 12-year-old orphan that lives in the clock tower at Gare Montparnasse (14th arrondissement) You have a chance to see the indoors of the Sainte Genevieve Library in the 5th near the Pantheon. This movie is visually stunning! It is family-friendly. It is full of heart and small cute dogs)!
It had won five academy awards, including best picture, best cinematography, and best visual effects. That was a motivation for the adults😉
4. Paris, I Love You (2006) by 22 directors and with 18 plots!
The perfect one to discover almost all Parisian quarters. Are you ready? In the 18th you’ll visit Montmartre, in the 5th Quais de Seine, Le Marais in the 4th, Tuileries in the 1st, Tour Eiffel in the 7th, Place des Victoire in the 2nd, Parc Monceau in the 17th, Quartier des Enfants Rouges in the 3rd, Pigalle in the 9th, Quartier de la Madelene in the 8th, even Pere-Lachaise in the 20th, Quartier Latin in the 6th, Faubourg Saint-Denis in the 10th. Now you won’t need google maps app)
5. Julie and Julia (2009) by Nora Ephron
I liked this comedy-drama also because I’m a big fan of French cuisine and the «Art de Vivre à la française» Here you’ll learn the art of French cooking and stroll the Parisian markets. It all in the company of the charming and my favorite Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. So warm, appetizing, and funny!
6. Marie Antoinette (2006) by Sofia Coppola
If you’ve never been to Versailles, that’s the perfect chance for you!
The film will transport you straight to the palace's grand ballrooms and french gardens. You’ll discover the life of at that time a teenage girl Marie Antoinette, starring Kirsten Dunst. The costumes are a real spectacle! As for the rest of the film.
7. 120 Beats Per Minute (2017) by Robin Campillo
18+ It is a real firework of emotions. Incredible drama about the AIDS activism of ACT UP in Paris in the 1990s. I was under the impression for several weeks after. Full of struggle and dying hope. The actors are cosmic!
It had its world premiere at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival where it won four awards, including Grand Prix. It went on to win 6 Cesar Awards, including Best Film. And I’ll tell you to see the river Seine red from blood, it is something…I say no more.
8. Les Miserables (2012)
Welcome to Paris of the XIX century. Famished, rebellious, miserable...
This British-American film by Tom Hooper was adapted from the famous French novel of Victor Hugo. With Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, and Hugh Jackman what a company! Warning: you have to love musicals and stock up on napkins the emphatics.
9. Inception (2010) by Christopher Nolan
Do you want more action in Paris? You’ve got it! One of the film's best scenes occurs in the streets of Paris at a 90-degree angle with the creation of a bridge that seems to go on forever. The latter was filmed at the real-life Bir-Hakeim Bridge in Paris that connects the 15th and the 16th arrondissement, passing the Île aux Cygnes. It's certainly not how we're used to seeing the French capital portrayed on film…
Yeah, I have almost forgotten, you’ll dine with the main heroes in Le Grand Vefour (rue de Beaujolais near the Palais Royale) Opened in 1784, the restaurant had Napoleon and his beloved Josephine among its customers. As well as writers Colette and Victor Hugo, philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre and filmmaker Jean Cocteau. You’ll even visit Versailles and Giverny watching it!
10. Notre Dame (2019) by Valery Donselli
Another comedy. This time the Franco Belgic product with a lot of Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris in it. I don’t even know if there can be a lot of it. And the love story of course. A spoiler; with the happy end)
11. Last but not least is “Curiosa” by Lui Jene
+18. Esthetic. Provocative. Seductive. A passionate love story set against a backdrop of sexual freedom, loosely based on the relationship between 19th-century authors Pierre Louÿs and Marie de Régnier. A real masterpiece, extremely beautiful! It also focuses on portraying women’s place in society at the time and one particular woman’s journey towards emancipation. Hot topic! And always of actual importance.
I hope you’d like the films. It is an excellent idea to discover Paris. And if you want to do it in person one day, IdeAtourParis is there for you with its personal tours "Le tour sur mesure"!
Don’t hesitate to share your own favorite films about Paris, if you wish!
I’m looking forward to expanding my list!
