Paris. A city filled with wonder and excitement. Throughout history, Paris has been considered one of the worlds most popular and attractive cities. People marvel at the opportunities it presents; for business, commerce, study, culture and entertainment.
Paris also boasts excellent gastronomy, haute couture, creative locations, painting and scenery. The remarkable scenery has, naturally, caught filmmakers attention and inspired famous filming scenes we know and love. Here are a few films and their creative locations we recommend you visit on your trip.
Creative Location: Place de la Concorde
Film: The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris and at the centre of the famous city. Whilst its remarkable history would require more than a few paragraphs to explore, more contemporary readers will connect the site with the film The Devil Wears Prada and its final scene, with Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) throwing her phone into the fountain and finally liberating herself from the claws of Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep).
Location: Act de Triumphe
Film: Mission Impossible: Fallout (2018)
One of the most famous landmarks of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 at the pinnacle of his reign after defeating the Allied Coalition in the battle of Austerlitz. In more recent memory, audiences have been able to appreciate its beauty in passing with the 4th instalment of Mission Impossible, and Tom Cruise speeding past it during a chase scene. Worth the watch!
Location: Notre Dame
Film: The Three Musketeers, (2011)
Notre Dame, meaning “Our Lady” and treated as such by the French, was completed in 1345, has been the site of many famous events throughout history, such as the crowning of Napoleon and funerals of various French presidents. This famous religious site can be seen across several films including The Da Vinci Code and The 3 Musketeers, with an unforgettable duel between D’Artagnan and Rochefort, filmed atop this timeless landmark.
Although currently restricted to the public and under restoration due to a fire breaking out in 2019, Notre Dame is one of the prized landmarks of Paris. Miss it at your peril!
Creative Location: The Eiffel Tower
Film: Rush Hour 3 (2007)
It is impossible to visit Paris without acknowledging its most famous landmark; the Eiffel tower. Constructed to commemorate a century since the French Revolution, the tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. It has made its appearance in quite a few films, including the action-comedy Rush Hour 3. But be warned: you won’t be able to parachute down to the ground!
Photograph by Igor Sorokin/Flickr
Creative Location: Pont des Arts
Film: Sex and the City (2008)
The filming location for the famous kiss between Big and Carrie from ‘Sex and the City’, as well as making an appearance in ‘Now You See Me’, in which Mark Ruffalo and Mélanie Laurent lock away a final secret (and making a direct reference to the love lock spectacle). Stroll down its walkway to race the paths of the stars.
Although the ‘Love Lock’ aspect of bridge no longer exists, with the French government removing all locks in 2015 due to structural concerns, this hasn’t stopped the popularity of visiting the Pont des Arts or taking their love lines.
Creative Location: The Louvre
Film: The Da Vinci Code (2006)
The Louvre needs no introduction, home to many priceless pieces of art including one of a woman with a mysterious smile. It is no surprise that it has been featured in the worldwide phenomenon that is Dan Brown’s the “Da Vinci Code. A literary sensation with over 80 million copies sold and the second highest-grossing film of 2006, you too can uncover the secret bloodline of Jesus and Mary Magdalen via the Louvre (although we hope you aren’t chased by fanatics!).
Looking to film in Paris?
If Paris is on your radar, why not check out Poincare, our state of the art luxury apartment located in the centre of Paris, perfect for filming and photoshoots.