Romantic movie scenes were all filmed here: 10 must-visit Paris film locations

Text & Photos /INSIDR PARIS

As the saying goes, “life is like a play, and a play is like life.” Strolling through the streets of Paris, you’ll often stumble upon movie filming locations without even trying. In this dreamy capital of romance, why not visit famous movie shooting spots and experience the magical blend of reality and imagination? INSIDR reveals 10 movie scenes to help you uncover the alternative charm of Paris.

1. INCEPTION (Inception / The Dream Heist)



Inception is definitely a movie everyone has seen—its stunning visuals are beyond words, and it stars Hollywood heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, all filmed right in Paris. Be sure to walk along the Bir-Hakeim Bridge and relive the beautiful moments of the lead characters, while snapping some photos next to the Eiffel Tower.

Also, the café that was blown up in the movie, Le Café Debussy, was actually built just for filming. Ten years later, the location has changed completely—it’s now the Italian restaurant Il Russo. But sitting in that corner and watching the flow of Parisians is still a top-tier choice.
Must-visit scene: Bir-Hakeim Bridge

2. BEFORE SUNSET (Before Sunset)

This lifelong international love story blossoms anew when the couple reunites in Paris. In addition to a Seine River cruise, the protagonists also visit the enchanting Promenade Plantée (also known as Coulée Verte), a park built on an old railway line that many tourists often overlook. On a nice day, take a stroll with your loved one, chat about the future, and wander above the city of Paris.

Another must-see is Le Pure Café in the Charonne district of the 11th arrondissement. When my boyfriend and I first started dating, we talked heart-to-heart in this café just like the lead characters, and soon we were officially together. Come feel the magical romantic vibe of this café and admire its French interior design.

Must-visit scenes: Le Pure Café, Shakespeare and Company, Promenade Plantée

3. LE FABULEUX DESTIN D'AMÉLIE POULAIN (Amélie)

The quirky and mischievous Amélie gives viewers a glimpse of the most whimsical and dreamy side of Paris. The two-windmill café where Amélie works has a bar and decor that isn’t flashy or distant but rather showcases the authentic vibe of Paris’ 18th arrondissement. Sit in the café or at an outdoor table like a local, enjoy people-watching, and steal a moment of leisure. Or head to the Canal Saint-Martin to skip stones and munch on French bread—it’s incredibly relaxing.

Must-visit scenes: Café des Deux Moulins, Canal Saint Martin, Abbesses Metro Station

4. INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (Inglourious Basterds)

Directed by legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds is set in Paris during World War II, though most of the scenes were actually filmed in Germany. The real Paris filming location of this intense and thrilling movie is at Bistrot La Renaissance. The characters’ French-style and fashionable outfits are a delight—go soak in the atmosphere.

Must-visit scene: Bistrot La Renaissance

5. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (Midnight in Paris)

Here’s a little secret: the Paris City Council has a special department dedicated to helping filmmakers. Midnight in Paris director Woody Allen negotiated with them and ultimately put the name of the city in the movie’s title to promote Parisian tourism. In the movie, the male lead and his fiancée visit various iconic cultural sites in Paris and even time-travel back to the artistic Paris of the 19th century. Don’t forget to visit the steps of Eglise de St Etienne du Mont—you might just have your own time-traveling adventure.

Must-visit scenes: Eglise de St Etienne du Mont, Musée de l'Orangerie, Musée Rodin

6. THE DA VINCI CODE (The Da Vinci Code)

Another blockbuster filmed in Paris is The Da Vinci Code. The chase scene between Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou at the Louvre crime scene is unforgettable, and the movie also captures the stunning beauty of the Louvre’s glass pyramid.

If it’s your first time in Paris, the Louvre is surely on your itinerary. We also recommend visiting the 17th-century Eglise Saint Sulpice in the 6th arrondissement. It’s where the protagonists discover the Holy Grail code—an essential scene. If you’re interested in lesser-known Catholic churches in Paris, this is the place to go.

Must-visit scenes: Musée du Louvre, Eglise Saint Sulpice

7. THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (The Devil Wears Prada)

Though primarily shot in New York, The Devil Wears Prada sees the female lead travel to Paris for Fashion Week as her career takes off. Many love Anne Hathaway’s look by the fountain at Place de la Concorde—she truly embodies Parisian chic. If you want to spark your fashion inspiration, check out the Paris fashion museum featured in the movie and imagine what stylish accessories to buy. If fashion isn’t your thing, you can also stroll down the historic Rue des Grands Dégrés in the evening and soak in Parisian romance.

Must-visit scenes: Fontaine des Fleuves (Place de la Concorde), Musée Galliera, Rue des Grands Dégrés

8. THE TOURIST (The Tourist)

Starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp, this movie blends thriller, mystery, and romance, and is even more captivating thanks to its stunning Paris and Venice backdrops. One key scene where Angelina is arrested by couriers takes place at Le Nemours Café under the arcades of the Palais Royal. It’s very conveniently located, allowing you to also visit the locations from The Da Vinci Code at the Louvre. We recommend grabbing a seat at the café’s outdoor terrace, savoring French coffee and pastries while enjoying the view of Paris’ good-looking locals, and indulging in the elegant Parisian lifestyle like Angelina.

Must-visit spot: Café Le Nemours

9. PARIS, JE T'AIME I Love Paris

If you love Paris, we highly recommend this film: it’s a collection of 18 short stories set in 18 different and uniquely styled districts across the city, offering great diversity that lets you freely roam the romantic capital within just two hours.

Many well-known actors such as Natalie Portman, Juliette Binoche, and Gaspard Ulliel make appearances in the movie. We recommend exploring the area around Strasbourg-Saint-Denis to discover local wines, cuisine, and the vibrant street life, as well as seeing the grand landmark of the Arc de Saint-Denis. Or, visit Père Lachaise Cemetery to pay your respects to iconic figures who made remarkable contributions to culture and arts, such as Édith Piaf and Oscar Wilde.

Must-visit spots: Strasbourg-Saint-Denis, Père Lachaise Cemetery

Bonus recommendation:

Classic French film A Bout de Souffle (Breathless)



This black-and-white film directed by French New Wave cinema pioneer Jean-Luc Godard is considered one of the most important movies in history and also marked his personal breakthrough. It captures the vibe of Paris in the 1960s, showcasing areas such as the Champs-Élysées, Saint-Germain, and Montparnasse—all vividly brought to life on screen. One unforgettable scene for many New Wave fans is when the male lead walks alongside the female protagonist handing out newspapers along the Champs-Élysées. Though now a major shopping street, the Champs-Élysées remains an iconic boulevard in Paris.

Must-visit spots: Champs-Élysées Avenue, French restaurant La Rotonde, Boulevard Montparnasse

Me Before You

This film, centered on themes of life, death, love, and family, features a moment where Will, before his passing, reveals to his beloved Louisa that his dream was to visit the Place Dauphine by Pont Neuf in Paris. After his death, he leaves Louisa money to continue her studies and live well. In the final scene, Louisa visits the Place Dauphine by the Pont Neuf and has a cup of coffee there in his memory.

Must-visit spot: Caveau Du Palais café at Place Dauphine near Pont Neuf