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Emily in Paris Filming Locations in Paris & Beyond

Last Updated on 17th August 2024 by Charlotte Nadeau

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Emily in Paris is the newest offering from the creator of Sex and the City and Younger. The popular Netflix show follows Emily, a young woman from the mid-West as she relocates to Paris for her job in PR. Featuring montages of the French capital, iconic eateries and plenty of loved spots throughout the country, here’s your guide to the best of Emily in Paris filming locations in Paris and beyond.

Warning!

As well as Emily in Paris filming locations the following article contains spoilers for the Emily in Paris plot. This article contains filming locations for seasons 1 – 4 of Emily in Paris.

On the 21st December 2022, the 3rd season of Emily in Paris was released on Netflix.The second season was released in December of 2021 and the second season series showcased places in Paris, as well as further afield, including the French Riviera in the South of France. The first half of season 4 was released on the 15th August 2024!

How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon in Paris

Psst. If you’re planning to visit Paris, then we’ve created a gorgeous 100+ page eBook full of beautiful photos and insider tips by a local. Included you’ll find hidden gems, arrondissement guides, walking tours, suggested itineraries, and more. Find more information here.

Emily in Paris Filming Locations in Paris & Beyond

Contents

Paris landmarks

After a brief stint in Chicago, the film show follows Emily to Paris, where the introduction to the French capital comes in the form of a montage of famous Parisian landmarks.

Places you’ll likely recognise include the Parisian opera house (Opera Palais Garnier), the River Seine, and the Arc de Triomphe. Later montages further on in the series include the view from the Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Shots of Notre Dame before the fire are also shown.

view from the top of arc de trimophe

Emily in Paris filming locations

Place de l’Estrapade, 5e arrondissement (Emily in Paris’ apartment)

The first time we see any true action is when Emily is dropped off by her taxi driver at Place de l’Estrapade. Situated on the left-bank of the river (Rive Gauche) in the ever-so-chic Latin Quarter, this is where Emily’s new apartment is located.

If you’ve ever tried to rent an apartment for yourself in Paris, then you’ll know that the process is nothing like this and is instead fraught with competition, stress, and of course, paperwork! Upon arrival to her 5th floor apartment, the building doesn’t have an elevator (which is par for the course when finding a place in Paris).

Gabriel, Emily’s fourth floor neighbour is pretty integral to the series. Later on in the show, when Emily’s shower breaks (and the plumber can’t fix it right away), Emily even has to shower at Gabriel’s place!

Rather ironically, the exact same situation happened to me the week I moved into my Parisian apartment. I had to shower at my neighbour’s place for almost a week, only my neighbour isn’t a cute French guy! 

Place de l'Estrapade: A Delightful Square in the 5th Arrondissement

Place de Valois, 1er arrondissement

Situated in the 1st arrondissement, somewhere between the Palais-Royal and the covered passages of the second arrondissement, Place de Valois is a delightful and charming secret courtyard that even many Parisians themselves don’t know about. This is where Emily’s office is located, right above Galerie Patrick Fourtin.

Place de Valois: A Secret Courtyard in the 1st Arrondissement of Paris, France
emily in paris office

Pont des Arts

Formerly often referred to as the ‘love lock bridge’ owing to the tens of thousands of locks which people once attached to the side of the bridge (these have since been removed as the sheer weight of all of the metal was causing structural problems to the ‘pont’), Emily calls her boyfriend in Chicago via video call from the bridge, where he reveals he has gotten his passport (and so can come visit Emily in Paris). 

The history of Pont des Arts dates all the way back to 1801 when a nine-arch bridge was constructed so as to serve as a pedestrian walkway over the River Seine. Works finished in 1804, making the pedestrian crossing the oldest and first iron bridge in Paris. In the second season of Emily in Paris, Mindy busks on the Pont des Arts.

Pont des Arts Paris France

Boulangerie Moderne Rabineau, 16 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, 5e arrondissement

Emily’s first bite of a French pastry comes pretty early on in the series and she soon develops the French habit of frequenting a ‘local boulangerie’, and hers happens to be in the 5th arrondissement, not far from her apartment. The lady who works at the bakery and the delicious breadstuffs sold there feature throughout the series. 

La Boulangerie Moderne, 16 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France

Jardin du Palais Royal, 1st arrondissement

One of the key moments of the first episode is when Emily meets her soon to be best friend in Paris, Mindy, thanks to a chance encounter in the Jardin du Palais-Royal. Mindy is an au pair and the French child she is in charge of knocks Emily’s lunch straight out of her hands.

Mindy tries to apologise in French, before Emily reveals that she doesn’t speak any French and so the duo quickly switch to English. They share several clichés about the French while sat on one of the benches engraved with quotes in the garden and quickly strike up a friendship. Mindy and Emily sitting in Jardin du Palais Royal to discuss the trials and tribulations of living in Paris is a running theme throughout the series.

A Complete Guide to the Best of Secret Covered Passages of Paris: Arcades, galleries, and hidden walkways in the French capital of Paris, France that you should know about (where to visit, shopping places, hotels, and how to spend a rainy day in Paris)

La Brasserie de l’Isle Saint-Louis, 4th arrondissement

One of the most iconic locations in Paris is easily that of Île Saint-Louis, the smaller of the two natural islands of the River Seine, and one which overlooks Notre Dame cathedral. Emily enjoys an aperol spritz (a summer favourite in the city) while sat on the terrace of the picturesque La Brasserie de l’Isle Saint-Louis.

Jardin du Luxembourg, 6th arrondissement

One of the most beautiful parks in Paris is that of Jardin du Luxembourg. Designed in an Italianate style, the park is most beautiful to visit during the summer months when you can rent little toy boats to push across the central fountain and sit and read your book for hours.

The beginning of the second episode of Emily in Paris sees Emily going for a morning run in the park, where she is listening to a language learning lesson. Coincidentally, if you’re thinking about learning French, here are my top tips for learning French.

Seeking History at the Medici Fountain (La Fontaine Médicis), Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, France. Where to find the prettiest water feature in the French capital!

Trocadéro, 16e arrondissement

I’ve said it before and no doubt I’ll say it again, but the Trocadero is hands down one of the best places to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Palais du Trocadero is at the top of the Chaillot hill and is where a party for a new client of the PR firm (a perfume brand, bien sûr!) takes place during the second episode.

Though it’s worth noting that the interior of the building is typically closed to the public, the scenes filmed here include the sparkling Eiffel Tower and a gorgeous party. The boss of the perfume brand flirts with Emily, all the while in the shadow of La Tour Eiffel itself. 

sunrise at trocadero

Terra Nera, 18 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, 5e arrondissement

Situated just down the road from Emily’s apartment on Place de l’Estrapade, Terra Nera is featured in the second episode when Emily goes for dinner with Mindy (whom she met the previous episode) and they discuss the various reasons which brought them to Paris. For the show, the café’s name was changed to ‘Les Deux Compères’.

The mid-priced bistro is well-reviewed in real life and serves up traditional French fare. In a rather predictable twist, when Emily tries to send her steak back to the chef to have it better cooked (the dish is too raw for her liking), the chef refuses to cook it longer and, upon emerging from the kitchen, turns out to be her cute downstairs neighbour ‘Gabriel from Normandy’. 

Terra Nera, 18 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, 75005

Place du Panthéon, 5e arrondissement

The Latin Quarter is so-called because, during the Middle Ages, the students of the nearby Sorbonne University would converse with one another in Latin.

In Emily in Paris, Emily is stood right in front of the Paris Panthéon when she has the phone call where she breaks up with her fairly nondescript boyfriend back in Chicago. Today, visitors can enter the Paris Pantheon for a small fee. Book your Paris Pantheon ticket here in advance.

paris pantheon france

Élysée Palace, 8th arrondissement

The Élysée Palace is the official residence in Paris for the president of the French Republic and is only open to the public for European heritage days. In the series, a fictional scene of Brigitte Macron discovering Emily’s latest marketing campaign (and re-sharing it on her own social media accounts) takes place at the Élysée Palace.

elysee palace

Pont Alexandre III, 8e arrondissement

Often said to be the most beautiful bridge in the world, and easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris, Pont Alexandre III is the scene for a perfume ad campaign in the third episode of Emily in Paris. 

Even if you’ve never been to the French capital before, you may well recognise the bridge since it’s often used in photo shoots (particularly of the wedding variety) and editorial campaigns . Classified as a National Historic monument since 1975, Pont Alexandre III was constructed between 1896 and 1900 in the Beaux-Arts style.

This means that the Parisian structure is the most ornate bridge in the city and is characterised by its four gilt-gold statues of Fames (the four horses which flank all four corners of the bridge), art nouveau lamps, and golden highlights all the way along the side of the golden arch.

Le Grand Véfour, 1st arrondissement

One of the most prestigious restaurants in Paris is that of Le Grand Véfour, which has been featured in many other films, including Midnight in Paris. In Emily in Paris, Emily heads to the historic restaurant together with her work colleagues where she tries to blag her way into a reservation. Of course, this doesn’t go to plan and so the colleagues and Emily head to the restaurant where Gabriel is the chef (Terra Nera)

grand vefour paris france

Paris Opera House, 8th arrondissement

When Emily attends the opera house together with her French beau (whom she promptly breaks up with just before the show begins), every person watching the show was undoubtedly jealous of her stunning tiara and black dress ensemble.

What viewers might not realise, is that the backdrop for this scene is one of two opera houses in Paris; that of Palais Garnier, which is situated right by Galeries Lafayette and is the older of the two. Should you wish to visit yourself, you can attend a show, or book a self-guided tour of the premises.

Alternatively, if you want to get an in-depth knowledge of the opera house, you can book a guided tour with an expert who will be able to give you a more in-depth history of the building, as well as some pretty interesting knowledge. Purchase your guided tour Palais Garnier entrance tickets here in advance.

Enjoy an opera performance at the opera palais garnier

La Maison Rose, 18th arrondissement

Although Emily rarely strays away from the single digit arrondissements during her time in Paris, the one place she does go that hits the double figures is Montmartre, i.e. the 18th arrondissement of the city.

One of the more memorable scenes is when she and Mindy have wine and get a little tipsy at La Maison Rose, the iconic café and bistro which was immortalised by many a painter during the first half of the 20th-century.

Today, if you want to take photos for yourself, then you’ll want to head to the spot earlier in the day rather than later as the place gets pretty popular, especially among photographers! If you so wish, you can also grab a drink or a bite to eat at the iconic Parisian café as it’s open from Wednesday through to Sunday.

wisteria at la maison rose

Café de Flore, 6th arrondissement

One of the more iconic eateries to be featured in Emily in Paris is that of Café de Flore. The famous 19th-century bistro and café is used as the backdrop for a scene in the 6th episode of the show when Emily meets the professor, Thomas.

In reality, you can dine at the exclusive Café de Flore or enjoy a typical French breakfast there. Situated right next to Les Deux Magots (the bistro’s main competitor), Café de Flore can be found in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood of the city.

Café de Flore café review, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris, France

Canal Saint Martin, 10th arrondissement

One of the cooler and lesser known arrondissements in Paris that’s popular among locals is that of Canal Saint Martin, which can be found in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. A beautiful canal which boasts a number of boutiques and eateries, in the filming of Emily in Paris, this area of the city was the backdrop of several scenes in the sixth episode of the show.

During the episode, Emily and her new love interest went out along the canal for a walk and for drinks together with Gabriel and his girlfriend Camille. Today, the area is one of the coolest places to head to for a drink.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a fun day time activity, then you can rent a boat and head out on the water. For an uber romantic experience in the city, you might consider booking a Canal Saint Martin dinner cruise like this one.

Canal Saint Martin Neighbourhood Guide: Things to do in the 10e arrondissement of Paris, France: sunset and reflections on the water

Musée des Arts Forains, 12th arrondissement

One of the coolest small museums in Paris is that of the Musée des Arts Forains which is a fairground museum that is located in the 12th arrondissement of the city close to Bercy Village. Home to all manner of vintage and historical fairground rides, the museum is filmed for a party scene in episode seven of Emily in Paris.

paris fairground museum

Monnaie de Paris, 6th arrondissement

Located in the 6th arrondissement of the city, the Monnaie de Paris is literally translated into English as the ‘Paris Mint’. Founded as early as the 9th-century, the Mint is responsible for producing all of Paris’ coins and is the oldest continuously running mint in the world. Today, part of the Monnaie de Paris has been transformed and into a museum which showcases exhibitions pertaining to money in Paris.

L’Atelier des Lumières, 11th arrondissement

Even if ‘you’re not really a museum person,’ there is one interactive exhibit in Paris that was used as a backdrop for a scene in Emily in Paris that is simply magical.

L’Atelier des Lumières was once an abandoned factory but has now been turned into an art space where visitors can be dazzled by interactive paintings by famous painters such as Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gogh. In the scene in Emily in Paris, Emily visits the art installation centre with Gabriel and his girlfriend, Camille.

The Atelier des Lumières

Louvre Restaurant (Le Café Marly), 1st arrondissement

In Season 2 Episode 1, Camille goes for a business lunch with Emily and Sylvie, Emily’s boss. While there, Camille discusses her relationship woes with Sylvie and, when Camille heads to the bathroom, Sylvie confronts Emily about the messy love triangle she has found herself in.

Post Confinement France: Life After Lockdown in Paris

Nouvelle Eve Cabaret, 9th arrondissement

The second season of Emily in Paris sees Mindy try to create a singing career for herself. Mindy performs at Nouvelle Eve Cabaret in Montmartre, one of the oldest cabarets in the 18th arrondissement, and indeed Paris.

Paris Gare de Lyon, 12th arrondissement

In the second episode, Emily plans to take a trip to the South of France, and more specifically the French Riviera, with Mathieu. The couchette train used in the film is an overnight Pullman Train and arrives at Villefranche-sur-Mer train station. In reality, the Orient Express train does not serve the South of France and the scenes were filmed in Gare de l’Est.

Villefranche-sur-Mer was used to stand in for St Tropez several times during the show. This includes Saint Pierre’s Chapel which was decorated by Jean Cocteau. The chapel was built between the 16th and 20th centuries

Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat

When Emily pulls up to stay in her hotel, it turns out to be none other than the uber luxurious stay in Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat. This five-star hotel boasts amenities such as a spa and bar. If you’re curious to learn more, you can check rates and availability here. Other scenes that were filmed in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat include Paloma Beach and the pool of Club Dauphin.

Plage de la Glaye and Senequier

Located on the seafront of Saint Tropez, both the beach of Glaye and the Senequier restaurant feature on the show. Plage de la Glaye itself is a small pebbled beach which overlooks pastel hued houses.

saint tropez

Hammam at the Grand Mosque

Situated in the 5th arrondissement (the Latin Quarter) of Paris, the Grande Mosquée de Paris is one of the largest Mosques in France and dates back close to a century. In the show, what is actually the tea room was turned into the hammam (there is no hammam there in real life and instead the shots were filmed in Les Cent Ciels hammam).

Passsage Choiseul

The covered passages of Paris are one of the greatest delights of a stroll through the centre of the city. Constructed between the 18th and 19th-centuries, they were the precursor to shopping malls. In Emily in Paris, Emily walks through Passage Choiseul, where she receives birthday messages.

Passage Choiseul: A Covered Passage in the 2nd Arrondissement of Paris, France

Père Lachaise Cemetery, 20th arrondissement

For Emily’s birthday, Luc takes her to Père Lachaise cemetery, which is in the 20th arrondissement. The cemetery also happens to be one of the most famous in the entire world and is where the likes of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Edith Piaf are buried.

During the Middle Ages, the Cimetière des Innocents was the biggest cemetery in the city, though it was shut down during the 18th-century due to having become a health hazard. Today, the former cemetery is now where the Fontaine des Innocents is located.

abelard and heloise grave

Marché d’Aligre, 12th arrondissement

After realising that Emily is about to serve her dinner guests reheated frozen meals, Gabriel stops her in her tracks and takes her to the market in the 12th arrondissement. There, they shop for all kinds of produce from local vendors.

La Samaritaine, 1st arrondissement

One of the greatest department stores of Paris is La Samaritaine, a luxury store on the banks of the river Seine. Inside you’ll find a beautiful art nouveau interior and plenty of shopping opportunities. In the show, Emily meets her classmate Petra next to the Samaritaine before they head into the store for a spot of shopping.

art nouveau samaritaine paris

Fontaine Saint Michel, 6th arrondissement 

The first time we see Mindy busking is outside the Fontaine Saint Michel in the Latin Quarter. Standing at the intersection where boulevard Saint-Michel meets rue Danton, it’s hard to miss the carved and ornate Parisian fountain.

After all, Fontaine Saint-Michel stands at a height of 26 metres and is 15 metres wide and is perhaps one of the ‘poster monuments’ of the grand overhaul of Parisian architecture undertaken by Haussmann during the 19th-century. Another spot where Mindy goes busking is in front of Eglise Saint Eustache in the 1st arrondissement.

19th-century Feature Fontaine Saint-Michel in the 6th arrondissement of Paris France

Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace, 9th arrondissement 

A relatively short scene featuring lunch with Camille and Emily takes place atop of the Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace. Open on a daily basis, weather permitting, the 7th-floor Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace of the flagship store (which is also home to the impressive art nouveau cupola) is free to visit and offers one of the best panoramic views of Paris.

Galeries Lafayette Rooftop Terrace: one of the best panoramic views of Paris, France

Top of the Eiffel Tower, 7th arrondissement

In the 3rd season, the new season begins by showing Emily attending a party at the top of the Eiffel Tower at night. She’s talking to her bosses before they start goading her into making a choice as to whether she should stay in Paris or not. She falls off the Iron Lady but luckily it turns out to be a dream!

Ascending the Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular things to do for tourists to the city and from the top you can see the Champ de Mars, Trocadéro, and other iconic Parisian attractions. Purchase your Eiffel Tower ticket with guided tour here in advance.

Monet’s house and garden at Giverny

In the 4th season, Emily heads to Giverny to reunite with a ‘missing’ Camille, who as it turns out is just escaping into the beauty of nature at Monet’s house and garden in Giverny.

When Emily arrives, Camille can be seen gently touching a waterlily in the pond, an ode to the famed painter Monet no doubt! This beautiful scene ends in a classic boat upturned and both Emily and Camille splashing in the water after having fallen in, but what more of a beautiful spot for it?

Monet’s house and garden are best visited during the spring and summer seasons when the flowers are in bloom and blue skies are a near daily occurrence. Situated in the small Normandy village of Giverny, it’s located 50 miles northwest from Paris. Read our guide on how to visit Giverny: Monet’s House, Garden & Waterlilies here.

guide to giverny
looking out into the garden at giverny

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

Camille and her (now girlfriend) Sofia, head to the north of Paris and hunt through one of Paris’ best markets, searching for treasures for their new flat. However, things quickly take a turn when Sofia finds a beautiful old easel and suggests turning their only other room into a studio…rather than a space for Camille’s baby on the way.

Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, which is often abbreviated to be referred to as just St-Ouen is the largest flea market in Paris, it consists of 14 markets all carrying goods of varying time periods and styles, it’s possible to find everything from dishes, to armchairs, to vintage clothing!

VINTAGE SHOPPING IN PARIS: L'OBJET QUI PARLE

Musée Baccarat (Crystal Room Restaurant)

Located in the 16th arrondissement of the city, this luxury restaurant and small museum was the setting for Emily’s oppulent masquerade ball that Savoir host as a PR event for the ‘heartbreak’ perfume for Maison Lavaux. This part of the first half of series 4 is where we find out who Emily finally chooses!

Someone from the directing team noted that one of the best things about filming in this location is it’s almost undetectable, a hidden gem which unless you venture inside, you would have no idea how grand the ball room is as well as the small exhibition of the Baccarat Crystal- a gemstone of unparalleled purity.

Musée Baccarat also featured in the television series, Gossip Girl! A popular episode where Blair and Serena take on the French capital (and it’s men) in ultimate style. Check out the filming locations of Gossip Girl in Paris here.

baccarat gossip girl in paris
Despite its mundane appearance from this outside photo I took, the interior (especially the ceiling) is stunning!

Galeries Lafayette (again)

As you may remember from season 2, Emily and Camille briefly exchange words on top of the Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace.

In this season, the iconic interior of Paris’ most extraordinary department store features when Emily helps out Mindy’s friend with the PR for her line of skincare product. As customers cleanse their faces, the beautiful golden glow of the Galeries Lafayette can be seen in the background, as people mooch around the various brands on offer.

Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree: feeling festive in Paris, France

P.s, the best time to visit Galeries Lafayette in Paris is at Christmas to see their wonderful decorations and tree!

Galeries Lafayette Christmas Tree 2019

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Emily in Paris filming locations
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