17 Romantic Film Locations Around Paris

Paris isn’t just called the City of Love for nothing. For decades, filmmakers have turned to its cobblestone streets, charming cafés, and iconic landmarks to tell some of cinema’s most romantic stories. From quirky French comedies to Hollywood blockbusters, the French capital has provided the perfect backdrop for countless love stories that have melted hearts worldwide.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or just want to see Paris through rose-colored glasses, these filming locations offer a chance to step into your favorite movie moments. Here is a list of 17 romantic film locations around Paris that will make you fall in love with the city all over again.

Shakespeare & Company Bookstore

Paris – July 11th 2014: Tourists outside famous Shakespeare and company bookstore.
— Photo by sergio.h.gonzalez

This legendary English-language bookstore on the Left Bank became the starting point for one of cinema’s most beautiful love stories in ‘Before Sunset.’ Jesse and Céline’s reunion begins here during his book launch, setting the stage for their emotionally charged afternoon together. The shop itself feels like stepping into a literary fairy tale, with books stacked floor to ceiling and cozy reading nooks tucked into every corner. Located near Notre-Dame Cathedral, it’s been welcoming book lovers and aspiring writers for decades, even offering free accommodation to those willing to help around the store.

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church Steps

These stone steps behind the Panthéon in the 5th arrondissement became magical in ‘Midnight in Paris’ when Gil would sit here each night at the stroke of midnight. This is where Owen Wilson’s character would mysteriously get picked up by a 1920s Peugeot filled with literary legends like Hemingway and Fitzgerald. The church itself houses the shrine of Saint Geneviève, Paris’s patron saint, but most visitors come here hoping to recreate that whimsical moment from Woody Allen’s time-traveling romance. You’ll find them just to the left side of the church, and trust me, sitting there as the clock strikes midnight feels pretty special even without the vintage car.

Café des Deux Moulins

Paris, France-July 13 , 2021 : The Cafe des 2 Moulins French for Two Windmills is a traditional French cafe in the Montmartre district, Paris, France.
— Photo by KovalenkovPetr

This charming Montmartre bistro became instantly recognizable worldwide thanks to ‘Amélie,’ where Audrey Tautou’s character worked as a waitress. The red and green décor remains exactly as it appeared in the film, making it feel like you’re part of the film. Located at 15 rue Lepic, the café has embraced its cinematic fame while maintaining its authentic Parisian atmosphere. You can still order the same crème brûlée that Amélie served to customers, and the walls are decorated with stills from the beloved film.

Pont des Arts

This pedestrian bridge across the Seine became synonymous with romance, especially after Mr. Big and Carrie shared their passionate reunion kiss here in the ‘Sex and the City’ movie. While the famous love locks have been mostly removed for safety reasons, the bridge still draws couples from around the world. The dramatic finale of ‘The Bourne Identity’ also featured this bridge when Jason Bourne mysteriously vanished, and it appeared in the heist thriller ‘Now You See Me.’ The views of the Louvre and Île de la Cité from here are absolutely stunning, making it perfect for your own romantic movie moment.

Promenade Plantée

Dome Roofs of an apartment, viewed from the Planted Promenade (La Promenade Plante)
— Photo by ivanyohan

This elevated 3-mile walkway along an abandoned railroad line became one of the most serene romantic settings in ‘Before Sunset.’ Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy took their heart-wrenching stroll here, surrounded by trees, rose-covered arches, and decorative reflecting pools. Also known as the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, this free elevated park stretches from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, offering panoramic views of Parisian rooftops. It’s like New York’s High Line, but older and arguably more romantic, with its garden-like atmosphere perfect for intimate conversations.

Canal Saint-Martin

This picturesque waterway running through the 10th and 11th arrondissements became one of ‘Amélie’s’ most memorable locations. The tree-lined canal with its iconic iron footbridges and lock system creates a distinctly Parisian atmosphere that’s both romantic and slightly bohemian. You’ll often find locals having picnics along the banks, street musicians performing, and couples strolling hand in hand just like in the movies. The area has maintained its authentic charm despite its cinematic fame, with trendy boutiques and cafés lining the streets nearby.

Le Pure Café

This vintage bistro in the 11th arrondissement served as the romantic setting where Jesse and Céline continued their deep conversation in ‘Before Sunset.’ Located at 14 rue Jean Macé, the café has barely changed since filming, with its classic zinc bar, checkered floor tiles, and old-fashioned French atmosphere. The warm lighting and intimate seating make it feel like you’re dining in a different era entirely. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend hours talking over coffee, just like the characters in the film.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

The stunning white basilica perched atop Montmartre has appeared in countless romantic films, including ‘Amélie.’ The sweeping views of Paris from its steps have provided the backdrop for numerous movie kisses and dramatic declarations of love. Climbing the winding streets of Montmartre to reach the basilica feels like a pilgrimage through old Paris, with street artists, accordion players, and flower vendors creating a magical atmosphere. The neighborhood’s village-like charm, with its narrow cobblestone streets and ivy-covered buildings, makes every corner feel like a movie set.

Tuileries Metro Station

This elegant metro station became an unexpected romantic location in ‘Paris, je t’aime,’ chosen by the Coen brothers for their segment of the anthology film. Steve Buscemi’s character breaks the cardinal rule of avoiding eye contact in the Parisian metro and faces the consequences in this darkly comic love story. The station’s classical architecture and beautiful ceramic tiles make it one of the most photogenic stops in the Paris metro system. It’s a reminder that romance can bloom in the most unexpected places, even underground.

Pont Neuf

Despite its name meaning ‘new bridge,’ this is actually Paris’s oldest standing bridge and has appeared in numerous romantic films, including ‘Before Sunset.’ The bridge’s stone arches and views of the Seine create a timeless romantic atmosphere that filmmakers can’t resist. Walking across Pont Neuf at sunset, with the golden light reflecting off the water, feels like stepping into a classic French romance. The bridge connects the Right Bank to the Île de la Cité, making it a perfect spot for romantic strolls between neighborhoods.

Jules Verne Restaurant

Located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, this upscale restaurant has provided the setting for romantic dinners in films like ‘A View to a Kill.’ James Bond himself dined here with Aubergine, the food critic, before their meal was dramatically interrupted by Grace Jones’s character Mayday. The restaurant offers unparalleled views of Paris through floor-to-ceiling windows, making every meal feel cinematic. While it’s definitely a splurge, dining here recreates that classic movie moment of romance high above the City of Light.

Place de la Concorde

This grand public square became a dramatic backdrop in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ when Anne Hathaway’s character Andy threw her phone into the fountain after reaching peak frustration with her career. As the largest public square in Paris, located at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées, it provides an appropriately grand setting for big emotional moments. The octagonal square with its Egyptian obelisk and ornate fountains has witnessed centuries of Parisian history. Its expansive space and elegant architecture make it perfect for those sweeping romantic movie moments.

Musée Galliera

Paris; France – april 10 2025 : the Palais Galliera, the fashion museum of Paris
— Photo by packshot

This fashion museum in the 16th arrondissement served as the glamorous venue for the fashion show scenes in ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’ The museum, which displays three centuries of clothing, accessories, and photography, provided the perfect sophisticated backdrop for the high-fashion world depicted in the film. The elegant 19th-century mansion housing the museum creates an atmosphere of refined luxury that’s quintessentially Parisian. Even when there isn’t a movie being filmed, visiting feels like stepping into a fashionable romantic comedy.

Le Marais District

This historic neighborhood, with its narrow medieval streets and Renaissance building,s served as one of the romantic wandering grounds in ‘Before Sunset.’ Once a swamp (which is what ‘Le Marais’ means), it has evolved into an affluent area popular for eating, drinking, and romantic strolling. The quarter’s winding streets escaped Baron Haussmann’s major renovation of Paris, preserving its old-world charm with dramatic residences, boutiques, and galleries. Walking through Le Marais feels like traveling back in time, with each corner revealing hidden courtyards and charming cafés perfect for intimate conversations.

Tour d’Argent Restaurant

This legendary Michelin-starred restaurant inspired the elegant dining establishment in Pixar’s ‘Ratatouille,’ where Remy and Linguini create their culinary magic. Often referred to as one of Paris’s oldest restaurants, Tour d’Argent epitomizes fine dining with its sophisticated atmosphere and Seine-side location. The restaurant’s reputation for romance comes from its combination of exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and stunning views.

La Grande Cascade

Housed in a former royal hunting lodge in the Bois de Boulogne, this opulent restaurant has been the setting for classic French romantic films. Catherine Deneuve’s character met her lover here in the 1967 French classic “Belle de Jour”, while Audrey Hepburn and William Holden shared a romantic dinner here in ‘Paris When It Sizzles.’ The restaurant’s Art Nouveau ironwork framing floor-to-ceiling windows and its terrace overlooking the beautifully landscaped park create the perfect setting for cinematic romance. The sumptuous interiors and graceful atmosphere make every meal feel like a scene from a golden age Hollywood film.

Gare de l’Est

This major train station became an unexpectedly charming location in ‘Amélie’ when the title character used the photo booth here. While it might seem like an unlikely romantic spot, the station’s classic Parisian architecture and bustling atmosphere captured the whimsical spirit of the film perfectly. Train stations often represent journeys and new beginnings, making them natural settings for romantic stories. The photo booth scene has inspired countless visitors to recreate Amélie’s playful moment, proving that romance can be found in the most everyday places.

Romance Lives On

Paris continues to cast its spell on filmmakers and lovers alike, with each cobblestone street and café terrace holding the potential for the next great romantic story. These seventeen locations represent just a fraction of the city’s cinematic legacy, but they capture something essential about why Paris remains the world’s most romantic destination. From grand monuments to intimate bistros, each spot offers its own flavor of Parisian romance, proving that love truly is in the air throughout this magical city.