In the footsteps of Amélie Poulain's Fabulous Destiny: Iconic places in Paris

In 2001, “The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain”, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, seduces the whole world with its poetic and melancholic universe, magnified by the unforgettable music of Yann Tiersen.

But beyond its touching story, it is the postcard-perfect Paris, transformed into a central character, that fascinates.

Discover the iconic locations that served as the setting for the movie:

• montmartre, with the Café des Deux Moulins, the Marché de la Butte and the Willette Square.
• Mouffetard Street, and the bistro Le Verre à Pied.
• La Gare de l'Est, and its famous Salles des Pas Perdus.
• Notre-Dame de Paris, a universal symbol and a place of childhood memory.
• The Bois de Vincennes, and the Foire du Trône.
• The Canal Saint-Martin, where Amélie likes to ricochet.
• Porte des Lilas station, a ghost station steeped in mystery.
• The Cinema Studio 28, a place steeped in cinematographic history.
• The Clown of the Republic, for Amélie's wacky purchases.

1. Mouffetard Street and Le Verre à Pied (5th arrondissement)

In the heart of the Left Bank, Rue Mouffetard embodies the typical charm of Paris. Jean-Pierre Jeunet has chosen the bistro Le Verre à Pied for a key scene: Amélie (Audrey Tautou) anonymously gives back a childhood club to Dominique Bretodeau (Maurice Bénichou). This café, with its authentic atmosphere, perfectly illustrates the simplicity and intimacy of the movie. Did you know that this street is one of the oldest in Paris, dating back to Roman times? It was once a road leading to Lutece, the ancestor of Paris.

2. Notre Dame de Paris (4th arrondissement)

The iconic cathedral appears in Amélie's childhood memories, when her mother hopes for a miracle. Built from 1163, Notre-Dame de Paris is a Gothic masterpiece that has inspired generations of artists, including Victor Hugo. Interesting anecdote: the cathedral spire, destroyed in 2019 during a tragic fire, is being rebuilt and should regain its splendor for the 2024 Olympic Games.

3. The Gare de l'Est (10th arrondissement)

When Amélie discovered Nino's photographs, she went to a train station to take a picture of herself. This scene was shot in the famous Gare de l'Est, opened in 1849 and is still a major transit point today. A curiosity? The station welcomed the first trains to Strasbourg, becoming a symbol of the connection between Paris and eastern France.

4. The Bois de Vincennes and the Foire du Trône (12th arrondissement)

The scene where Amélie returns the photo collection to Nino takes place at the Foire du Trône, the biggest itinerant carnival in Europe, set up in the Bois de Vincennes. This park, twice the size of Central Park in New York, is also home to the Château de Vincennes and a floral park. A funny anecdote: the Foire du Trône dates back to the 16th century, when it was known as a gingerbread fair.

5. Porte des Lilas station: the ghost subway

One of Amélie's striking scenes, in an almost empty metro station to the sound of Edith Piaf, was shot at the station Porte des Lilas — Cinema, a disused station specially used for filming. This station, opened in 1921 and closed to the public in 1939, can be visited during Heritage Days. It has also served as a set for movies like “Children of Paradise.”

6. Montmartre: a district in its own right

Montmartre, with its cobbled streets and bohemian ambiance, is omnipresent in the movie. Here are the places not to be missed:

a. Rue des Trois-Frères and Le Marché de la Butte

This is where you can find the grocery store where Lucien (Jamel Debbouze) works. The current owner, Ali, has maintained the movie's set, drawing thousands of curious onlookers every year.

b. Lepic Street and the Café des Deux Moulins

The famous café where Amélie is a waitress is located on Lepic Street. Even if the decor has been partially modified, you can still enjoy crème brulee there in memory of Amélie.

c. Willette Square

Willette Square is the starting point for the treasure hunt that Amélie is organizing for Nino. This park, located at the foot of Sacré-Coeur, offers a breathtaking view of Paris.

7. The Canal Saint-Martin (10th arrondissement)

Amélie loves to ricochet on the water of Canal Saint-Martin, a symbol of serenity in the movie. This historic canal, inaugurated in 1825, connects the Seine to the north-east of Paris. A stroll along the canal, under the lock bridges, is a must for movie lovers.

8. Other highlights

• The Cinema Studio 28 (18th arrondissement) : Amélie goes there regularly, especially on Fridays. This cinema, opened in 1928, is one of the oldest still in operation.
• The Clown of the Republic (3rd arrondissement) : The store where Amélie buys her Zorro mask, a small nod to her playful spirit.
• La Piscine des Amiraux (18th arrondissement) : An Art Deco pool built in the 1930s, where Amélie goes to relax.

The 5 key points to remember about the filming locations of Amélie Poulain

1. montmartre is the heart of the movie, with locations like Rue Lepic and the Café des Deux Moulins.
2. Notre-Dame de Paris evokes Amélie's childhood and recalls the majestic history of this cathedral.
3. Unusual places like the Lilac Gate add a unique touch to the movie.
4. The Canal Saint-Martin And the Gare de l'Est illustrate the Parisian daily life enhanced by Amélie.
5. Each place, from Rue Mouffetard to the Foire du Trône, bears the stamp of Jean-Pierre Jeunet's poetry.