In brief
Paris hosts around 900 to 1,000 productions a year (films, series, commercials) according to the Ile-de-France Film Commission, making it the second most filmed city in the world after New York. The Eiffel Tower is the most filmed monument, appearing in more than 200 films, ahead of the Champs-Élysées, the Pont de Bir-Hakeim (Inception), the Sacré-Cœur and the Seine riverbanks. Shoots are concentrated in the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th and 18th arrondissements, areas where Home Select has supported buyers since 2011.
Key takeaways
- Paris is the second most filmed city in the world, with nearly 1,000 productions per year
- The Eiffel Tower is the most filmed Parisian monument, appearing in over 200 films
- The Pont de Bir-Hakeim, Sacré-Cœur and Place Vendome are among the most iconic filming locations
- Living in a building that served as a film set is more common than expected in Paris
Paris is the second most filmed city in the world. Every year, nearly 1,000 productions take place in the capital’s streets. Certain locations come back time and again, becoming characters in their own right in French and international cinema.
Which films were shot at the Pont de Bir-Hakeim?
The Pont de Bir-Hakeim appears in Inception (Christopher Nolan), Last Tango in Paris (Bernardo Bertolucci) and Zazie dans le metro (Louis Malle). This two-level metal bridge spanning the Seine in the 15th arrondissement has become one of the most filmed backdrops in Paris: its colonnade of pillars creates a striking depth effect. The view of the Eiffel Tower from the bridge is one of the most photographed in the capital.
Why are the Champs-Elysees filmed so often?
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées appears in hundreds of films, from New Wave classics to Hollywood blockbusters, because its width, its perspectives towards the Arc de Triomphe and its constant bustle make it a natural backdrop. Car chases here are a classic of the genre.
Which films were shot in Montmartre?
Montmartre and the Sacre-Coeur appear in Amelie Poulain, Midnight in Paris (Woody Allen) and La Vie en Rose (Olivier Dahan). The Sacre-Coeur provides an instantly recognisable backdrop, and the cobbled lanes of Montmartre, the steps up the hill and the tree-lined squares create an atmosphere that cinema has exploited since its origins. The film Amelie Poulain established Montmartre as an international romantic setting.
Which films were shot on Place Vendome?
Place Vendome appears in Armageddon, The Tourist and several James Bond films. With its symmetrical arcades and the Vendome column, it embodies luxurious Paris on screen, and the Ritz Paris, overlooking the square, has served as a backdrop for numerous films.
Which films were shot in the Jardin du Luxembourg?
The Jardin du Luxembourg appears in Midnight in Paris, Les Miserables and Julie & Julia. This garden in the 6th arrondissement provides the setting for romantic scenes in dozens of films: its iconic green chairs, central basin and shaded paths create a timeless backdrop.
Why are the Seine riverbanks used so often as a setting?
The Seine riverbanks, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer a backdrop that renews itself at every bridge: from the Pont-Neuf (Les Amants du Pont-Neuf) to the Pont Alexandre III (Midnight in Paris), each stretch has its own cinematic personality. The pedestrian riverbanks on the Left Bank, between the Musee d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower, have become a favoured location for strolling scenes.
Which films were shot at the Hotel de Soubise?
Sofia Coppola’s Marie-Antoinette filmed several scenes at the Hotel de Soubise, in the 3rd arrondissement. This mansion, home to the National Archives, offers a courtyard and rococo salons that regularly serve as backdrops for period films.
Which film was shot on the Promenade plantee?
Richard Linklater shot Before Sunset on the Promenade plantee, turning it into a pilgrimage site for independent cinema lovers. This elevated green walkway built on a former railway line between Bastille and the Bois de Vincennes inspired New York’s High Line.
Why is the Eglise Saint-Sulpice famous?
The Eglise Saint-Sulpice in the 6th arrondissement gained worldwide fame thanks to The Da Vinci Code (2006): the church’s astronomical gnomon, an obelisk and a copper line on the floor, plays a key role in the plot. The church has since attracted hundreds of thousands of additional visitors per year.
Which films were shot at the Gare du Nord?
The Bourne Identity shot a memorable scene at the Gare du Nord, the busiest train station in Europe, which regularly appears in thrillers and action films. Its Beaux-Arts architecture and constant flow of travellers create a natural cinematic atmosphere.
Paris: a city of film sets and a city to live in
What makes Paris so photogenic in cinema is precisely what makes it a pleasant city to live in: architectural consistency, neighbourhood diversity, and light that changes with the seasons. Living in a building that has served as a film set is a Parisian reality more common than one might think.
For those who want to live in these neighbourhoods of character, a property hunter knows the addresses, the buildings and the micro-neighbourhoods that combine cinematic charm with residential quality of life.
Dreaming of an apartment in a cinematic neighbourhood? Contact our team.
Frequently asked questions
01 How many films are shot in Paris each year?
Around 900 to 1,000 productions take place in Paris each year (films, series, commercials), according to the Ile-de-France Film Commission. Paris is the second most filmed city in the world after New York. Shoots are concentrated in the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th and 18th arrondissements.
02 What is the most filmed location in Paris?
The Eiffel Tower is the most filmed Parisian monument, appearing in more than 200 films. Next come the Champs-Élysées, the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, the Sacré-Cœur and the Seine riverbanks. The Pont de Bir-Hakeim is especially prized for its graphic perspectives.
03 Do film shoots disturb local residents?
Shoots are regulated by the City of Paris with strict permits (hours, perimeter, compensation). In practice, residents of frequently filmed neighbourhoods (Montmartre, Marais, Saint-Germain) are used to it. It can even enhance the neighbourhood's image.
04 Which cinema settings are must-sees in Paris?
Besides the Eiffel Tower, the Pont de Bir-Hakeim is one of the most filmed locations in Paris, used notably in Inception and Last Tango in Paris for its graphic perspectives. The Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre, the Champs-Élysées, Place Vendome and the Seine riverbanks complete the list. The Promenade plantee in the 12th arrondissement, which inspired New York's High Line, featured in Before Sunset. Shoots are concentrated mainly in the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th and 18th arrondissements.
