How long does it take to walk to the Emily in Paris locations?

It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk from the Seine to Place de l'Estrapade. The entire cinematic route covering multiple films takes between 90 and 120 minutes.

Is the Midnight in Paris step real?

Yes, the steps where Gil Pender waits for the car are the side stairs of the Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church. They are located on Rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève and are accessible to the public 24/7.

Where is Emily's apartment in Emily in Paris located?

The apartment is located at 1 Place de l'Estrapade in the 5th Arrondissement. It is right next to the bakery and the restaurant featured in the show.

Can I visit Shakespeare and Company for free?

Yes, you can visit the bookstore for free, though there is often a queue to enter. Photography is usually prohibited inside to respect the readers and the shop's atmosphere.

Is the Pont des Arts worth visiting after the locks were removed?

Absolutely. Even without the 'love locks', the bridge offers some of the most stunning views of the Louvre and the Île de la Cité, making it a top spot for photography.

Is the Panthéon accessible for those with limited mobility?

The exterior of the Panthéon and the surrounding square are accessible. The interior has ramps, but some areas like the crypt may have limited access; it is best to check their official accessibility guide.

What is the best time to avoid crowds on this walking route?

Early morning (before 10:00 AM) is best to avoid the crowds at the 'Emily in Paris' square and the bookstore. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends.

Cinematic Paris: From Screen to Street | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Paris isn't just a city; it is a living, breathing cinematic backdrop. From the cobblestone alleys of the Latin Quarter to the sweeping views of the Seine, the "City of Light" has played a starring role in thousands of films and television series. This self-guided walk invites you to step inside the frames of your favorite stories, exploring the real-life locations that inspired directors from Woody Allen to the creators of Emily in Paris. On this neighborhood stroll, you will traverse the historic 5th Arrondissement, a district where medieval history meets modern pop culture. Begin near the iconic Notre Dame at the Petit Pont, then wander through the literary halls of Shakespeare and Company, a site immortalized in Before Sunset. As you climb the gentle slopes of the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, you will discover the magic of the Midnight in Paris steps at Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, where Gil Pender waited for his carriage into the past. The route also takes you to the heart of contemporary hits. Visit the charming Place de l'Estrapade, the picturesque square where Emily Cooper navigates her life in the hit series Emily in Paris. Finally, conclude your journey at the Pont des Arts, a bridge that has witnessed countless romantic finales and dramatic reunions on screen. This walking route Paris offers more than just sightseeing; it provides a lens through which to see the city's architecture and history through the eyes of legendary cinematographers. Whether you are a film buff, a photography enthusiast, or a first-time visitor, this audio walk allows you to discover the city’s most photogenic corners without the rush of a group. Enjoy the freedom to pause for a café au lait at a filming location or snap the perfect photo of the Panthéon’s dome. By the end of this journey, you will understand why Paris remains the world's favorite movie set.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

The legendary Shakespeare and Company bookstore from 'Before Sunset'
The magical 'Midnight in Paris' steps at Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
Emily Cooper’s apartment and favorite bakery at Place de l'Estrapade
The grand neoclassical architecture of the Panthéon
Panoramic river views from the iconic Pont des Arts

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Petit Pont-Cardinal Lustiger

Start your journey at one of the oldest bridge sites in Paris. While the current structure dates to 1853, a bridge has stood here since Roman times. This spot offers a quintessential view of Notre Dame, a landmark that has appeared in everything from 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' to 'Midnight in Paris'. Standing here, you can feel the pulse of the city that has served as a muse for centuries of storytellers. Take a moment to look down the river; the banks of the Seine are a UNESCO World Heritage site and have provided the backdrop for countless romantic movie strolls. It is the perfect place to begin exploring how the 'City of Light' transitions from reality to the silver screen.

2

Shakespeare and Company

This is perhaps the most famous bookstore in the world. While the original shop opened by Sylvia Beach was elsewhere, this location was founded by George Whitman in 1951. It has become a pilgrimage site for fans of 'Before Sunset', where Jesse and Celine reunite after nine years. You might also recognize it from Woody Allen’s 'Midnight in Paris'. The shop’s cramped, book-filled rooms and 'Tumbleweed' beds for traveling writers create an atmosphere that feels frozen in time. Even if you don't go inside, the green facade and the surrounding trees are some of the most photographed spots in the Latin Quarter, embodying the bohemian literary spirit of Paris.

3

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont

Welcome to one of the most magical spots in cinema history. The side steps of this church, facing Rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, are where Gil Pender sits in 'Midnight in Paris' waiting for the vintage Peugeot to whisk him back to the 1920s. The church itself is a masterpiece, housing the shrine of Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. Its unique rood screen—the only one remaining in Paris—is a marvel of Renaissance carving. Whether you're here to admire the architecture or to wait for your own time-traveling carriage, the quiet charm of this corner perfectly captures the whimsical side of the city.

4

The Panthéon

Dominating the skyline of the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon was originally built as a church but now serves as a secular mausoleum for France's 'Great Men' (and women). Its massive dome and Corinthian columns have made it a favorite for directors seeking a sense of scale and history. Fans of 'Emily in Paris' will recognize this as the spot where Emily breaks up with her boyfriend over the phone in the first season. Beyond the screen, it houses the remains of Victor Hugo, Voltaire, and Marie Curie. The square around it, Place du Panthéon, offers wide vistas that are perfect for capturing the grandeur of Parisian urban planning.

5

Place de l'Estrapade

Step into the world of modern television. This quiet, circular square is the heart of the 'Emily in Paris' universe. Look around and you will see the building used for Emily’s apartment, the 'Boulangerie Moderne' where she buys her first pain au chocolat, and the restaurant 'Terra Nera', which stands in for Gabriel’s 'Les Deux Compères'. Despite the show's fame, the square retains a peaceful, local feel with its central fountain and benches. It is a prime example of a 'village' atmosphere within the bustling 5th Arrondissement, making it easy to see why location scouts chose this picturesque corner to represent a romanticized Parisian life.

6

Pont des Arts

Conclude your walk at the Pont des Arts, the city's first iron bridge. Known as the 'Love Lock Bridge' for many years (though the locks have since been removed to protect the structure), it remains a symbol of romance. This bridge has hosted the series finale of 'Sex and the City', the heist climax of 'Now You See Me', and scenes from 'Amélie'. As you stand over the Seine with the Louvre on one side and the Institut de France on the other, you are standing in one of the most filmed locations on earth. It is the ideal spot to watch the sunset and reflect on the cinematic magic that makes Paris feel like home, even if you've only ever seen it on a screen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided cinematic walk is the best way to see the 5th Arrondissement. This route covers iconic spots like the 'Midnight in Paris' steps and 'Emily in Paris' locations at your own pace.