Although Paris is not the place where cinema was born, it is where the first private screening of motion pictures took place in 1895, when the Lumière brothers showed their films in the basement of the Grand Café. The special relationship between Paris and cinematic art began then and continues to this day. Mission Cinéma is a Parisian organisation dedicated to the advancement of French cinema and the preservation of the nation’s filmic heritage. A fun aspect of this worthy enterprise for tourists is the chance to explore the locations where your favourite Paris-set movies were made, courtesy of the Parcours Cinéma range of film guides to the cinematogenic hotspots of the capital.
Follow in the footsteps of the stars through Paris
As one of the loveliest and most evocative cities in the world, it is perhaps unsurprising that so many filmmakers seek out Paris to provide a magnificent backdrop for their tales. However, you might be surprised to learn it was recently estimated that there have been more than 4,000 different Parisian locations used in films over the 120 years since the Lumière brothers brought the art form into being. Many of these are the ones you might expect. The Eiffel Tower, for example, has featured numerous times. Others are places you would only recognise if you know Paris well. This is one of the reasons why the series of film trail guides produced by Mission Cinéma is so interesting, as well as being so much fun for all the family.
From classic movies through to more recent box office hits, Les Parcours Cinéma, the pocket sized guides (see below to downlaod) to movie locations across Paris, give the background details to a number of your favourite films. Available from Paris Tourist Information outlets, the guides are available in both French and English, and will take you on a voyage of discovery across the capital, visiting scenic locations that have featured heavily in popular films. One great example is The Devil Wears Prada. This 2006 comedy-drama starred Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway took us through the heart of the capital. The Pont des Arts, Place de la Concorde, Musée Galliera, Avenue Montaigne and Petit Palais all featured in this fondly remembered movie, and the relevant guide will take you around these locations, while filling in choice tidbits of background information for you.
You can also follow in the footsteps of Edith Piaf in the brilliant La Vie en Rose, as well as those of the Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, as portrayed by Tom Hanks in the film version of The Da Vinci Code. Hugo, Rush Hour 3, Ratatouille and The Adventures of Adèle Blanc Sec are some more of the box office gems whose scenes you can recreate in your imagination as you tour the much-filmed streets and landmarks of Paris and view the city through the lens of movie magic.
******
Download Parcours Cinéma
~oOo~
Picture Pont des Arts
copyright holder : Tourist Office Paris - Photographer Jacques Lebar
Best Western Quartier Latin Panthéon Hotel, a 3 star hotel Paris