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Since gracing our screens in 2020, the Netflix show ‘Emily in Paris’ has provided many hours of light-hearted, funny, and engaging entertainment for millions of Netflix viewers. But while the show might be focused on Emily’s adventures in the French capital, we all know that Paris is the real star of the show.
From sweeping montages of the gorgeous Parisian skyline to intimate shots in more low-key locations, ‘Emily in Paris’ captures the beauty of Paris and shows it off to its best advantage perfectly. What makes the show even more spectacular, is that the viewer gets to see the city through the eyes of a tourist, while learning to enjoy Paris like a local.
Emily in Paris: An Overview
At the start of series one, we see Emily Cooper, a 29-year-old marketing executive based in Chicago land her dream job in Paris, working at Savoir, a French fashion firm. Upon her arrival, she switches her Instagram handle from @emilycooper to @emilyinparis and uses her account to chronicle her time in the city. Despite having limited French, Emily throws herself into her new Parisian lifestyle, spending much of the first season discovering the beauty of the city, as well as creating new friendships and relationships.
Paris awaits…
Season two delves more into Emily’s personal life, as she navigates a complicated love triangle between the chef Gabriel, her French neighbour, and Alfie, an English banker from her French class. Career-wise Emily is torn between remaining at Savoir and working alongside her former boss and mentor Madeline, or joining a new agency with some familiar faces.
After being left on tenterhooks until season three was released (merci Netflix), Emily is still in Paris and working with Sylvie at Agence Grateau. Romance-wise, it’s clear Gabriel and Emily both have feelings for each other, despite both being in relationships at the start of the season.
With season four rumoured to be released in December 2023, fans of the show don’t have long to wait. In the meantime, however, Paris is ready and waiting for anyone looking to live out their own Emily-style adventure.
Driving to Paris
From our Calais terminal, the drive to Paris should take around 3 and a half hours via the A26 and the A1. From here, you’ll be well on your way to start exploring France’s wonderful capital and creating your very own montage of Parisian landmarks and memories.
Are the locations in Emily in Paris real?
Absolutely. All the locations seen throughout the series, from the Paris opera house to Emily’s apartment and the Saviour offices are real destinations that are frequented by tourists and locals alike. Before filming the show Lily Collins, who plays Emily spent several months in Paris preparing for the role. Not only did she get to know the city very well, but she also shared some of the same experiences as her character, including having no hot water in her apartment for two weeks!
Explore the Parisian streets to your heart’s content
Iconic spots
With so much of Emily in Paris focusing on what it’s like to live in and experience Paris as an ex-pat, there are plenty of locations to visit. We’ve selected some of our favourite destinations included in the show.
#Roomwithaview : Place de L'Estrapade
In the first episode, we see Emily arrive at the Place de L'Estrapade apartments. After some confusion as to which is the fifth and which is the fourth floor, Emily arrives in her apartment, where the incredible views of the city’s skyline give Emily the chance to post her iconic selfie captioned #roomwithaview.
While you can’t visit the physical apartment, it’s location in Place de L'Estrapade in Paris’ Latin quarter is well worth stopping by. Near to the Paris Panthéon and complete with restaurants, a boulangerie, and a bookstore, this is known to be one of the most charming squares in the city. Despite its gruesome history (Place de L'Estrapade was formerly the place where army deserters were taken to be punished), today the square and surrounding area are very tranquil, and the perfect place to sit and read.
Pont Alexandre III
The filming location for the Maison Lavaux De L'Heure perfume Ad in the third episode of season one is the Pont Alexandre III bridge. As in the series, this arc deck bridge spans the Seine and connects the Champs-Élysées quarter with the Pont des Invalides, the Grand Palais, and the Petit Palais. Each of the four pillars on the bridge are topped with gold, and its architecture makes it one of the most well-known spots in Paris. While there might not be film crews and models when you visit, you will be able to enjoy an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower as you walk across one of France’s most famous rivers.
Enjoy a stroll across the Alexander III, pastry in hand
Le Palais Garnier
Undeniably, one of the best-known scenes from the first season takes place at Le Palais Garnier, the 1,979-seat opera house in the heart of Paris. Not only does Emily sport one of her most notable outfits (think Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face), but the opera house setting makes the whole episode stand out to viewers. Although the entire venue was closed for filming, it is usually open for tours for the public from 10am to 5pm. Not only will you be able to view the iconic auditorium, with its stunning bronze and crystal chandelier, but also learn more about the theatre’s history in the Library-Museum of the opera. If you want to enjoy the true ‘Emily in Paris’ experience, it’s also worth looking to see if you can get tickets to any productions being shown in this beautiful space.
A night at the opera is always a good idea
Savoir: Place de Valois
Emily’s dedication to her job means that the Savoir offices are a prominent location throughout the series. Like Emily’s apartment, you can’t visit the actual office space, however, their location in Place de Valois is magnifique! Located in the first arrondissement, this hidden courtyard is a lesser-known spot in the city, but a wonderful place to take a walk in Emily’s world.
Jardin du Palais Royale
Another Emily in Paris location that holds a special place in many fans’ hearts is the Jardin du Palais Royale, where Emily meets her best friend Mindy for the first time. This garden is just across from the Louvre, making it easy to incorporate into other sightseeing plans. Filled with benches (perfect for encounters with potential best friends) and wide spaces, these gardens are a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Rue de l’Abreuvoir
Another incredibly aesthetic spot used by Emily in a marketing campaign for Hästens beds is Rue de l’Abreuvoir in Montmartre. Translated as ‘the prettiest street in Paris’ by Mindy, anyone who has visited will understand why. Lined with cobbles, this street is thought to be one of the oldest in Paris, dating back to 1325. Not only is it incredibly Instagrammable, but also the perfect excuse to go and explore Montmartre too.
Walk down one of Paris’ prettiest streets whilst exploring Montmarte.
It's Paris. Everyone's Serious About Dinner.
Although Emily initially appears to be happy surviving on peanut butter, this line delivered by Mindy sums up the importance of the different restaurants in Paris featured throughout the series.
La Maison Rosé
Open Wednesday through Sunday, La Maison Rosé is the famous pink walled café and bistro captured by artists throughout the 20th century. One of the most well-known Montmartre restaurants, La Maison Rosé is also the location for one of Emily and Mindy’s many lunches and dinners. Again, in real life, this is a beautiful spot to take holiday photos and enjoy a glass of wine while watching the world pass through Montmartre.
With its pink walls and delicious menu La Maison Rose is a dream dinner destination
Le Flore en l'Île
Le Flore en l'Île on the Seine is the spot chosen by a lonely Emily during the first episode of season one. Sitting outside, she is discovered by Luc, a colleague at Savoir. Located near the Notre-Dame, this restaurant is the perfect place to stop after exploring the Cathedral and make the most of the views along the river. If you do visit, make sure to try the famous Berthillon ice cream, which is easily one of the most delicious desserts in Paris.
Café de Flore
As well as being the spot where Emily meets the professor Thomas, Café de Flore is famously one of the oldest coffee houses in Paris. Built on the corner of Boulevard Saint-Germain and Rue Saint-Benoît, the café was opened in the 1880s and became a hub for famous writers and philosophers. If you’re looking for an exemplary cup of coffee or hot chocolate, look no further than Café de Flore.
In Paris it’s best to follow your heart but take coffee with you!
Ristorante Terra Nera
The name ‘Ristorante Terra Nera’ may not be familiar, but the restaurant itself definitely will be. This gorgeous Italian Bistro next to Place de l'Estrapade is Gabriel’s restaurant Les Deux Compère. While we can’t guarantee Gabriel himself will be in the kitchen (although Lucas Bravo who plays the character is a trained sous chef in real life), the chefs who do work in Ristorante Terra Nera are amazing and serve some of the best spaghetti carbonara in the city.
La Boulangerie Moderne
Another delicious moment from the first series is when Emily discovers the joy of French pastries in the form of a chocolate croissant from La Boulangerie Moderne. Located next door to Ristorante Terra Nera, this bakery is the best place to start your day. Just don’t forget the caption ‘Butter + chocolate =💓’!
Beyond Paris
Although it’s called ‘Emily in Paris’, the adventures of Emily Cooper aren’t limited to the capital city.
Loire Valley
In series one and two Emily stays at Camille’s incredible family villa and vineyard, Château de Lalisse. While in the show, the villa is in Épernay in the Champagne Region, the actual villa used for the series, Château de Sonnay is in the Loire Valley. Even better, it’s open for visitors who can enjoy the stunning gardens and recreate Emily’s photo in front of the beautiful property. If you’re extra keen, the villa is also licensed for weddings.
‘Do you know the way to St. Tropez?’
St Tropez
In the second series, Emily heads off from Gare de l’Est for a long weekend with Mindy and Camille in the Cote d’Azur. The trio visit some incredible spots during their time in St. Tropez, including the Le Senequier restaurant, and Quai Jean Jaures. However, the Four Seasons Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat where Emily stays during her trip is a real standout spot. Depending on your budget, you might opt to stay elsewhere if you do make it to the South of France, however, the hotel’s grandeur makes it well worth stopping by if you get the chance.
Discover the ‘Paris’ of Emily in Paris with LeShuttle
One of the best things about ‘Emily in Paris’ is the sense of adventure and the joy of exploring a new city. Whether you come to Paris for the shopping, the sites, the galleries, or to recreate some of Emily’s best moments, the city is yours to enjoy.
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