Top 10+ Movies To Watch Before Visiting Paris
Have you ever wondered “What should I watch if I love Paris?” or “What movies are set in Paris?”
If you’re looking for the best movies about Paris then this list is for you.
f you’re itching to visit the French capital here are all the movies you should watch before going to Paris!
These are the movies to watch before visiting Paris, after all the beautiful capital of France is a city that inspired many movies, music and art, so, you have plenty of possible sources of inspiration to plan your next trip to Paris.
These movies are also a great insight into some of Paris’ history and life if you wish to understand more about the French and Paris cultures.
10+ Movies To Watch Before Visiting Paris
If you’re not sure about visiting just yet then those films to watch will inspire your trip to Paris!
And, it also includes animated movies! Sure they are not exactly set in Paris but they remain a great source of inspiration for a future trip or if you want to show your kids Paris in a way they might enjoy!
But to be fair, you don’t need to be a kid to enjoy a great animation movie.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
If you’ve ever longed to walk the streets of Paris while mingling with the literary greats of the past, this film is a love letter to the city’s golden age. Woody Allen’s ode to nostalgia will make you fall in love with Paris at any time of day.
It’s an intriguing movie with a great message as well as showcasing the beauty of Paris through the ages.
I think this movie is usually what a lot of people think when you ask them about what movie they should watch about Paris!
This movie is also full of great quotes about Paris!
Hugo
“Hugo” or “Hugo Cabret” is rich visual storytelling and a deep connection to Paris’ history in cinema.
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this visually stunning film is set in 1930s Paris and follows an orphan boy living in a train station.
Hugo is also a tribute to the beginning of film making particularly the work of French film pioneer Georges Méliès, while also showcasing iconic Parisian locations like the Gare Montparnasse (there are tons of amazing easy day trips by train to take from there!) and the enchanting world of the city’s clock towers.
Saint Laurent – 2014
If you’re fascinated by fashion, art, and Paris’ role in the high fashion industries Yves Saint Laurent is a must-watch. Then the 2014 version with Pierre Niney should be on your watch list!
This biographical drama follows the life of iconic designer Yves Saint Laurent, from his early days at Dior to the creation of his own fashion house. I
t beautifully captures the glamour and creativity of Parisian haute couture, while delving into the complexities of Saint Laurent’s personal life and struggles.
There’s another Saint Laurent movie from 2014 as well with French actor Gaspard Ulliel however I haven’t watched it yet so I don’t know what’s worth but I think it’s worth noting! b
La vie en Rose (La môme) – 2007
No list about Paris is complete without mentioning Édith Piaf. This biopic dives into the legendary life of the singer whose music is still synonymous with Paris to this day.
Through her life story, you’ll get a sense of the city’s emotional depth and its connection to this iconic figure of French music.
Movies set in Paris are a good start to help you with inspo about places to visit!
I also have a lot of Paris travel tips and guides to help you plan your next trip if you need more in depth details to help you plan your vacation:
- 17 Things To Know Before Visiting Paris
- 50+ Free Things To Do In Paris If You’re On A Budget
- Pros and Cons of Visiting Paris in Winter
- Best Things To Do In Paris In Winter
- Where To See Magical Christmas Lights in Paris
- Amazing Spots To See Cherry Blossoms In Paris
- 25 Best Train Day Trips From Paris
An American in Paris (1951)
This movie is for you if you’re into a musical extravaganza that showcases Paris in its most glamorous, artistic form.
The movie features Gene Kelly’s iconic dance numbers and a backdrop of various chic Parisian streets, this film is a celebration of love, art, and, of course, the beauty of the city.
I am not much into musicals but this one is still really nice to watch as it throws you back in time in Paris with a fun musical touch.
Les Intouchables (2011)
“Les Intouchables” in French or “Untouchable” in English is based on a true story, this uplifting film explores an unlikely friendship that takes you on a journey through the heart of Paris and the difference in classes of two individuals
The city is beautifully framed throughout, making it a feel-good experience with a scenic backdrop.
Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain (2001)
For many people, Amelie Poulain is also considered one of the best French movies, and I can understand why. It is, without a doubt, a great movie.
This whimsical film offers a magical view of Montmartre, one of Paris’s historical neighbourhoods. It’s filled with quirky characters and aesthetically pleasing visuals, and it’s the perfect introduction to Paris’s more charming, surreal side.
Also, if you visit Paris, you can check out many of its iconic filming locations.
Jeanne Du Barry – 2023
Versailles while not being in Paris is still a prominent part of Paris and Paris’ history, this movie tells the story of Madame du Barry, the last royal mistress of King Louis XV of France, exploring her rise to power at the Versailles court.
It’s a visually stunning period piece that offers insight into 18th-century French history and culture, with lavish depictions of Versailles and the era’s extravagant lifestyle.
It’s the perfect movie to watch before visiting Versailles if you’re interested in the historical and aristocratic side of Paris and France; adding Jeanne du Barry will enhance your appreciation for Paris’ royal past.
BEST ANIMATION MOVIE TO WATCH ABOUT PARIS
Un Monstre à Paris (2011)
This charming animated adventure is set in 1910 Paris during the Great Flood. (If you go to L’Ile de la Cité, you can still see the mark of how high it went!)
The story follows a quirky group of friends who discover a kind-hearted monster (actually a flea!) and try to protect him from the Paris authorities. The film beautifully captures a playful early 20th-century Paris, complete with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and a backdrop of vibrant music with French singers Vanessa Paradis and Matthieu Chedid.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Le Bossu de Notre Dame) (1996)
Disney’s animated adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel brings Notre Dame and medieval Paris to life in a grand, emotional tale. This one was one of my favourite movies as a kid, once it stopped spooking me that is.
And while the animated movie from Disney is relatively tame, the real story from Victor Hugo’s novel is much darker. Pretty interesting to read if you have the time, though!
Ratatouille – 2007
A list of movies to watch before visiting Paris could not be complete without the famous Disney “Ratatouille”.
The story is set in Paris follows the adventure of a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a chef in one of Paris’ finest restaurants and manages to realise his dreams in quite a peculiar way. It beautifully showcases the city’s culinary world and its stunning Parisian streetscapes.
The Aristocats – 1910
Another classic Disney movie set in Paris is The Aristocats. Set in 1910 Paris, the film follows a group of aristocratic cats and their adventures across the city, where they encounter various characters after being kidnapped and trying to find their way back home.
It’s a really cute movie if you’re looking for a young children’s movie about Paris. I also personally love the old style of the Disney movie; it adds extra charm to the way the old Paris is portrayed.
That’s a wrap on those 10+ must-watch movies about Paris before you visit (or after you have visited if you want to reminisce about your trip!)
Also, follow me on Instagram to check out my travel adventures around Europe and more lifestyle content @cpt_lyne!
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Best Movies About Paris To Watch Before You Visit
✈ Best Travel Ressources To Plan Your Next Trip
✈ How To Find Flights?
– Skyscanner; it is a good comparator for finding the cheapest flights.
– Google Flights is also a good help when comparing flights.
✈ Where To Book Accommodations?
– Booking.com: plenty of options and ways to get discounts the more you book.
✈ Best Sites To Book Activities
– GetYourGuide when I can’t get a ticket directly on the website or if it’s easier to go through them.
– Klook if you need to book more than just activities and would like to get everything from the same website or different day trips—(i.e. transport cards, car rental, hotel…).
✈ Other helpful travel resources
– Radical Storage: If you need a place to keep your luggage for an extended period when you travel, I recommend using them.
– TheTrainline: If you love to travel by train like me, then TheTrainline needs to be your go-to website for train travel in Europe.
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Disclaimer: This resources box contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you book anything through my links at no additional cost. These links help me support the blog and generate more content. Happy travels!
