It’s hard to tell what I did more: traveled to Paris, or watched the movie “Midnight in Paris.” Woody Allen’s film is one of my favorite films of all time that captures the essence of Paris and gives a good insight into why I moved abroad myself. From the opening scene of “Si Tu Vois Ma Mere” to the bars and restaurants of vintage 1920s Paris, Midnight in Paris makes you want to hop on a plane and go.
During my recent trip to Paris I knew I had to seek out some of the iconic scenes and shooting locations from Midnight in Paris, as well as some of my favorite quotes from the film.
There are lots of great quotes about Paris. It is a city that inspires romanticism, drama and art. But Midnight in Paris contains some of my favorite quotes about the city. I’m sharing them along with the locations of the film so you can step back in time and enjoy the epic visuals that draw you to the city.
The film is about Gil, a writer who is obsessed with the past and dreams about the golden age of Paris in the 1920s. He is visiting Paris with his grumpy fiancée and her overbearing parents. Gil and Ines (his fiancée) shop for overpriced antique chairs, drink fancy wine at a spectacular rooftop bar, and visit a couple with whom they travel and spend time around Paris.
After all, who wouldn’t want to time travel back to the 1920s to drink brandy with the Fitzgeralds, fight with Hemingway, see Picasso’s latest work, or go surreal with Dali? The best part? this is a movie mostly historically accurate And these distinguished writers and artists lived in Paris at that time.
Walking through the streets of Paris at midnight, the strangest thing happens to our hero Gil: an old Peugeot car rolls down the street and Gil is literally transported into the past. He is transported to the 1920s where he falls even more in love with the city and begins to realize his true dreams.
“Can you imagine how gorgeous this city looks in the rain? Imagining this city of the 20s. Paris in the rain in the 20s; artist and writer.”
I have created a map with all the shooting locations below:
alert: If you haven’t seen this movie, there are some spoilers!
“There is no city like it in the world. There never was one like it!” Gil and Inez are in Monet’s garden In the opening scene, standing on the bridge and admiring it is where Monet found inspiration for much of his work. Monet’s Garden is an easy day trip from Paris, just an hour by train or car. Claude Monet’s Water Garden, Giverny, Eure, France. It is located opposite Monet’s house at 84 Rue Claude Monet.
they live here Hotel Bristol And many scenes of the film were shot in the dining room, rooms and outside. Its facade is imaginary and reflects the charm of Paris. You can view it here: Hotel Le Bristol, 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris, France.
“I’m not a big Francophile,” says Inez’s father. le grand wayfour This is where Inez, Gil and her parents eat lunch. The restaurants are absolutely stunning and worth a visit. find it here 17 Rue du Beaujolais.
“You know, to deny the old memories. To deny the painful present.” – Paul is talking about how silly Gil’s book sounds. Versailles It is a must for a day trip outside Paris. The historic palace was also a place for Gil, Inez and the couple’s friends to stroll through the gardens and debate about Gil’s book. The Palace of Versailles is located Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France.
“Ahh sex and alcohol, it boosts desire but kills performance” – Paul, as they drink at the rooftop bar overlooking the city with the glittering Eiffel Tower in the background. You can find the bar here Hotel Le MeuriceCalled La Belle Etoile, located at 228 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France. It is also a beautiful street for shopping and strolling.
i also recommend peninsula paris For spectacular rooftop views of the Eiffel Tower. find it here 19 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris, France.
“I’m really finding these midnight walks good for my creativity!” Gil explains to Inez why he keeps wandering around at night. I agree, the best way to experience Paris is to take a walk around. At night, the Eiffel Tower shines, the buildings sparkle and the city comes alive. Gil gets lost and as midnight approaches he finds a 1920s car which he sits inside. This location can be found here Rue Mouffetard at Rue Edouard Queneau, Paris, France.
The stairs themselves are located right around the Pantheon Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church, Place de l’Abbe Basset, Paris, France.
“I believe that love is real and true and brings relief from death.” – Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway’s character in the film is absolutely perfect. Gil meets Hemingway polydor. It remains a very popular restaurant in the Left Bank of Paris. The restaurant looks exactly as it did in the 1920s and was visited by many famous people in the 20s. You can find The Polydor here 41 Rue Monsieur le Prince, Paris, France.
“Cheap is cheap.” Inez’s mother told Gil after being shocked to hear about the *$18,000 price of some antique chairs. You can find the store at 112 Boulevard de Courcelles, Paris, France.
“I love it. I’m charmed.” This is Adriana’s reaction after hearing the introduction to Gil’s book.
“Pedantic.” Paul, Inez’s friend, argues with the tour guide when they visit Rodin’s Museum, an easy walking tour in Paris, to learn more about the artist. Rodin Museum, 79 rue de Varenne, Paris, France.
The museum has beautiful grounds and is a great place to visit. And get inspired by the movie.
“I feel like I’m a member of Linda and Cole’s inner circle.” Gil tells this to Gabrielle, a young woman who works at a flea market selling old vinyl records and memorabilia. It is the largest antique market in the world! You can find it at the flea market, Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, Le Marché Paul Bert, 96-110 Rue des Rosiers, Saint-Ouen, France.
“She’s distracted by the fact that she was an absolute volcano in the sack.” Gil argues with Paul about Picasso’s painting in the beautiful Musée de l’Orangerie, Jardin des Tuileries, Paris, France.
After dancing at an outdoor festival, Adriana and Gil decide to take a night out on the town. “I can never decide whether Paris is more beautiful during the day or at night.” – Adriana
“No, you can’t, you can’t pick one. I mean I could give you a checkmate argument for each side. You know, I wonder sometimes, how would anyone come up with a book, or a painting, or a symphony, or a sculpture that could compete with a great city. You can’t. Because you look around and every street, every boulevard, is its own special art form and when you think that, cool, Paris exists in a violent, meaningless universe, so these lights, I mean, nothing is happening on Jupiter or Neptune, but from outside in space you can see these lights, cafes, people drinking and singing, as we all know, Paris is the hottest place in the universe.
Here, they are especially popular in the Île de la Cite near Restaurant Paul. 17 Place Dauphin, Paris, France. After this, the backdrop of Montmartre surrounds them. Montmartre was a haunt for many artists in Paris in the 1920s. He is also seen walking down the stairs Rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre, Paris, France. Here you can see the Sacré Coeur.
Gertrude Stein was an American living in Paris and edited Hemingway and other works. Stein edited Gill’s book and commented, “The artist’s job is not to succumb to despair, but to find a remedy for the emptiness of existence.” Gil bought a bookshop on the banks of the River Seine, where today many stalls sell old books, art and collectibles. find this road here Quai de Montebello.
“Too rich for me.” Inez’s father says while eating dinner in a hotel. After this, he was seen in Duluk Detective Agency, where he still remains today.
“Gil, your tumor is becoming active again!” – Inez says when Gil accuses Inez of cheating on him with Paul.
“Your eyes are glazed over. Stunned. Stunned. Unconscious. Lobotomized.” – Zelda Fitzgerald While talking to Gil he realizes that he has traveled to Paris in the 1920s. Zelda is later seen distraught and attempting to jump into the River Seine. Behind that is the Pont Neuf bridge. Do you know Pont Neuf, Quai des Orfèvres, Paris, France.
Here’s a look at the Pont Neuf during the day.
Gil asks the tour guide to translate an excerpt from a book and they are seen sitting on a bench right behind Notre Dame. You can find it on Square Gen-XXIII
Gil and Adriana travel by horse and carriage to turn-of-the-century Paris. They go to a restaurant called Maxim’s, which is still there today. You can find it at: Maxim, 3 rue Royale, Paris, France
“You’re always on the side of helping! That’s why daddy says you’re a communist” – Inez. Gil is seen reading at the famous Shakespeare & Company bookshop located at 37 Rue de la Boucherie, Paris, France. It’s very close to Notre Dame and now has a fun coffee shop.
“This is the present, it’s a little unsatisfactory, because life is a little unsatisfactory.” – Gil. There are many coffee shops and corners in Paris that are reminiscent of the film. In fact, Le Precope, opened in 1686, is the world’s first coffeehouse. For centuries, it has welcomed writers and artists and made Saint-Germain-des-Prés a regular destination for artists. Le Nemours is near Lourve and is one of the oldest in the region.
“In fact, I think Paris is most beautiful in the rain.” The last scene is one of my favourites, taken in one of my favorite places. Gil is walking Pont Alexandre III And he meets the girl running from the thrift store in the rain. Why is it over? You can find the bridge here: Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris, France.
The best way to experience the city and get the true emotions from the film is to simply walk around – rain or shine, night or day.
Like every good novel, this movie features epic visuals, tells a beautiful story, and leaves you feeling happy. It’s one I watch again and again, kind of like coming to Paris – I can never get sick of it.
If you’re interested in learning more about all of these incredible writers and artists living in Paris at this time, I suggest reading “A Moveable Feast” by Ernest Hemingway. It gives a great depiction of Paris at that time and fits in perfectly with the movie too!
Midnight in Paris is a story for dreamers, lovers, and those who can’t get enough of Paris. It’s one of my favorite movies of all time and I hope these shooting locations and quotes inspire your next trip!
Want more from Paris? Check out my essential Paris travel guide!
