It’s hard to say what more I could have done. You’ve either traveled to Paris or seen the movie “Midnight in Paris.” Woody Allen’s film is one of my favorite films that captures the essence of Paris and makes me understand why I moved abroad. From the opening scene, “Si Tu Vois Ma Mere,” which shows the diverse landscapes of Paris to the old school bars and restaurants of 1920s Paris, Midnight in Paris will make you want to hop on a plane and leave.
On a recent trip to Paris, I realized I needed to find not only iconic scenes and filming locations from Midnight in Paris, but also some of my favorite quotes from the film.
There are many good quotes about Paris. A city that inspires romanticism, drama and art. But Midnight in Paris has one of my favorite quotes about Paris. I’m sharing that information right along with the movie locations so you can take a step back in time and enjoy the majestic scenery that draws you to the city.
The film tells the story of Gil, a writer obsessed with the past and dreaming of the golden age of Paris in the 1920s. He’s visiting Paris with his sassy fiancé and her shameless parents. Gil and Ines (his fiancé) shop for expensive antique chairs, drink fine wine at a swanky rooftop bar, and travel around Paris, where they come across couples who spend time together.
After all, who wouldn’t want to travel back in time to the 1920s to sip brandy with the Fitzgeralds, fight Hemingway, see Picasso’s latest work, or have a surreal experience with Dali? fat? This movie is Mostly Historically Accurate These iconic writers and artists lived in Paris at the time.
While walking the streets of Paris at midnight, the strangest thing happens to our protagonist Gil. Old Peugeot cars roll down the streets and the road literally takes you into the past. He moves on to the 1920s, falls even more in love with the city, and begins to realize his true dreams.
“Can you imagine how beautiful this city is when it rains? I image this town in the 20s. Paris in the rainy twenties; Artists and writers.”
We’ve created a map with all the filming locations below.
warning: If you haven’t seen the movie, there are spoilers!
“There is no city like this in the world. “I’ve never had anything like that before!” There’s Gil and Inez. Monet’s Garden The opening scene had us standing on a bridge, admiring the place where Monet drew inspiration for most of his works. Monet’s garden is about an hour by train or car from Paris, making it an easy day trip. Claude Monet’s Water Garden, Giverny, Eure, France. It’s across the street from Monet’s house at 84 Rue Claude Monet.
they stay next time Hotel Bristol Many scenes in the movie are shot in restaurants, rooms, and outdoors. It has a fantastic appearance and exudes Parisian charm. You can find it here: Hotel Le Bristol, 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris, France.
“I’m not a fan of France,” says Inez’s father. Le Grand Befour This is where Inez, Gil and her parents have lunch. The restaurant is truly amazing and worth the walk. Find it in 17 Rue du Beaujolais.
“As you know, nostalgia is denial. “I deny the painful present.” – Paul talks about how stupid Gil’s book is. Versailles Another must-have for day trips outside Paris. The historic palace was also the place where Gil, Inez, and their two friends walked through the gardens and debated Gil’s books. Where is the Palace of Versailles located? Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France.
“Ah, sex and alcohol, they create desire, but they kill performance.” – Paul is drinking wine at a rooftop bar overlooking the city with the glittering Eiffel Tower in the background. The bar can be found at: Hotel Le Meuris, called La Belle Étoile and located at 228 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France. It is also a great street for shopping and walking.
I also recommend The Peninsula Paris Enjoy stunning rooftop views of the Eiffel Tower. Find it in 19 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris, France.
“I think these midnight walks are really good for my creativity!” Gil explains to Inez why he keeps wandering around at night. The best way to experience Paris is to take a walk around it. At night, the Eiffel Tower sparkles, the buildings light up, and the city seems to come to life. I got lost, and as the clock struck midnight, I found a 1920s car and climbed into it. This place can be found at: Rue Mouffetard in Rue Édouard Quenu, Paris, France.
The stairs themselves are located right next to the Pantheon. Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, Place de L’Abbé Basset, Paris, France.
“I believe that love is real and true and brings rest from death.” – Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway’s character stands out in the movie. Road meets Hemingway. polydor. This restaurant remains very popular on the Left Bank of Paris. This restaurant is very similar to how it was in the 1920s, and was visited by many celebrities in the 20s. You can find The Polidor. 41 Rue Monsieur le Prince, Paris, France.
“Cheap is cheap.” Inez’s mother is shocked when Gil hears that some antique chairs cost *18,000, after which she tells Gil: The store is located at 112 Boulevard de Courcelles in Paris, France.
“really good. “I was hooked.” This is Adriana’s reaction upon hearing the opening of Gil’s book.
“A pedantic person.” Inez’s friend Paul gets into an argument with the tour guide during a visit to Rodin’s museum, an easy stroll from Paris to explore more of the artist. Rodin Museum, 79 Rue de Varenne, Paris, France.
The museum has beautiful grounds and is a great place to stroll around. And get inspired by movies.
“I like to think of myself as part of Linda and Cole’s inner circle.” Gil says this to Gabrielle, a young woman who works at a flea market selling old records and memorabilia. This is the largest antique market in the world! The flea market Les Puces de Saint-Ouen can be found at Le Marché Paul Bert, 96-110 Rue des Rosiers, Saint-Ouen, France.
“He’s distraught that she was just an absolute volcano in the sack.” Gil argues with Paul about a Picasso painting at the beautiful Musée de l’Orangerie in the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris, France.
After dancing at an outdoor festival, Adriana and Gil decide to take a walk around the city at night. “Paris can’t decide whether it’s more beautiful, day or night.” – Adriana
“No, you can’t. Can’t choose one. I mean, you could make a checkmate argument for both sides. I think about it sometimes. How could anyone come up with a book, a painting, a symphony, or a sculpture that could rival a great city? You can’t. If you look around, every street, every boulevard is its own special art form, so in the cold, violent, meaningless universe that Paris exists in, these lights, I mean come on, when you think nothing happens on Jupiter or Neptune, but out in space When you go out, you see these lights, cafes, people drinking and singing. “As far as we know, Paris is the hottest place in the universe.” – road
Here they are walking down Île de la Cite near Restaurant Paul. 17 Place Dauphine, Paris, France. Next, what surrounds them is the background of Montmartre. Montmartre was a hangout for many artists in Paris in the 1920s. They are also seen walking down the stairs. Rue du Chevalier-de-La-Barre, Paris, France. You can see the Sacre Couer here.
Gertrude Stein was an American living in Paris who edited works by Hemingway and others. As Stein edited Gil’s book, she states that “the artist’s task is not to give in to despair, but to find an antidote to the emptiness of existence.” Gil picked up a book along the Seine River, where today many stalls sell old books, art and collectibles. Find this distance from: Quai de Montebello.
“You’re too rich for me.” Inez’s father said while eating food at the hotel. He was next seen at the Duluc Detective Agency, which still exists today.
“Gil, your tumor is coming back again!” – Inez says when Gil accuses Inez of cheating on him with Paul.
“You have a blank look in your eyes. faint. Confused. I was anesthetized. Lobotomized.” – Zelda Fitzgerald, after talking to her street, she realizes that she has time-traveled from Paris to the 1920s. Zelda later loses her mind and attempts to jump into the Seine River. Behind her is the Pont Neuf bridge. The address is Pont Neuf, Quai des Orfèvres, Paris, France.
See the Pont Neuf during the day.
Gil asked the tour guide to translate a passage from the book, and they were seen sitting on a bench right behind Notre Dame. You can find it at Square Jean-XXIII.
Gil and Adriana take a horse and carriage to turn-of-the-century Paris. They went to Maxim’s, a restaurant that still remains here today. You can find it here: Maxim’s, 3 Rue Royale, Paris, France
“You always take the side of help! That’s why my dad said you were a communist.” – Inez. Gil peruses the famous Shakespeare & Company bookstore located at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie in Paris, France. It’s very close to Notre Dame Cathedral and now also has a fun coffee shop.
“That’s what the present is. I’m a little dissatisfied because I’m a little dissatisfied with life.” – road. There are many coffee shops and corners reminiscent of movies in Paris. In fact, Le Precope, opened in 1686, was the world’s first coffeehouse. For centuries it has welcomed writers and artists, making Saint-Germain-des-Prés a popular destination for artists. Le Nemours is near the Lourve and is one of the oldest in the area.
“Actually, I think Paris is the most beautiful when it rains.” The last shot is one of my favorite shots, taken in one of my favorite locations. the road is walking Alexandre III Bridge I meet a young woman at a thrift store in the rain. Cue ends! You can find the bridge here: Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris, France.
The best way to experience a city and get a real feel for it from a movie is to just wander around, rain or shine, day or night.
Like any good novel, this movie presents epic landscapes, tells a beautiful story, and gives you a sense of happiness. This is a work I watch over and over again. It feels like I’m in Paris. I never get tired of it.
If you want to learn more about the amazing writers and artists who lived in Paris at the time, I recommend reading Ernest Hemingway’s “A Moving Feast.” It’s a great depiction of what Paris looked like at the time, and fits perfectly into the movie!
Midnight in Paris is a story for dreamers, lovers and people who can’t get enough of Paris. It’s one of my favorite movies. We hope these photo locations and quotes inspire you for your next trip!
Want more from Paris? Check out my essential Paris travel guide!