Follow Emily in Paris in the City of Love
Originally posted on & updated on 18th April, 2024
Following the release of the much-acclaimed Netflix TV series Emily in Paris, we have witnessed an increase in enquiries from Americans asking about the City of Love and where to buy a home here.
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and you may have secretly prepared to whisk your bien-aimée away to the world’s favorite capital city for a couple of days. If so, chances are you’ve spent hours surfing the web trying to find stylish Parisian ideas for you and your chéri(e). Pas de soucis!
You may remember our colleague Benoît in Paris. Not Emily’s musician friend! Our Benoît Ochart, the experienced and handy property manager. We’ve brainstormed the perfect romantic tour in the footsteps of Emily in Paris to make your Valentines an unforgettable experience. Let’s start at …
The Latin Quarter
The Quartier Latin is where Emily lives, it is one the oldest and most picturesque areas of Paris, on the left bank, in front of l’Ile Saint Louis. Its name comes from the Middle-Ages when the district was packed with universities full of students who only spoke Latin. Today it is more ‘chic’ and visitors can still feel this spirit while discovering the many bookstores and bars in rue Mouffetard.
Start your walk in front of Emily’s building on the Place de l’Estrapade. In the same square you can pick up viennoiseries at La Boulangerie Moderne where Emily bought her pains au chocolat when she first arrived in Paris, the address is rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques. Just next to this is Gabriel’s restaurant, Deux Compères which in reality is the Terra Nera restaurant.
Continue to the Place de la Contrescarpe, a quiet and picturesque square where older Parisians enjoy sipping an expresso on a terrace and reading the newspapers, occasionally with a tartine. If you wish to fully immerse yourself in this atmosphere, we can recommend bistro La Petite. From 6pm, it becomes alive with students and professionals meeting after a busy day.
Then, take the rues Descartes and Clovis, walk back towards the Panthéon, one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris that houses the tombs of French historical figures. Walk down rue Soufflot and you will soon arrive at the gorgeous Luxembourg Gardens for a quick walk around and sit near the fountain. Don’t miss the chess players in the northwest part, they are worth a look.
Saint Germain des Prés
Once out of the Jardins de Luxembourg, walk down rue Bonaparte that will lead to Saint Germain des Prés in front of Café de Flore where Emily often goes. We suggest not to stop here, its way overpriced and a bit of a tourist trap. Saint Germain des Prés has a reputation as the most expensive area of Paris, famous celebrities like Catherine Deneuve and Sofia Coppola used to live here.
Continue in rue Bonaparte and you will arrive to the Seine River, cross over the Pont des Arts also called Pont des Amoureux (the famous lovers bridge); don’t forget to take a picture or two! Across the bridge, you are on the right bank, go to the Pont Neuf (‘the new bridge’, the oldest bridge in Paris). This is where the final scene of season 2 was shot and a few steps from the iconic La Samaritaine, a luxurious mall where Emily goes shopping in the same series. The building itself is stunning, take a moment to visit the fancy jewelry and clothing stores, you won’t be disappointed.
As your credit card may need to cool down, step down rue de Rivoli and go to Place de Valois where the Valois agency is located, this is where Emily works! At this time of the tour, we suggest taking lunch in the Palais Royal area which has a good choice of good restaurants and bistros. Benoît’s favorites places to eat are Bistrot Vivienne, a fairly priced restaurant with great food and service. And for a special occasion, he will make a reservation at Le Grand Véfour, the restaurant where Emily tried to book a table in Season 1.
Butte Montmartre
In the middle of the afternoon, take a taxi/VTC and go to Montmartre. Ask to be dropped out of the tourist area, next to Le Café Qui Parle, it may be time for another café!
Take rue Lepic and walk towards Le Moulin de la Galette and then Place Dalida where Emily’s season 1 marketing campaign was shot, onto Maison Rose where Emily has dinner with Mindy in the first season, followed by the Vineyard and the Lapin Agile cabaret. Don’t waste too much time at Place du Tertre and at the Sacré-Cœur. Instead, wander through the cosy streets of the Butte (the hill) and soak up the special atmosphere of this peaceful and romantic neighborhood.
As the day draws to an end, go down the Butte and finish the ‘tour’ with a French kiss in front of Mur des Je t’aime, a huge ‘I Love Wall’ signed with thousands of messages in hundreds of languages. The perfect place for all lovers to end with another classic selfie.
Paris Itinerary Map and Tips
Here’s a google map with the itinerary, complete with links and addresses. Feel free to ‘mix & match’ to fit with your plans and timetable. The French Capital is full of amazing places, secret corners, and romantic experiences.
My Top Tips, take your time to discover by foot or on a Vélib bicycle, don’t get scared to get off the beaten track and don’t forget the engagement ring, if that’s the plan!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Benoît our local partner in Paris. Have a browse through our popular blog and learn about our Paris à la Carte bespoke service ideal for busy professionals, families and investors. As Euromonitor reports the French capital once again held its coveted title of the world’s top city in 2022.
Finally, for those on a budget who may be thinking about a country retreat, Normandy is a popular area for Americans too, full of history, with good prices and easily accessible from Paris.
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