Days after its anticipated release, Netflix's Emily In Paris has received mixed reviews. It's been chastised for perpetuating stereotypes to the point that a critic warned "anyone who's eaten a croissant" to steer clear of it. And we can understand why. Just in the first episode, protagonist Emily (played by Lily Collins), a marketing executive from Chicago, encounters various negative French stereotypes: the realtor inappropriately flirts with her, the new officemates are rude to her, the new boss smokes in front of her and she gets snubbed left and right for not speaking French.
But not everyone shares this perspective and some pointed out that the show strives to give both local and foreign perspective merits. In some scenes, Emily and her ignorance is actually the punchline. However, there's one thing that the two camps can agree on: Emily In Paris' cinematography is pretty to look at. During these times when travel is restricted, it's pure sweet escapism.
From Emily's charming chambre de bonne to the picturesque garden she eats lunch at, here are the filming locations featured in Emily In Paris that's worthy of a place on your bucketlist. For this list, we're gonna skip popular tourist destinations that you might already know about like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
Jardin Du Palais Royal
Thanks to Emily, we know now that getting lunch by ourselves after being ostracized by new officemates is much better if done while admiring the sights at Jardin du Palais Royal. This garden is said to be a good place to just sit, have a bite and maybe read a book. It's also near shopping hubs like Galerie de Valois, which houses upscale brands like Stella McCartney and Serge Lutens. It's also a place of historical importance and is near Galerie de Montpensier, which is an important site in the French Revolution.
If you're up for some more garden tours, you should also check out the Jardin du Luxembourg where Emily does her morning runs.
Place de l'Estrapade
Located at the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Place de l'Estrapade is Emily's new neighbourhood and where her chambre de bonne (budget apartments that used to be the servants' quarters) is situated. It's a very idyllic place with a charming fountain and was also a filming location for the Korean drama Lovers In Paris (2004). However, its name reflects a horrific past. "Estrapade" is a form of torture inflicted upon prisoners and the place got its name because it used to be the site for this public punishment.
Boulangerie Moderne
Admit it, Emily's reaction when she tastes her first pain au chocolat made you want to get some for yourself. Luckily, the bakery is not just a set they built as an Emily In Paris filming location but actually a real place where you can order not just a chocolate croissant but also other delights like sandwiches. It's rated high on review sites and is described as a quiet "neighbourhood bakery." Well, that might just change soon once fans of Emily In Paris gets a chance to visit.
Atelier des Lumières
Along with the Lourve, add the Atelier des Lumières to your list of museums to visit while in Paris. Created by Plichon brothers in 1835, this former foundry is now the site of a museum known for its immersive digital exhibitions. The exhibit featured on Emily In Paris is the Van Gogh, the Starry Night by Gianfranco Iannuzzi, Renato Gatto and Massimiliano Siccardi. They are scheduled to release Monet, Renoir... Chagall. Journeys around the Mediterranean in 2021. It is focused on depicting the period between impressionism and modernism.
Rue de l'Abreuvoir
Dubbed the most charming street in Paris, the Rue de l'Abreuvoir is at Grandes-Carrières and is near the Montmartre Cemetery where several French personalities are buried. It's also in close proximity to many must-visit shops and cafes in the 18th arrondissement like the La Maison Rose where Emily and Mindy got their drinks and vintage thrift shops like Vintage Désir.
Which of these Emily In Paris filming locations would you want to visit?
(Cover photo from: @emilyinparis)
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
