The question of where they filmed Emily in Paris shapes how viewers understand the show’s glamorous yet relatable backdrop. Filming choices bring Paris to life on screen, blending iconic landmarks with intimate neighborhood scenes to create a vivid sense of place.
Production design teams balance visual storytelling, logistics, and local regulations when selecting locations that feel authentic while supporting the rhythm of the series.
| Primary Location | District / Area | Purpose in Story | Notes for Viewers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment Building | 16th arrondissement | Emily’s home base and private life | Exterior shots establish a residential, upscale Paris |
| Workplace (PR Firm) | Opéra / Grands Boulevards area | Office drama and client pitches | Street-level plate shots mix with studio sets |
| Cafés & Parks | Le Marais, Montmartre, Jardin du Luxembourg | Social scenes and character growth | Many cafés are bookable for production; others are inserts |
| Iconic Landmarks | Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Seine riverbanks | Establishing shots and emotional beats | Used sparingly to signal Paris without over-relying on them |
Neighborhood Choices in Paris
Specific arrondissements help the show reflect different sides of Parisian life. Street scenes are planned to highlight authentic facades, mixed-use streets, and local businesses that would logically attract both residents and international brands.
16th Arrondissement Living
The residential streets around the apartment building convey a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere with tree-lined avenues and classic Haussmann buildings. This choice supports longer takes and controlled access for crew and equipment.
Urban Energy of Opéra
Proximity to major avenues and business districts makes the Opéra area ideal for Emily’s workplace sequences. Production coordinates with nearby businesses and uses temporary street closures to film plate shots without disrupting rush hour.
Cafés, Parks, and Social Life
Cafés and parks are central to character interactions, so locations are chosen for their ability to host cameras comfortably while maintaining a natural look. Some cafés allow controlled shoots inside, while others are filmed as passing inserts from the sidewalk.
Iconic Landmarks and Visual Branding
Recognizable landmarks instantly signal Paris to global audiences, but they appear at carefully chosen moments rather than as constant background. This strategy keeps the city recognizable while focusing attention on character development instead of tourism spots.
Evolving Production Approaches
As the series continues, production teams refine how locations support storytelling while respecting neighborhood life and regulatory requirements. Future seasons may explore new districts and hybrid sets that blend practical Paris locations with controlled interiors.
- Let neighborhood authenticity guide major location decisions.
- Coordinate early with local authorities for permits and street access.
- Balance iconic landmarks with everyday Parisian settings.
- Use studio sets to extend realistic streets without blocking residents.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which arrondissement was used for Emily’s apartment building?
The apartment exterior is filmed in the 16th arrondissement, chosen for its residential streets and classic Parisian architecture that suits her character’s lifestyle.
Where was the exterior of Emily’s workplace shot?
Office scenes use a combination of a real building in the Opéra district and studio sets, allowing flexible filming while keeping street-level plates authentic.
Which real cafés appear in the series?
Several cafés in Le Marais and Montmartre were used for social scenes, with permits arranged through local authorities to manage crowds and filming times.
How often are iconic landmarks shown in Emily in Paris?
Landmarks like the Eiffel Tower appear mostly in establishing shots and emotional moments, avoiding overuse so the story stays character-focused rather than location-driven.