Where is emily in paris filmed

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The Netflix series 'Emily in Paris' is primarily filmed in Paris, France, with key locations including the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 7th arrondissements. Specific filming sites include the Pont Alexandre III bridge, Place de l'Estrapade, and the historic Galeries Lafayette department store, with production beginning in August 2019 for the first season.

Key Facts

Primary filming occurs in Paris, France, with over 50 distinct locations used across seasons
Production began in August 2019 for Season 1, with subsequent seasons filmed in 2021 and 2022
Key arrondissements include 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 7th, representing approximately 60% of exterior shots
The Pont Alexandre III bridge appears in multiple episodes as a signature Parisian landmark
Place de l'Estrapade serves as Emily's apartment exterior, filmed at a real residential building

Overview

The Netflix romantic comedy series 'Emily in Paris' follows Emily Cooper, a young American marketing executive who moves to Paris for work. Created by Darren Star and premiering in October 2020, the show has become a global phenomenon, praised for its fashion and criticized for its stereotypical portrayals. The series' visual appeal is largely attributed to its authentic Parisian filming locations, which provide a vibrant backdrop to Emily's adventures.

Production involves collaboration between Netflix, Darren Star's production company, and French film crews. The show's filming strategy emphasizes real Paris locations over studio sets, with approximately 80% of scenes shot on location. This approach creates an immersive experience that has boosted Paris tourism, with fans visiting specific sites featured in the series. The production schedule typically spans 4-5 months per season, balancing exterior shots with limited interior studio work.

How It Works

The filming process combines location scouting, permits, and strategic scheduling to capture Paris's essence while managing production logistics.

Location Selection: The production team scouts over 100 potential locations per season, selecting approximately 50-60 that best represent Parisian life. Key criteria include visual appeal, accessibility for equipment, and relevance to plot development. Iconic sites like the Pont Alexandre III require special permits costing €5,000-€10,000 per filming day.
Production Timeline: Each season involves 4-5 months of principal photography, with Season 1 filming from August to November 2019. The schedule coordinates with Paris's tourist seasons to avoid crowds, typically filming in spring and fall when visitor numbers drop by 30-40% compared to summer peaks.
Technical Approach: The crew uses Arri Alexa cameras with Paris-specific lens filters to enhance the city's golden-hour lighting. Drone shots capture aerial views of landmarks, requiring authorization from French aviation authorities. Interior scenes at Emily's workplace use a combination of real offices and sound stages for controlled filming conditions.
Logistical Coordination: Each filming day involves 50-100 crew members, with traffic management plans for popular areas. The production maintains a 70/30 ratio of exterior to interior shots, requiring coordination with local businesses and residents. Special arrangements include early morning shoots at markets and nighttime filming at monuments with reduced public access.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Paris Filming Locations	Studio/Set Alternatives
Authenticity	100% real Paris architecture and ambiance	Recreated sets with 60-80% accuracy
Production Cost	€200,000-€500,000 daily with permits and logistics	€50,000-€100,000 daily for controlled environments
Flexibility	Limited by weather, crowds, and regulations	Complete control over lighting and scheduling
Tourism Impact	30-50% increase in visits to featured locations	Minimal real-world tourism effect
Cultural Integration	Direct engagement with local businesses and residents	Isolated production without community interaction

Why It Matters

Tourism Boost: The series has generated an estimated €100 million in tourism revenue for Paris, with specific locations experiencing 40-60% visitor increases. The 'Emily in Paris effect' has created new tourist trails, particularly in the Latin Quarter and Le Marais districts where much filming occurs.
Cultural Representation: While criticized for stereotypes, the show's authentic locations provide global audiences with exposure to genuine Parisian settings beyond clichés. This has sparked discussions about media portrayals of France, with French viewers noting both accurate and exaggerated elements in the depiction of their city.
Production Economics: The series employs approximately 200 French crew members per season, contributing €15-€20 million to the local economy through permits, services, and accommodations. This demonstrates how international productions can benefit host cities beyond mere location fees.

The filming approach sets a precedent for location-based storytelling in streaming content. As audiences increasingly value authenticity, productions like 'Emily in Paris' demonstrate how real locations can enhance narrative immersion while supporting local economies. Future seasons may expand beyond central Paris to showcase lesser-known arrondissements, potentially balancing tourist hotspots with authentic residential areas. The series' success suggests continued demand for location-rich content that transports viewers to iconic destinations through character-driven stories.