Paris: Midnight in Paris, a movie tour in Latin Quarter

Imagine strolling through the heart of Paris, retracing the steps of a film that captures its timeless allure. For just $29 per person, this 2.5-hour guided tour offers a delightful blend of cinematic magic and historical charm. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll walk the very streets where Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris was filmed, passing iconic landmarks like the Pantheon, Sorbonne, and the scenic Seine banks.

What really stands out are the visual aids: watching scenes from the movie on a digital tablet while on set helps bring the experience to life, making it more than just a walk—it’s a glimpse into Paris’s cinematic soul. We also loved the chance to visit Shakespeare & Co., a bookstore steeped in literary history, and the Polidor restaurant, where Gil meets Hemingway—a perfect snapshot of Paris’s bohemian past.

A small, possible consideration is that the tour moves at a steady pace, with multiple stops, so if you’re looking for a quick, rushing overview, this might feel a bit leisurely. But if you enjoy storytelling and soaking in atmosphere, you’ll find lots to love.

This experience is ideal for film buffs, history lovers, or anyone wanting a charming, walkable tour that mixes movie magic with authentic Parisian neighborhoods. It’s especially good if you prefer guided insights over self-guided wandering, and if you enjoy seeing the city through a lens of storytelling and cinematic memory.

Key Points

• Authentic film locations: Walk where Midnight in Paris was shot, with visual clips to enhance the experience.
• Rich storytelling: Guides share amusing anecdotes about the district’s literary and artistic legends.
• Historical landmarks: Pass by the Pantheon, Sorbonne, and Saint-Étienne du Mont, blending film and history.
• Visual enhancements: Watch film scenes on a digital tablet as you stand on the actual sets.
• Cultural immersion: Visit Shakespeare & Co., a bookstore with a storied past linked to famous writers.
• Convenient pace: The tour’s duration and stops are well balanced for an engaging but relaxed walk.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Paris: Midnight in Paris Tour

What Makes This Tour Special

This tour carves out a niche for travelers who love movies, Paris’s historic neighborhoods, and the chance to see the City of Light through a cinematic lens. For about two and a half hours, you’ll explore a compact part of Paris—the Latin Quarter—where the film’s magic was mostly shot.

What we loved most was the combination of storytelling and sight-seeing. Your guide, whose name might be familiar with amusing anecdotes, will take you past famous film sets and tell tales about the district’s literary past. The visual component—watching clips from the movie on a digital tablet—adds a lively touch, allowing you to connect the dots between the scenes and the real streets.

Another highlight is the visit to Shakespeare & Co., a bookstore that has welcomed many famous writers. Standing inside, you feel the echoes of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and others who found inspiration in Paris. The Polidor restaurant, where Gil meets Hemingway in the film, offers a glimpse into the bohemian Paris of the 1920s—though it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include a meal here, just a visit to see the site.

What to Expect During the Tour

The tour begins at Place Henri Mondor, where you’ll meet your guide for a quick introduction, then head off on foot into the Latin Quarter. Your guide will lead you through narrow streets, sharing stories of the district’s literary legends and famous film moments. Expect to walk at a comfortable pace, with many stops allowing for photos and questions.

The first significant stop is La Sorbonne, the historic university, which sets the intellectual tone of the area. From there, you’ll proceed to the Pantheon, where many of France’s great thinkers are buried, and to Saint-Étienne du Mont, a beautiful church with a distinctive tower. These sites aren’t just scenic—they’re steeped in history, making the tour as educational as it is entertaining.

As you explore, your guide will point out film scenes matching the locations, which you can watch on your tablet. This multimedia element helps you see how these streets became part of cinematic history.

The ultimate stop is the Shakespeare & Co. bookstore, known for its literary heritage. The guide will share stories about the writers who flocked to Paris, and you’ll have a moment for browsing or photos. The tour concludes here, giving you a chance to linger if you wish.

Authentic Experience and Atmosphere

Travelers have described the charm of walking through old Paris, with the emphasis on the city’s cinematic past making the experience feel special. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the guide shared amusing anecdotes, and the scenes on the tablet made the streets come alive.”

Another appreciated the visual aids: “Watching the scenes while standing on the set was a fun way to connect the movie with reality.” This combination of storytelling, practical sight-seeing, and multimedia makes the tour feel immersive without feeling rushed.

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The Practical Side: Price, Group Size, and Accessibility

At $29 per person, the tour offers great value—especially considering the inclusion of digital clips and the guided storytelling. It’s a relaxed, walking experience, suitable for most fitness levels, and takes place rain or shine, so appropriate footwear and an umbrella are advisable.

The tour’s meeting point in front of the Danton statue near the Odeon metro makes it easy to find, and guides typically speak both English and French, ensuring a broad audience can enjoy the experience.

Why This Tour Works (or Might Not)

For film lovers, this tour offers a wonderful way to connect Paris’s streets with its cinematic image. The visual component enhances understanding, and the focus on famous film sites makes it a memorable experience.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the stories about the district’s writers and artists, as well as the architectural highlights like the Pantheon and Saint-Étienne du Mont.

However, if you’re expecting a deep dive into film production or detailed historical lectures, this might be more light-hearted than that. It’s primarily a walk-and-watch experience, suited more for relaxed sightseeing with a narrative twist rather than in-depth academic exploration.

The Sum Up

This Midnight in Paris film tour offers a charming, well-paced way to see some of the most iconic spots in the Latin Quarter, all while enjoying the movie’s story. Whether you’re a cinephile, a literature lover, or simply curious about Paris’s cinematic portrayal, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

The combination of visual aids, local stories, and beautiful streetscapes creates a memorable experience that makes Paris feel both familiar and magical. It’s a great choice for those who want a guided, engaging overview of the city’s film-related sites without the hassle of planning or rushing.

If you’re seeking an authentic, relaxed way to explore Paris’s literary and cinematic heritage, and enjoy a taste of its charming streets, this tour is for you. Just bring comfortable shoes, and prepare to see Paris through a slightly different lens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for most ages, as it involves walking and storytelling with visual aids.

Do I need to prepare anything before the tour?
Comfortable shoes and water are recommended. The tour takes place rain or shine, so an umbrella may be helpful.

Can I join the tour if I don’t speak French?
Yes, the tour is offered in English and French, so you can choose the language that suits you best.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2.5 hours, making it a manageable outing without being overly tiring.

Where do I meet the guide?
In front of the Statue Danton, near the Odeon metro exit. The guide will be waiting there for you.

Are the stops at the film sites brief or detailed?
Stops are moderate in length, enough to appreciate the location and hear anecdotes. The focus is on storytelling and visual clips.

Is the digital tablet included in the tour?
Yes, photos and film clips are provided on a digital tablet during the walk, enhancing the experience.

What if it rains during the tour?
The tour takes place rain or shine. Bring appropriate rain gear if needed, as the walk is outdoors.

This Midnight in Paris tour balances entertainment, education, and sightseeing, making it an engaging way to experience the city’s cinematic side. Whether you’re revisiting Paris in your mind or discovering it for the first time, this walk will leave you with plenty of stories—and stunning views—to remember.

You can check availability for your dates here: