*A photo I took on the famous Café on one of my many visits to Montmartre*

Welcome to the first instalment in our Set-Jetting series—where cinema and travel collide. We’re kicking things off in style with Amélie (2001), one of my favourite films of all time and a movie that turned Paris’s Montmartre district into a dreamy, cinematic escape you can actually visit.

If you've ever found yourself daydreaming about walking the charming cobbled streets of Montmartre with a warm croissant in hand, then you're probably already halfway in love with Amélie (2001). Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, this whimsical French classic isn't just a film—it's a postcard-perfect invitation to Paris and more specifically, to one of its most atmospheric neighbourhoods: Montmartre. For fans of film tourism or "set-jetting," visiting the real-life locations from Amélie is like stepping straight into cinema.

Discovering Paris Through Amélie's Eyes

Set entirely in Paris, Amélie tells the story of a shy but imaginative waitress who sets out to quietly change the lives of those around her, all while navigating her own journey towards love. The film's magic lies not only in its quirky characters and vibrant colour palette but also in its very real setting. Every frame celebrates the charm of Montmartre, turning familiar streets into works of art.

For travellers, this means you can follow in Amélie's footsteps and actually visit the places that made the film so special.

Must-Visit Amélie Filming Locations in Montmartre

1. Café des 2 Moulins

Perhaps the most iconic spot in the film, this is where Amélie works as a waitress. The real Café des 2 Moulins (15 Rue Lepic) still stands today, complete with the famous tobacco counter. It's a great place to sit down, order a crème café and feel like you’ve been cast in a scene.

2. Rue Saint-Vincent & Rue Lamarck

These quaint streets are where Amélie is often seen wandering or daydreaming. They perfectly capture the rustic charm of Montmartre with its vine-covered walls, vintage cars and winding paths. Ideal for an afternoon stroll and some Instagram-worthy shots.

3. Sacré-Cœur Basilica

While not featured heavily in the film, the basilica looms over Montmartre and adds to the district's cinematic skyline. Nearby is the coin-operated telescope Amélie uses, a small but sweet detail for fans.

4. Canal Saint-Martin

Outside Montmartre, but worth the mention. This is where Amélie enjoys skipping stones. It’s also become a hotspot for both locals and tourists, offering a more relaxed and less touristy side of Paris.

Why Amélie Works So Well for Film Tourism

Unlike many Hollywood productions shot on studio backlots or peppered with CGI, Amélie was filmed almost entirely on location. That gives visitors the rare chance to relive scenes exactly where they happened. There's something deeply satisfying about seeing a place first on screen and then in real life, especially when it looks just as romantic and untouched as you imagined.

And because the film is so tightly woven into the fabric of Parisian life—with its markets, metro stations and cafés—you don’t just feel like you’re on a movie set. You feel like you're in the story.

Planning Your Amélie-Inspired Trip to Paris

If you're heading to Paris and want to include some film locations on your itinerary, here are a few tips:

Stay in or near Montmartre: It's not only beautiful, but it puts you right in the heart of the film's geography.
Book a characterful hotel: I stayed at Hôtel Des Arts Montmartre a few years ago and found it to be a perfect base for exploring Montmartre and the rest of Paris. It has charm, location, and just the right atmosphere for a film-inspired stay.
Take a walking tour: Several companies offer Amélie-themed tours that include trivia, film clips, and photography stops.
Watch the film again before you go: It really enhances the experience and helps you spot the small details others might miss.
Pack comfortable shoes: Montmartre is hilly and full of staircases, but the views are worth every step.

A Quirky Side of Paris You Won't Find in the Guidebooks

Part of what makes Amélie so compelling is its perspective. It doesn’t just show the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées; it takes you into the corners of Paris where everyday magic happens. That’s exactly the kind of travel experience many of us seek—one that feels personal, offbeat and just a bit surreal.

Set-jetting isn’t about ticking off famous landmarks. It’s about seeing the world through a lens—literally. And in the case of Amélie, that lens is tinted with charm, curiosity and a deep love for the little things.

Final Thoughts (that aren’t wine and cheese!)

If you're the kind of traveller who loves cinema as much as city breaks, then a pilgrimage to Amélie's Paris is a must. It's not just about visiting film locations; it's about experiencing a side of Paris that feels timeless, romantic and a little bit magical. From sipping coffee at Café des 2 Moulins to wandering Rue Lepic at dusk, you'll feel like you're part of a story that's still unfolding.

And who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to change a few lives along the way, just like Amélie did.

Ready to walk in Amélie's footsteps? One Extra Night Travel can help you plan the perfect Paris escape, from flights and hotels to those hidden corners of Montmartre. Message us today and let’s make your own film-worthy journey a reality.

Set-Jetting in Paris: Amélie Film Locations in Montmartre