Paris is not only the capital of love and fashion: it is also one of the greatest open-air film sets in the world. From iconic movies to the most popular series, every street corner, bridge, and façade has already served as a backdrop. What if you set out to discover these iconic filming locations by bike? With OneBike, renting an electric bike or a cargo bike becomes the best way to explore movie locations at your own pace. So hop on your saddle—here is our selection of cinematic routes to explore by bike!
Why explore Paris by bike to discover its filming locations?
The magic of cinema in Paris is often hidden in small details at the turn of an alleyway or on a bridge you might never notice from the metro. Getting around by bike offers a freedom of movement that no other mode of transport can match. While the metro or a car isolates you from the scenery, a bike allows you to discover places you might otherwise miss.
You can stop whenever you like to take a photo in front of the café featured in Amélie or to admire the perspective of the bridge seen in Inception—without spending hours searching for a parking spot.
Above all, Paris’s cycling network, with more than 1,000 kilometers of bike lanes, allows you to connect the Right Bank and the Left Bank in record time!
The effort is moderate, you stay fresh and energized for your visits, and you enjoy the city air without the crowding of public transport. What more could you ask for?
Route 1: In the Footsteps of “Amélie”
Our first route takes you in the footsteps of Montmartre’s most famous heroine: Amélie Poulain. This neighborhood, with its village-like atmosphere, calls for good electric assistance to tackle the slopes effortlessly. Your journey begins at the foot of the Butte, at the Café des Deux Moulins on Rue Lepic. This is where Amélie worked as a waitress.
Park your OneBike for a moment to admire the red façade, which has remained almost unchanged since Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s filming. The neighborhood’s energy is palpable and immediately immerses you in the film’s atmosphere.
As you ride up Rue Lepic, you will pass the grocery store of Mr. Collignon, officially called “Au Marché de la Butte.” It’s a must-see to spot the fruit and vegetable crates where Amélie loved dipping her hand into sacks of grains. Thanks to the maneuverability of our bikes, you will easily navigate these narrow, sometimes crowded streets.
Continue your climb to the top of the Butte. The electric assistance of your e-bike will allow you to reach the Sacré-Cœur without breaking a sweat, leaving you with all the energy you need to admire the panoramic view over Paris.
End this romantic ride by heading back down toward Square Louise Michel. It is here, at the foot of the carousel, that the famous treasure hunt scene between Amélie and Nino Quincampoix takes place.
Route 2: Paris Through “Inception” and “Midnight in Paris”
For this second route, we shift atmospheres. The journey begins at Pont Bir-Hakeim, a location that became iconic thanks to Christopher Nolan’s Inception. This metal viaduct, with its symmetrical columns, offers fascinating perspectives—perfect for a photo session. The bike lane crossing it allows you to ride beneath the elevated metro, giving you a sense of speed and futurism with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop.
After leaving the world of Inception, follow the banks of the Seine eastward toward the Latin Quarter, the setting of Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. This neighborhood is the beating heart of Parisian nostalgia. Your main destination is the Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, located right next to the Panthéon. It is on the steps of its side entrance that Gil waits every night at midnight for the mysterious car that takes him back to the 1920s. Arriving here by bike—especially at blue hour—adds a magical dimension to the experience.
Then stop in front of the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, another key location in Woody Allen’s film, as well as in Before Sunset.
Route 3: The Paris of “Emily in Paris”
Our third route is dedicated to fans of the hit series Emily in Paris. This itinerary is an ode to modern, colorful, and trendy Paris. It all begins at Place de l’Estrapade in the 5th arrondissement. This is where the heroine’s apartment is located, just above the bakery where she buys her first pain au chocolat. A few steps away, you will spot the restaurant “Terra Nera,” renamed “Les Deux Compères” in the series.
Next, head toward the Palais Royal Garden by crossing the Seine. This route takes you past the Louvre—always an impressive sight by bike. Once at the Palais Royal, find the benches where Emily and Mindy regularly confide in each other.
Cars are not allowed inside the garden, but you can lock your bike nearby and stroll under the arcades. Right next door, Place de Valois is home to the offices of the Savoir agency. It is a place of rare elegance, typically Parisian, which you can reach with just a few pedal strokes.
To finish in style, make your way to Pont des Arts. Although famous for many other films, it remains a must-see for the series’ aesthetic. Crossing this bridge by bike, with its open view of Île de la Cité, is an experience you will not soon forget.
And for total immersion in the world of Emily in Paris, we even offer a self-guided tour, allowing you to follow a precise itinerary while exploring at your own pace.
At OneBike, we offer electric bike rentals in just a few clicks. Simple, fast, and fully secure, enjoy our all-inclusive rates and our bikes made in France for a day, a weekend, or longer. Our experts are waiting for you in the heart of Paris to equip you and share their best riding tips. Don’t wait any longer—book your electric bike and set off to conquer the most beautiful film sets in the capital today!
