The third season of the popular Netflix series has just dropped, and all eyes are on France once more. Here’s how to track the American PR prodigy in her adventures through Paris and beyond.
An American being accepted in the sophisticated echelons of Parisian creatives? How gauche! And yet, Emily Cooper (played by Lily Collins) is the initially bumbling, yet earthily savvy marketing executive who lands up finding favour, fandom, and friendships in the City of Love. Season three of Emily in Paris takes us deeper into her labrynthine love life. But for many, the stunning locations are just as fascinating as the twists and turns of her life’s journey. Here are three that you can certainly pencil into your France itinerary…
In Paris
- Belleville
Literally meaning ‘beautiful town’, this neighbourhood that lies between the 19th and 20th arrondissements is a fascinating area that has the city’s two China towns, a thriving street art scene and artists galore. Many scenes from Emily in Paris S3 were shot here in summer 2022.
Good to know: Spot the plaque at number 72 of Rue de Belleville, which commemorates the iconic French singer Édith Piaf, who was born under a lamppost on the steps here and grew up in the area. La Vie En Rose, the 2007 film that traced her life story, was also shot in Belleville.
Good to do: Perfect for a neighbourhood walking tour as an alternative to or in tandem with the more touristy Montmartre.
- Piscine Molitor
The hotel pool that Emily and Mindy visit has as much historic significance as it makes for a beautiful backdrop. Called Piscine Molitor, the recently restored pool was built in 1929. The space was designed to resemble an ocean liner and adorned with Art Deco stained glass, and was often used for fashion shows, theatrical performances, and training for figure skating.
Good to know: The world’s first modern bikini, designed by Louis Réard and modelled by Micheline Bernardini, was unveiled at a fashion show by in July 1946 here.
Good to do: Stay at the hotel with stylish rooms offering modern-day essentials like Clarins toiletries, a Bose dockstation, and a Nespresso coffee machine. Get access to the summer pool, which is heated all year round, as well as a winter pool, Spa by Clarins, and a gorgeous roof-top terrace.
In the Loire Valley
- Le Château de Sonnay
The château said to be in Champagne that Emily in Paris visits again this season is actually Le Château de Sonnay in the Loire Valley. This 800 sq km stretch abundant with vineyards and fruit orchards as well as fields of asparagus and artichoke, is called the Garden of France with good reason. The central part of the valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its historic towns and well-preserved architecture.
Good to know: Fruity and crisp Loire wines are made across the area. If you’re a wine enthusiast, just travelling through this region will be like reading through your favourite wine list, from Muscadet on the Atlantic coast to the Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé just southeast of the city of Orléans in north-central France.
Good to do: There are more than 300 châteaux in the region, each more magnificent than the last! The most prominent ones such as Château d’Amboise, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Chambord, Château de Cheverny, Château de Chinon, Château de Montsoreau, Château du Rivau, Château d’Ussé, and Château de Villandry, etc, are worth a visit to get a glimpse of Renaissance architecture and the fabulous lifestyle of French royalty and nobility of the time.
In Provence
- Aix-en-Provence
This historical and glamorous province of southeastern France is known for many things, but especially for its gloriously hued lavender fields. You’ll see these as Emily and Alfie whiz through Aix-en-Provence in a speedy McLaren in Emily in Paris S3.
Good to know: They say that the lavender in Aix-en-Provence is the most deliciously fragrant in the world. They usually bloom in late June and early July, so make sure to plan your trip around that time.
Good to do: Dine at the hilltop restaurant called ‘Clover Gordes par Jean-François Piège’ which has great food and an even better view. This is the real avatar of L’Esprit du Luberon, the one where Emily and Gabriel share that pivotal moment (not saying anymore so there are no spoilers!).
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