15 Movies to Watch Before a Trip to Paris
Get excited for your adventure by working your way through this list of movies to watch before a trip to Paris. Enjoy hearing the French language, see stunning views of the city, and learn a bit about the history of Paris before you go.
I believe that at least half the fun of a family vacation is prepping for the trip before we go.
We love to plan themed movie nights in the weeks leading up to our adventure. I worked in as many movies set in Paris as I could before we went on our day trip from London to Paris over spring break.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, want a romantic movie to watch on your own, enjoy historical dramas to get a feel for the area, or need an action adventure to watch with your partner, there’s a little something for everyone on this list.
Les Miserables
I would argue that reading the novel by Victor Hugo should be one of the first things you do when you know you’ll be visiting Paris but if you don’t have the time, the movie starring Hugh Jackman is perhaps the next best thing.
Eiffel
French is the predominant language in this movie with English subtitles and would also make a wonderful exposure to the language before your trip!
Napoleon
If you plan to visit Napoleon’s tomb in the Dôme des Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe, or the Army Museum during your visit to Paris, you’ll want to watch this insider take on the infamous emperor himself.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
This musical Disney movie is a great way to introduce kids to both Notre Dame and the famous story by Victor Hugo. While currently still under renovation, the glorious cathedral is expected to open by the end of the year.
Amélie
Immerse yourself in the whimsical story of Amélie, played by the charming Audrey Tautou. Another French film with English subtitles that makes for a perfect exposure to the people you will encounter during your trip.
Ratatouille
Perhaps one of my favorite Disney movies of all time, Ratatouille would make an excellent choice for preparing your kids before the trip. It’s a fun pick for anyone who plans to eat in Paris at all!
Hugo
Based on the amazing book The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, this is a wonderful story to share with your kids.
Moulin Rouge
Directed by Baz Luhrmann and winner of 2 Oscars, Moulin Rouge stars Nicole Kidman in one of her most famous roles.
Julie and Julia
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci are brilliant. Watch Julia Child as she learns to cook at Le Cordon Bleu and brings French cooking to the world.
Another great Julia Child option would be the series Julia, starring Sarah Lancashire as Julia.
Cyrano
I’m shocked more people aren’t talking about this movie starring Peter Dinklage, of Game of Thrones fame. If you’ve only been exposed to the story of Cyrano de Bergerac through Steve Martin’s Roxanne, you have to give this original version a try.
The Devil Wears Prada
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci — that’s all I should have to say to get you to watch this movie, but the story all builds to an epic fashion show in Paris and is the perfect prep for your trip.
Marie Antoinette
If you plan to visit Versailles during your trip to Paris, you’ll definitely want to watch Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette starring Kirsten Dunst.
Sabrina
Whether you watch the Harrison Ford version or the original Audrey Hepburn classic, the story of Sabrina is a perfect Paris romance.
Taken
When we arrived late at night at Gare du Nord, the train station in Paris, my husband couldn’t help but reference this movie starring Liam Neeson, a man with “a very particular set of skills.”
Let’s just say the areas around train stations don’t always feel the safest.
If you want a heart-pounding way to get excited for your trip, this would be an excellent movie night pick.
The Man in the Iron Mask
If you enjoyed the Three Musketeers, you’ll enjoy this follow-up which features the againg musketeers 35 years later. The all-star cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gerard Depardieu and Gabriel Byrne.
