Set-jetting: why we love traveling to places known from TV using Emily in Paris as an example
July 12, 2025
Set-jetting, or traveling to places known from movies and TV series, has become one of the hottest travel trends of recent years. The phenomenon especially blossomed after the release of the TV series 'Emily in Paris,' which made millions of viewers around the world want to experience Parisian life in the style of the main character. This popular Netflix series not only won the hearts of viewers with its light-hearted plot and fashion inspirations, but also triggered a real tourism boom in the French capital. The places where the series was filmed, from Emily's picturesque apartment to the elegant office of the Savoir agency, have become must-see spots on the map for many tourists. Why are we so eager to follow in the footsteps of fictional characters, and what places from 'Emily in Paris' are worth visiting during a stay in the City of Lights? I invite you to discover the magic of set-jetting on the example of one of the most inspiring series of recent years.
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Key locations from the Emily in Paris series
Paris has always been a city that has attracted tourists with its unique charm, but the series 'Emily in Paris' has given some locations a whole new dimension of popularity. Let's take a look at the most important places that have become icons of the series and attract crowds of fans from all over the world.
Let's start with a place that for many is a symbol of the series - Emily Cooper's apartment. Located on Place de l'Estrapade in the 5th district of Paris, this picturesque building with a distinctive balcony has become one of the most photographed places in the city. Although in the series Emily's apartment is in the attic, in reality the building is a typical Haussmannian-style townhouse. The neighborhood, known as the Latin Quarter, is one of the most charming places in Paris, full of atmospheric cafes, bookstores and stores. Tourists come here to have their picture taken in front of the building's facade and feel like a character in the series. Interestingly, real estate prices in the area rose significantly after the series premiered, showing how much influence pop culture can have on the real estate market.
Another iconic location is the office of the Savoir marketing agency, where Emily works. In fact, it's an elegant building on Place de Valois in Paris' 1st district. This exclusive location in the heart of the city, near the Louvre and the Palais Royal, perfectly reflects the luxurious nature of the fictional agency. The square where the office is located is small and intimate, surrounded by elegant restaurants and boutiques. Before the TV series, the place was mostly known to locals; today it is besieged by tourists wanting to see where Emily spends her working days. It's worth noting that the building actually houses an art gallery, not a marketing agency, which doesn't stop fans from taking photos of themselves in front of the distinctive entrance.
The Jardin du Palais Royal is another place that has grown in popularity thanks to the series. This elegant garden, surrounded by arcades with boutiques of luxury brands, appears in several scenes, including the famous scene when Emily takes photos of herself on Instagram. The Palais Royal gardens are a true oasis of calm in the heart of a busy city. Symmetrical alleys, carefully trimmed hedges and fountains create the perfect backdrop for romantic strolls. Unlike some of Paris' more crowded attractions, these gardens still retain a certain intimacy, although the number of visitors increased significantly after the success of the series. It's worth visiting early in the morning, when you can enjoy the peace and beauty of the place without the crowds.
It's impossible to leave out the Louvre, one of the world's most famous museums, which also appears in the series. This impressive institution, with its distinctive glass pyramid in the courtyard, provides the backdrop for several scenes featuring Emily. Home to thousands of works of art, including the famous Mona Lisa, the Louvre is a must-see on any visit to Paris, regardless of interest in the series. However, fans of 'Emily in Paris' may want to recreate the heroine's route through the museum or take photos in the same places. It's worth remembering that the Louvre is one of the busiest museums in the world, so it's advisable to buy tickets in advance and visit during less popular hours.
The Luxembourg Garden is another place that appears in the series and attracts fans. This sprawling park, with its distinctive green chairs and carefully maintained flower beds, is a favorite resting place for Parisians and tourists. In the series, Emily often comes here to relax and think about her problems. The Luxembourg Garden offers many attractions - from a pond where children can launch boats, to tennis courts and places to play chess. It's the perfect place to experience the true Parisian lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Unlike some of the more commercial locations in the series, this garden has retained its authentic character and is still primarily a place for city dwellers to relax.
Cult locations of Paris in the Emily in Paris series
The series 'Emily in Paris' skillfully weaves into its storyline not only lesser-known charming corners of the city, but also iconic locations that are symbols of Paris. One of these is the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, towering over the city from Montmartre hill. This imposing white-domed temple appears in the series as a backdrop for the characters' romantic scenes and moments of reflection. The basilica, built at the turn of the 20th century, offers some of the most beautiful panoramic views of Paris. Fans of the series come here to recreate shots from their favorite show, but also to experience the unique atmosphere of Montmartre - the artists' district, with its winding streets, cafes and squares where painters still exhibit their work. It's worth noting that the area around the basilica tends to be very crowded, especially during the tourist season, so it's best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening, when you can admire both the architecture of the temple and the city skyline in peace.
Place de la Concorde, one of Paris' largest and most historic squares, also appears in the series. This vast square, with a distinctive Egyptian obelisk in the middle and fountains, connects the Champs-Elysees with the Tuileries garden. In the series, the place serves as the backdrop for several scenes, highlighting the grandeur and historical character of Paris. The Place de la Concorde has a tumultuous history - during the French Revolution it was the site of public executions, including the beheadings of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Today, it is a busy transportation hub, but also a space that impresses with its monumental architecture and scenic prospects. Fans of the series often come here to take photos with the obelisk in the background or to admire the panorama of the Champs-Elysees. It is worth noting that the square is quite busy and noisy due to the surrounding traffic, so it is not a place where you can spend much time in peace.
Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, is another location that appears in the series. This symmetrical, arcaded square in the Marais district is considered one of the most beautiful in the city. In the series, Emily visits this location during her explorations of Paris. The Place des Vosges, with its central park, fountains and surrounding elegant red brick townhouses, is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or picnic. Under the arcade are art galleries, boutiques and cafes, making it an attractive place for tourists and locals alike. Unlike some of the more crowded attractions, Place des Vosges retains a certain intimacy and authenticity, allowing you to experience real Parisian life.
For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the world of 'Emily in Paris,' there are special themed tours, such as those offered by Emily in Paris Tours by Explore Paris Tours. These organized tours take fans through all the major locations from the series, while offering trivia from the set and historical context of the places visited. These tours come in a variety of options, from short walks of a few hours to full-day explorations. The guides are often fans of the series and share not only official information, but also their own observations and anecdotes. For many tourists, such a tour is an ideal way to discover Paris through the lens of their favorite series, especially if they have limited time in the city and want to see as many locations from the show as possible.
Also worth mentioning is Emily's Restaurant, which, although not directly associated with the series (the name is a coincidence), attracts fans because of its name. Located near the Eiffel Tower, it offers French cuisine in an elegant setting. Although Emily visits many restaurants and cafes in the series, this particular one does not appear in the show, which does not prevent some fans from visiting it due to the coincidence of the names.
Galerie Patrick Fourtin, an elegant art gallery located near the Palais Royal, is another place that can be seen in the series. In the fictional world of 'Emily in Paris,' the gallery is a venue for exclusive events and business meetings. In reality, it's a renowned gallery specializing in Asian and African art. For fans of the series interested in art, a visit to this gallery can be an interesting experience, combining a love of the show with an exploration of the Paris art scene.
The phenomenon of set-jetting and its impact on tourism
Set-jetting, or the phenomenon of traveling to places known from movies and TV series, is not a new trend, but has gained popularity in recent years thanks to global streaming platforms such as Netflix. The series 'Emily in Paris' is a prime example of how a TV production can influence viewers' travel decisions and change the face of tourism in a given destination.
The impact of the series on tourism in Paris is significant and multidimensional. First, there is a noticeable increase in the number of tourists in the places that appear in the series. Local businesses, such as cafes, restaurants and stores located near iconic locations from the series, have seen a significant increase in business. One example is the Terra Nera café, which appears in the series as 'Les Deux Compères' - the place where Emily meets her neighbor Gabriel. After the series aired, the café became so popular that the owners decided to temporarily change the name to that of the series to attract even more fans.
However, the set-jetting phenomenon has its dark side. An excessive influx of tourists to some previously quiet locations can lead to problems with overcrowding, rising prices and a change in the character of the place. Residents near Place de l'Estrapade, where Emily's apartment is located, complain of crowds of tourists taking pictures in front of the building at all hours of the day and night. Similar problems afflict other popular locations in the series. This phenomenon, known as overtourism, is becoming a growing challenge for many cities, not just Paris.
On the other hand, set-jetting can bring economic and cultural benefits. Tourists inspired by the series often go off the beaten tourist track, discovering lesser-known neighborhoods and local businesses. An example is the increased interest in Paris' 5th district, where Emily lives, which was previously not a major tourist destination. Local restaurants, cafes and stores are gaining new customers and the neighborhood is gaining new life. In addition, fans of the series are often interested not only in the places, but also in the culture, cuisine and lifestyle depicted in the show, which can lead to a deeper and more authentic travel experience.
It is also worth noting that set-jetting is changing the way cities and regions approach tourism promotion. More and more places are actively seeking to become the set of a movie or TV series, seeing it as an opportunity to promote themselves and attract tourists. Paris, as a city with a rich film tradition, has long benefited from this phenomenon, but 'Emily in Paris' has brought a new wave of interest, especially among younger travelers.
For tourists interested in set-jetting in Emily's footsteps, there are several practical considerations to consider. First, the best time to visit popular locations from the series is outside the peak tourist season - early spring or late fall offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds. Second, consider visiting at unusual times - early morning is the perfect time to take photos in front of Emily's apartment or Savoir's office without crowds of other fans. Third, while the locations in the series are fascinating, it's also worth exploring Paris off the beaten series track - the city offers much more than shown in the show.
Another interesting aspect of set-jetting is how it changes our perception of places. For many fans of the series, Paris becomes not so much the real city with its complexities and contrasts, but an idealized version known from the screen - full of romance, elegance and beauty. This difference between imagination and reality can lead to the so-called Paris Syndrome - the disillusionment that some tourists experience when they confront their idealized imaginations with the real city. On the other hand, for many, set-jetting is a way to add a new layer of meaning to the places they visit - an opportunity to experience them not only in a historical or cultural context, but also through the lens of their favorite characters and their stories.
All in all, set-jetting inspired by the TV series 'Emily in Paris' is a fascinating phenomenon that is changing the face of tourism in the French capital. For fans of the series, following in Emily's footsteps is not only an opportunity to see beautiful places, but also a way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the show and experience your own Parisian adventure. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the series or just a curious traveler, the places made famous by 'Emily in Paris' offer a unique look at the City of Lights and its endless charm.
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