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The Movie Lover's Guide to Paris
Not yet published
Expected 30 Mar 26For movie buffs and Paris lovers alike, The Movie Lover’s Guide to Paris is the ultimate companion for experiencing the City of Light through the lens of cinema. With over a century of cinematic history, Paris has been a muse for filmmakers, inspiring countless poignant moments on screen. With this book you can step into the frame and experience Paris like you’re a part of the action.
Explore iconic film locations, dine at the bistros your favourite characters have frequented, catch a classic at an art-house cinema, and immerse yourself in fascinating film events and tours.
Whether you're planning your first trip to Paris, already wandering its streets, or dreaming of the city from afar, this book offers fresh inspiration and insider knowledge to help you experience Paris as captured by the world’s greatest filmmakers.
Written by the author of The Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and The Architecture Lover’s Guide to Paris, this is the definitive guide for anyone wanting to experience the city at its most cinematic and magical.
Explore iconic film locations, dine at the bistros your favourite characters have frequented, catch a classic at an art-house cinema, and immerse yourself in fascinating film events and tours.
Whether you're planning your first trip to Paris, already wandering its streets, or dreaming of the city from afar, this book offers fresh inspiration and insider knowledge to help you experience Paris as captured by the world’s greatest filmmakers.
Written by the author of The Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and The Architecture Lover’s Guide to Paris, this is the definitive guide for anyone wanting to experience the city at its most cinematic and magical.
200 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword White Owl for an advance copy of this book that is both a history of the French appreciation for the art of cinema, and a guide to famous locations, restaurants, movie houses, and bookstores for the cinephile visiting the City of Lights.
Over the last few years I have become a bit of a Francophile. I have no real reason for it. maybe it was my discovery of the author Patrick Modiano, an author I have come to appreciate. I have always loved the comic work of Moebius and Métal Hurlant, but I have been reading quite a bit of the Humanoids comic line also. And of course French film and television, fed through my use of the Kanopy streaming service and the MHz channel, and their showing of Gallic crime shows. I've been trying to catch up with modern directors, discovering older works, and watching everything I can. French movies are so different in many ways, full of different styles, different kinds of stories, and a different vibe. Less intellectual property, more storytelling. So this book was quite a revelation to me and a temptation. For if reading this book brought me so much joy, using it to travel Paris would be all the better. The Movie Lover's Guide to Paris by Ruby Boukabou is both a reference to film, a travel guide, and a primer about Paris, the places to see, and the magic of movies, and why even after all these years they still have a draw us in.
The book is part of Boukabou guides to Paris, the previous books being about art and architecture, which I have not read. This one deals with film and starts with a list of films, that were important, popular and give a taste of Paris, the role of cinema in Parisian life, and are worth a watch. There is a section on movies set in Paris, though most of the American ones were filmed in California. Boukabou looks at the history of cinema in France, and the importance that the government has placed on it, using taxes to support the industry, and of course the numerous courses offered in cinema history. Boukabou gives examples of short tours for people who might not have time to see much of Paris, offering three days tours with film sites and famous locations. Boukabou has a large sections on restaurants, with ones featured in movies like Midnight in Paris and others. Some of these are extremely popular with fans, so make reservations. Boukabou offers libraries based on film, for reading catalogs, books about famous directors and of course viewing of films. Theaters both large and small, blockbuster and independent are listed along with a list of films that might possible be shown, to give one an idea. And of course sections on coffee shops and bookstores, to make the trip complete.
An interesting book both for travel and for film history. Boukabou goes into a few films, giving stories, and how certain films came to be, and their legacy. Boukabou has lots of information and websites listed so that one can plan an itinerary before hand, as well as some suggestions on prices. Boukabou is a very good writer capturing the love of film that seems so strong, offering a lot of solid information. The best part is that Boukabou makes everything sound so fun, that even I wanted to give up all my responsibilities and run away to the circus that is Paris.
A book for film lovers, and travellers, one that offers quite a lot of information, and more importantly inspiration.
Over the last few years I have become a bit of a Francophile. I have no real reason for it. maybe it was my discovery of the author Patrick Modiano, an author I have come to appreciate. I have always loved the comic work of Moebius and Métal Hurlant, but I have been reading quite a bit of the Humanoids comic line also. And of course French film and television, fed through my use of the Kanopy streaming service and the MHz channel, and their showing of Gallic crime shows. I've been trying to catch up with modern directors, discovering older works, and watching everything I can. French movies are so different in many ways, full of different styles, different kinds of stories, and a different vibe. Less intellectual property, more storytelling. So this book was quite a revelation to me and a temptation. For if reading this book brought me so much joy, using it to travel Paris would be all the better. The Movie Lover's Guide to Paris by Ruby Boukabou is both a reference to film, a travel guide, and a primer about Paris, the places to see, and the magic of movies, and why even after all these years they still have a draw us in.
The book is part of Boukabou guides to Paris, the previous books being about art and architecture, which I have not read. This one deals with film and starts with a list of films, that were important, popular and give a taste of Paris, the role of cinema in Parisian life, and are worth a watch. There is a section on movies set in Paris, though most of the American ones were filmed in California. Boukabou looks at the history of cinema in France, and the importance that the government has placed on it, using taxes to support the industry, and of course the numerous courses offered in cinema history. Boukabou gives examples of short tours for people who might not have time to see much of Paris, offering three days tours with film sites and famous locations. Boukabou has a large sections on restaurants, with ones featured in movies like Midnight in Paris and others. Some of these are extremely popular with fans, so make reservations. Boukabou offers libraries based on film, for reading catalogs, books about famous directors and of course viewing of films. Theaters both large and small, blockbuster and independent are listed along with a list of films that might possible be shown, to give one an idea. And of course sections on coffee shops and bookstores, to make the trip complete.
An interesting book both for travel and for film history. Boukabou goes into a few films, giving stories, and how certain films came to be, and their legacy. Boukabou has lots of information and websites listed so that one can plan an itinerary before hand, as well as some suggestions on prices. Boukabou is a very good writer capturing the love of film that seems so strong, offering a lot of solid information. The best part is that Boukabou makes everything sound so fun, that even I wanted to give up all my responsibilities and run away to the circus that is Paris.
A book for film lovers, and travellers, one that offers quite a lot of information, and more importantly inspiration.
January 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the eARC of The Movie Lover’s Guide to Paris in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby Boukabou has created a comprehensive guidebook for cinephiles exploring Paris that leaves you wanting to book those flights. The overall structure of the book is simple - first an exploration of film history with regards to Paris and French cinema, followed by two extensive lists of films that feature or take place in Paris (either French or English language). After the lists we’re provided with tips, tricks, and detailed looks at spots around the city that movie lovers might not want to miss, and then five unique walking tours, including one based on Midnight in Paris and one for Amelie. There’s lots of cute anecdotes and commentary on the city and the films that have shaped it or been shaped by it, and lots to offer readers planning a visit, as well as enough movie recommendations to keep you busy for years if not.
There are passages in the book that do unfortunately veer into repetitive territory. By the time we get to the walking tours, we’ve already read about many of the locations a few times (especially Shakespeare and Company, Cafe des Deux Moulins, Le Grand Vefour), which is understandable given the popularity and frequent film appearances of these spots, but it is a bit frustrating as a reader. I would’ve liked the walking tours to have maps within the book itself rather than external links - I think if you’re providing a guidebook and a tour to follow, the map should be part of the book so that it could be taken along (depending on the print size) or at least used as a visual reference while reading to better realize the scope of the tour(s) and the city itself. The written instructions are clear but without the visual aide alongside the text, I imagine it could get confusing.
Ruby Boukabou has created a comprehensive guidebook for cinephiles exploring Paris that leaves you wanting to book those flights. The overall structure of the book is simple - first an exploration of film history with regards to Paris and French cinema, followed by two extensive lists of films that feature or take place in Paris (either French or English language). After the lists we’re provided with tips, tricks, and detailed looks at spots around the city that movie lovers might not want to miss, and then five unique walking tours, including one based on Midnight in Paris and one for Amelie. There’s lots of cute anecdotes and commentary on the city and the films that have shaped it or been shaped by it, and lots to offer readers planning a visit, as well as enough movie recommendations to keep you busy for years if not.
There are passages in the book that do unfortunately veer into repetitive territory. By the time we get to the walking tours, we’ve already read about many of the locations a few times (especially Shakespeare and Company, Cafe des Deux Moulins, Le Grand Vefour), which is understandable given the popularity and frequent film appearances of these spots, but it is a bit frustrating as a reader. I would’ve liked the walking tours to have maps within the book itself rather than external links - I think if you’re providing a guidebook and a tour to follow, the map should be part of the book so that it could be taken along (depending on the print size) or at least used as a visual reference while reading to better realize the scope of the tour(s) and the city itself. The written instructions are clear but without the visual aide alongside the text, I imagine it could get confusing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
FIVE enthusiastic stars for The Movie Lover's Guide to Paris! If you love movies and you love Paris (or you want to go), this book is perfect for you. It was so much more than I expected. The sections on the history of Paris cinema and the list of films in both French and English (set in Paris) gave me so many films to put on my watch list. The 3 Days in Paris itinerary was a fun list of highlights that are do-able in 3 days, but stretch them out if you can! I appreciated the listing and photos of the various theaters around town, along with bars, restaurants, and cafés that have all been featured in films. The thoughtful walking guides (with a google maps link to boot) would be a great way to lose yourself in a movie for a day. As someone who has been to Paris 8 times, there are things in those walking tours that are new to me and I can't wait to get back and find them. I had no idea that so many of the spots to which I've been have been featured in movies and now I can't wait to find and watch those movies. All in all, this book is great fun for seasoned travelers and armchair travelers alike. As a movie-loving flaneusse, this book is a dream.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword | White Owl for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved this!
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword | White Owl for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved this!
December 3, 2025
My daughter and I love Paris and each and every time we go it’s hard to find something new to add to our itinerary. sure, there are many things to do in Paris, but with only so much time in the city of lights, we try to find the most enjoyable things to do and see while we’re there.
This book, however, will add a few stops to our trip this spring. already ordered a copy of this book for my daughter, and I’m looking forward to picking several places to visit while we are in town next. We are going to have so much fun. This book will make a great gift for anyone who loves Paris and movies.
This book, however, will add a few stops to our trip this spring. already ordered a copy of this book for my daughter, and I’m looking forward to picking several places to visit while we are in town next. We are going to have so much fun. This book will make a great gift for anyone who loves Paris and movies.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This guide is a must read for movie buffs and Paris lovers! So many iconic film locations to see and a list of movies, quite a few I have seen and loved and some that have gone right on my “to be seen” list. I thank Netgalley and Pen & Sword for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews