Paris, the city of love, is known for its charming streets, picturesque cafes, and iconic landmarks. But did you know that this beautiful city was also the backdrop for Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster hit ‘Inception’?
The film takes us on a thrilling journey through the world of dreams and features some breathtaking visuals of Paris. So, where exactly was ‘Inception’ filmed in Paris? Let’s find out!
The Pont de Bir-Hakeim Bridge
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie takes place on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim Bridge. The bridge connects the 15th and 16th arrondissements of Paris and offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and Seine River.
During filming, the production team closed off one side of the bridge to capture shots of Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page walking along it. The scene where Joseph Gordon-Levitt fights off armed men in zero gravity was also shot on this bridge.
The Carousel du Louvre
Another iconic location featured in ‘Inception’ is the Carousel du Louvre. This underground shopping mall is located beneath the famous Louvre Museum and is home to over 40 luxury shops.
The scene where Cobb (played by DiCaprio) meets Ariadne (Page) for the first time was shot here. The two characters are seen walking around the mall discussing their shared dream architecture abilities.
The Place Vendôme
The Place Vendôme is a beautiful square located in the heart of Paris. It’s surrounded by high-end jewelry shops and luxury hotels, making it a popular destination for tourists.
In ‘Inception’, this location serves as the backdrop for a chase sequence between Cobb and his team and Fischer’s men. The scene features cars racing through the square while gunfire erupts all around them.
The École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts
The École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts is a prestigious art school located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. The building itself is a work of art, with its grand entrance and beautiful courtyard.
Several scenes from ‘Inception’ were shot here, including the one where Cobb and Ariadne are sitting on a bench discussing dreams. The building’s unique architecture adds to the dreamlike quality of the scene.
The Hôtel de Ville
The Hôtel de Ville is Paris’s city hall and is located in the 4th arrondissement. Its stunning Neo-Renaissance architecture makes it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
In ‘Inception’, this location is featured in a scene where Fischer’s men catch up with Cobb and his team. The building’s grand staircase serves as the backdrop for an intense shootout between the two groups.
Conclusion
Paris is a city that has captured the hearts of people all over the world. It’s no surprise that Christopher Nolan chose to film parts of ‘Inception’ here, given its stunning architecture and romantic ambiance. If you’re ever in Paris, be sure to check out these iconic locations and relive some of your favorite moments from this unforgettable movie.