Le Fabuleux Destin de. . .
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of “Amélie.” From trying appreciate the little things in life to traveling with a gnome, there are definitely days when I think I am Amélie Poulain. I “went to the cinema” (as my French students would say) when the film first came out as a student in Paris, and immediately fell in love with the charming movie and the city at the same time. Here are pictures from my pilgrimage to prove it!
Skipping stones at Canal St.-Martin: corner of the Rue des Vinaigriers and the Rue de la Grange-aux-Belles, 10e
Recognize this guy from my header? My artistic gnome hanging out at Au Marché de la Butte, where Amélie goes to the market (see Maison Collignon sign): 56, rue des Trois Frères, 18e (too bad he didn’t know the market is closed on Mondays).
The infamous bathroom scene at the cafe Amélie works at: Café des Deux Moulins, 15, rue Lepic
Crème brulée at Café des Deux Moulins. C’est si bon! My pilgrimage was initially inspired by this 2003 NYT article on the “Amélie Poulainization” of Montmartre (which also features some other key locations of the film). I noticed several of the sites listed in the article seem to have been discontinued, but this “Secrets of Paris” blog seems to have some other good leads (like her apartment). However, nothing tops “The Worldwide Guide to Movie Locations” link that gives detailed information about all the locations featured in Amélie (and thousands of other movies filmed around the world). So cool- it’s a travel guide for movie locations!
P.S. For all you Muggles out there, check out the great guide to Harry Potter on Budget Travel Online. Keep you eyes out for Platform 9 3/4 – it does exist!
monica yvette
August 12, 2007 at 4:52 am //
How funny that you actually carried your gnome around. I love that movie, by the way, and I’ll have to check out the Harry Potter link. Another fan of the books and movies here.