Tokyo, japan - may 31 2023: Art installation depicting the title of the American romantic comedy-drama television series Emily in Paris. (Kuremo, Cazottes Clément-Adobe Stock)
*Spoiler Alert* (sort of)
Ooh là là, Emily is back and when in Rome… I mean Paris… or shall I say Rome?
A surprise at the end of season four left the audience with some big questions and revealed the hit show “Emily in Paris” may no longer be set in Paris, or at least not as much. In fact, it will take place in Rome for season five and Sylvie Grateau (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) AKA Emily’s very blasé, yet chic boss has appointed Emily to spearhead the new branch of Agence Grateau in Rome.
Iconic outfits in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (Von olenakucher - Adobe Stock)
For those who haven’t seen Emily in Paris, this very bingeable romantic dramady features Emily (played by the lovely Lily Collins), a fashionista from Chicago with larger-than-life ambitions, who takes a leap of faith in pursuit of a dream marketing job in Paris.
While there are plenty of comedic mishaps, and coworkers who are not so welcoming at first, it’s hard not to get sucked into the ultra-quirky, girly and embellished version of Paris seen through Emily’s eyes and to fall into a love/hate relationship with all of the characters. That includes her somewhat unconventional romantic relationships.
But back to Emily opening Agence Grateau’s new office in Rome… Does this mean a title change to “Emily in Rome” and will our favorite and least favorite characters also make appearances?
I suspect few viewers will be upset if Emily’s new love interest Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini), the heroic “Italian stallion” who rescued her from skiing down the steep slopes of the French Alps by herself, is here to stay.
The good news is that, yes, most of the main cast will return, plus there are rumors that “Sex in the City” star Kim Cattrall will also make an appearance. The title of the show will remain “Emily in Paris” for the foreseeable future and filming is set to begin in May 2025. Perhaps that is a good time to plan a trip to Paris or Rome. As you follow in Emily’s footsteps, you may just get a glimpse of her whimsical life as well.
Regardless of whether you’ve been watching the show or if you just began, these spots featured in “Emily in Paris” and in Rome can’t be missed!
Montmartre
Start your day through Emily’s eyes by catching a stunning sunrise as you jog to the top of the stairs of La Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. Montmartre is a famous art district in Paris with village charm and creativity all the way to the top of the famous hill. Emily and her best friend, Mindy (Ashley Park) also enjoy a drink at the iconic Maison Rose restaurant along one of Montmartre’s prettiest streets.
La Basilique du Sacre Coeur de Montmartre, Paris (Alejandro-Adobe Stock )
Boulangerie Moderne
Wooden board with a Pain au chocolat pastry (Von Pixel-Shot - Adobe Stock)
Along La Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, you will find a couple of the most frequented spots seen in “Emily in Paris” including her favorite Boulangerie and Les Deux Compères. Follow in Emily’s footsteps at Boulangerie Moderne where Emily comically tries and fails to speak French but manages to leave successfully with her first pain au chocolat. And, just around the corner is Emily’s beautiful apartment building Place de l’Estrapade.
Tera Nera
Located right next to Boulangerie Moderne is Tera Nera. You may know it as Les Deux Compères which is the restaurant Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), one of Emily’s main love interests, works at. While you may not see Chef Gabriel, you can stop in for a classic Italian meal or try the “tagliata di manzo Emily” a dish added for fans of the show. It’s become so popular that on Google maps you will even find it marked by a camera icon and labeled as “Restaurante of Gabriel.”
6 Place de Valois
Not far from the Louvre Museum, a must when visiting Paris, is 6 Place de Valois, the square where the fictional offices of Savoir (where Emily works) are located. You can also see the Bistrot Valois, an art gallery where Emily gets together with friends and coworkers from time to time.
Jardin du Palais Royal
At the Palais Royal park (Jardin du Palais Royal) in Paris (Von engineervoskin - Adobe Stock)
The Jardin du Palais Royal is the perfect place to absorb beauty and rest, or take a lunch break like Emily. It’s where Emily makes her first true friend in Paris, Mindy. The two take their first selfie together by the art installation Les Deux Plateaus. After strolling the garden, and if you made a reservation way in advance, enjoy a Michelin star meal at the restaurant Lle Grand Véfour unlike Emily who failed to secure a table in one of many mishaps.
Pont Alexandre III
After visiting the Champs-Elysees and Grand Palais nearby, feel like you’re part of a fancy perfume ad and head to the famous Pont Alexandre III; a beautiful bridge opened during the 1900 World’s fair. It’s here that some of Emily’s first big ideas come to life—the advertising campaign for the new perfume De l’heure.
Palais Garnier
Palais Garnier French Opera in Paris, France. (Dmitry Telegin - Adobe Stock)
The gorgeous Paris opera house, Palais Garnier, oozes luxury with its stunning architecture, cascading staircase and frescos. Emily dumps her snobby love interest Thomas (Julien Floreancig) after he drones on about how boring “Swan Lake” is. In a turn of luck, she spots fashion designer Pierre Cadault (Jean-Christophe Bouvet) on the balcony and forms an endearing connection with him.
Megève, French Alps
Here, Emily goes on a fancy ski trip with Camille (Camille Razat) and Gabriel. It’s also where Marcello sweeps her of her skis in their first encounter. Megève is a luxury ski resort village that is located in the Mont Blanc massif. If, like Emily, skiing is not up your ally, there are plenty of shops like Gucci, Valentino and Blu&Berry where you can create a look that makes you feel like one of the fashionistas on the show.
Emily has a truly Audrey Hepburn moment during her own “Roman Holiday” towards the end of season four as she rides on the back of a Marcello’s Vespa, hair billowing in the wind and, for the first time since the show began, we see her taking it all in without a phone in her hand. Below are several of the spots Marcello takes Emily.
Vintage scene with Vespa on old street (Shaiith-Adobe Stock)
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain at night in Rome (Von Oleh - Adobe Stock)
If you’re visiting Rome, it’s guaranteed you will find yourself walking past the Trevi Fountain, or at least the massive crowd at some point. The best times to see it are early in the morning and late at night, so that you have plenty of space to toss in your own coin and admire its beauty. As Marcello explained to Emily, throwing one coin means you’ll return to Rome some day, two means a new romance and three means you will have a Roman wedding.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are architecturally stunning and while you will have amazing views from them and you should take a moment to soak it all in, stopping and taking a rest in the middle of them like Emily and Marcello is frowned upon. You might even get fined.
Antica Trattoria Angelino
Outdoor restaurant at the Pantheon in Rome (Von ArTo - Adobe Stock)
Picturesque with outdoor seating, bright-colored pasta dishes, and flowers all around, Marcello and Emily start to get to know each other at this restaurant. Opened since 1658, Antica Trattoria Angelino is the perfect spot for a taste of Roman culture and food.
Fontana delle Tartarughe
Of course, Mindy comes to Rome to help Emily navigate her budding romance with Marcello. At Fontana delle Tartarughe, or “The Turtle Fountain,” viewers get an auditorily divine scene of Mindy performing her new song “Beautiful Ruins” which goes viral overnight.
Colosseum
Colosseum in Rome (Von phant - Adobe Stock)
In my opinion, the Colosseum could be listed as a wonder of the world. Walking down the steps of the amphitheater and gazing out over the intricate ruins as you imagine it filled with spectators and gladiators, or, in my case, imagining Maximus (Russell Crowe) from the movie “Gladiator” yell, “Are you not entertained?” is awe-inspiring. For Emily, it is at the Colosseum that she is encouraged to really take in the marvels around her with her own eyes rather than though her phone by Marcello.
In trying to keep with plans when traveling, sometimes we forget to stop for a moment and realize, “I’m here. In this fantastic place that I’ve only ever dreamed about until now.” The show reminds us that there is romance all around, even if it’s just sitting on a bench with a giant pain au chocolat or a melting scoop of gelato.