Although Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993) never lived in Paris, thanks to the many films she starred in, which were shot there, she will always remain associated with the City of Lights. In her films, Paris is not only a setting but also a main character; her films simply could not work anywhere else.
Audrey Hepburn movies filmed or set in Paris
The best example is from the movie “Sabrina” in which Paris plays a central role (even though no part of the movie was filmed there).
Listen to the conversation between her and Linus (Humphrey Bogart). These words alone, even though they were spoken about 60 years ago, will make you run and buy a plane ticket to Paris.
Sabrina also noted the beginning of the collaboration between Audrey Hepburn and the legendary designer Hubert de Givenchy, who was considered a rising star in the 50s. Legend has it that when they first met, he expected to see Katharine Hepburn, but she managed to charm him, and thus a fruitful collaboration and friendship was born that lasted throughout her life.
Hepburn gained a gifted designer who helped her develop a personal fashion style, while Givenchy couldn’t have asked for a more elegant model, and since the release of “Sabrina,” he has been inundated with clients. One of the ironies of this relationship was in the film “Love in the Afternoon,” in which Audrey Hepburn wears Givenchy clothes even though she plays a poor student….
In the movie Charade, Hepburn is running around Paris until she ends up in the arms of Cary Grant. The director of the movie took them both to dinner before filming began and Hepburn was so excited that she accidentally spilled her wine on the actor. This scene was later included in the movie when the wine was replaced with ice cream… For those who don’t know this great movie, here’s the trailer:
The film Funny Face (1956) is also set in all parts of Paris and shows two sides of the City of Lights , the intellectual side of the Left Bank and the high fashion side of the Right Bank. While the film was being shot, the rain did not stop falling, but Audrey did not care, she fulfilled her childhood dream of dancing with Fred Astaire.
The itinerary following Audrey Hepburn in Paris
Although Audrey Hepburn did not live permanently in Paris, she is closely associated with the City of Lights, sharing its elegance and style. During the tour, we will try to trace some of the places that have remained connected to her life story and films since the 50s.
Instead of a map: Under the title of each station is its address, and each address is a link. Click on it, and the place will immediately open in Google Maps.
The beginning of the trip – Hotel Raphael, Audrey Hepburn's favorite hotel
Exit the Kleber metro station and cross the street to Hotel Raphael , Audrey Hepburn's favorite hotel (she even redesigned the suite she used to stay in to give it a homey feel).
Arc de Triomphe
Walk towards the Arc de Triomphe (which appears in the movie Funny Face) and walk down the Champs-Elysées as Fred Astaire did in the movie.
Champs-Elysées Puppet Theater
Avenue Gabriel, at the corner of Avenue Matignon
Turn left on boulevard Matignon and you will find the garden where the puppet theater, which appeared in the film Charade, is located. The puppet theater still exists today and operates on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 15:00 PM to 17:00 PM. Right next door on boulevard Gabriel you can find what remains of the stamp market (Marché aux timbres), which also played a key role in the film.
Alexander III Bridge
Continue through the gardens past the Théâtre Marigny and then head south on Boulevard Winston Churchill towards the Pont Alexandre III, the most beautiful bridge in Paris, which appeared in the movie Funny Face.
The US Embassy in Paris and its Givenchy store
2 avenue Gabriel , and 28 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
Retrace your steps and walk along Allée Marcel- Proust , passing the US Embassy, which appeared in the film Charades. Turn right onto Rue Boissy d'Anglas and then left onto Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré. At number 28 of the street you will find Givenchy's store. Note that this is not the studio where Hepburn first met him, but it is a good place to remember the elegant style of both of them.
Place Vendome
Retrace your steps and take Castiglione Street which leads to Place Vendome, which starred in the movie Love in the Afternoon. If you want to read a little about the special history of the square, check out this post.
Palais Royal
Continue to the Louvre courtyard and head north towards the Palais Royal where the movie Charades ended with a breathtaking chase. This is also where your tour ends. Hope you enjoyed it.
Looking for more hiking trails ? Click here.
Want to read more about Audrey Hepburn?
I highly recommend Ariella Goichman Gerber's upcoming article Audrey Hepburn and Givenchy (The Friendships That Gave Birth to a Legacy of Style).
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