On location – Paris
January 26th, 2011
Along with its strong domestic film industry, France has proven a massive boon for international filmmakers, looking to add a bit of Gallic flavour to their productions. Of course, one of the first stops for anyone – filmmakers and tourist alike – is the streets of Paris, so that’s also going to be our first stop on a tour of French film locations.
A vibrant hotbed of gastronomy, culture, style and fashion, Paris has as many attractions as it does diverse filming locations. But the best part is that the majority of filming locations are completely free to enjoy.
Amelie could have been produced by the French tourist board, so desirable and dreamy were the majority of its filming locations. The Monmarte region of Paris was where Amelie lived in the film and where most of its exterior filming locations are located.
The film’s opening sequence was captured on the cobbles of Rue Saint Vincent. Nearby you will also find the magnificent Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Paris (Sacré-Cœur) and the unlikely Clos Montmartre vineyard – one of Paris’ best-kept secrets. Though you didn’t hear that from us.
The Pont des Arts bridge near the Louvre was where Amelie had a ‘strange feeling of absolute harmony’, which isn’t surprising really, as it is a sight to behold. The bridge also featured in the last episode of Sex and the City, and The Bourne Identity, which should make it a filming location to suit all tastes.
It may come as a surprise but Amelie’s workplace, the Café des Deux Moulins, is actually a real life location. Located at the junction of Rue Lepic and Rue Cauchois, and near the Moulin Rouge (itself a popular tourist destination), visiting the Café des Deux may not be free, but we think the menu is well worth it. And yes, they do a mean crème brullee.
Last year’s Inception also involved a large amount of filming in Paris. In fact many Parisian locales are so dreamy that it should come as no surprise to find that they spent a lot of time filming there. The Pont de Bir Harkeim bridge was the location for the memorable stroll with Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page and some big mirrors. The building on the corner of rue César Franck and rue Bouchut doubled as the café where the two enjoyed a memorable espresso before everything exploded (you have to see it, really).
Incidentally, the same locations were featured – albeit briefly – in one of the many memorable car chases from the Robert DeNiro starring, Ronin. However, we’d recommend a more sedate exploration if you really want to take advantage of the uniquely Parisian ambience.
Can you recommend any French filming locations? Please leave a comment below. If you’d like to search our cheap holiday accommodation in France, please visit our search page.
Alternative resolutions
January 14th, 2011
If a recent poll of the easycottages.com office is anything to go by, the most commonly made New Year’s resolutions are to get fit and watch less TV.
Getting up and active isn’t the easiest thing to do. In fact, it’s probably the hardest resolution to keep. So try and make it a bit more interesting, we’ve selected a few alternative active events in the UK and France.
Fans won’t be the only ones left speechless at the London International Mime Festival. Along with a packed schedule of events, showcasing a variety of international performers, there are a number of workshops to get you off your sofa…and onto a pretend one.
Ice skating may be slightly more challenging than pretending to ice skate, but at the Eiffel Tower Ice Rink you get the added bonus of incredible views of the Parisian streets. And if that weren’t enough, there are also sensors that produce real time dynamic visual effects to accompany your skating. Skating in this fantastic location runs until 9 Feb.
If you fancy something a lot more intensive then the Tough Guy Competition in Perton offers a gruelling assault course that’s guaranteed to separate the men from, well, people like us, probably. The official description of the event as ‘the the Worlds safest, most dangerous taste of mental and physical pain, fear and endurance’ also does little to re-assure us!
It is possible to enjoy your TV without getting wedged in the sofa. How? By getting out and visiting their filming locations. We’ve selected three fantastic TV filming locations that are well worth visiting for fans and those who simply appreciate beautiful locations.
The Mediterranean inspired Welsh village of Portmeirion provided the location for Number 6’s imprisonment in the cult-classic The Prisoner.
Thankfully, it’s easier to leave the village in real life – though, once you explore it’s uniquely beautiful streets you may not want to!
Castle Howard near York provided a suitably grandiose backdrop for Brideshead Revisted, the classic ITV period drama. Widely considered
one of the greatest TV shows ever made, Castle Howard is equally feted as one of the finest stately homes in the UK.
The Lake District has also been well covered on the small screen (and on this very blog) with popular factual series, The Lakes. Of course, the best way to explore the region is to visit yourself. Why not read our recent guide to the Lake District for inspiration?
Have you made your own resolutions? Why not post them in the comments below. If you’re interested in any of the events above then you can search our featured cheap holiday cottages in the UK and France on easycottages.com.
A guide to The Lakes
January 7th, 2011
With the immensely popular ‘The Lakes’ returning to TV screens this month, we thought we might look at some of the best activities to do in what is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most naturally stunning regions. And with so many gorgeous vistas on offer, it’s easy to have fun in the Lakes without spending a fortune. Let us show you how…
Derwentwater is one of the most naturally stunning lakes in the region, and also one of the best places to start your exploration. Just a short distance from Keswick, you can take a stroll around the lake’s shore or enjoy a tranquil boat ride on its waters. Equally lovely, Coniston Water can be appreciated up close or from the majestic viewpoint offered by The Old Man (a fell, not a helpful local – though there are plenty of them too!)
Fell walkers will be equally happy with the route offered by the Catbells walk. Perfectly pitched to satisfy children, novices and more experienced hikers alike, the Catbells walk offers incredible views of Derwentwater and the surrounding areas. The route is very popular in peak season, so make sure you get there early if you’re after a more tranquil experience – not to mention a parking space!
The Lake District is far more than just a pretty face; its stunning locations have left an equally large imprint on British culture, which only serves to make them more special to visit. One such location is Orrest Head, not only a fell that offers incredible views of Lake Windermere, but also the first one climbed by Wainwright and so in no small part responsible for the author’s many pictorial guides to the region.
The life of fellow Lakeland author, John Ruskin is celebrated at Brantwood, his former home, perched high above Coniston Water. Along with stunning views, the house allows visitors a fascinating opportunity to learn about the author’s life. Levens Hall in Kendal may offer less in the way of cultural history, but its incredible 16th century dwelling and gardens are no less impressive, and well worth a visit.
A more active exploration of culture can be found at Grizedale Forest. A walking and mountain biking trail, the forest also offers an outdoor
art museum with a fantastic collection of sculptures to enjoy at your own pace. Perhaps the most unique attraction in the Lake District, however, is The Puzzling Place in Keswick. The exhibition’s collection of optical illusions is bound to confuse and delight in equal measure.
So there you have it, a guide to the Lake District that won’t break the bank. If you’re also looking for accommodation that doesn’t cost the earth then why not search our featured cheap cottages in the Lake District?
Happy New Year!
January 1st, 2011
We hope you had a fantastic 2010 and that you have an even better 2011. In the meantime we’d like to wish you all a very Happy New Year!
Happy Christmas!
December 25th, 2010
On behalf of all of us at easycottages.com we’d like to wish you a very merry Christmas. Whoever you’re with, and wherever you’re staying, we hope you have a fantastic day filled with lots of food, many gifts and much merriment!
