The Five Most Romantic Classic Hollywood Movies Set in Paris

If you're a lover of Old Hollywood movies, you probably know all about “Roberta” (1935), “Ninotchka” (1939), “Funny Face” (1957) “Love in The Afternoon” (1957), and “Aristocats” (1970), right? Apart from the fact that their undeniable classics, what do these films have in common? Give up? Well, if you hadn't noticed yet, all these incredible movies are set in Paris. They offer a glimpse of the glamorous French capital, from the famous landmarks to the intimate narrow streets. If you also hadn't noticed, these are romantic films too, further proving that Paris really is one of, if not the best city for love!

Roberta (1935)

It's a shame not a lot of people know about “Roberta” from 1935. It's a classic Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers flick that exemplifies both stars' exceptional dance skills and big-screen magnetism. It tells the story of John Kent (played by Randolph Scott), who traveled all the way to Paris with his good buddy, Huck Haines (Astaire), and his dance band for a gig, only to be fired on the spot due to a misunderstanding. To make up for what they spent to get there, John sought help from his Auntie Minnie, the designer behind the Roberta fashion house in Paris. And eventually Stephanie (played by Irene Dunne), Aunt Minnie's assistant, and Countess Scharwenka (Rogers), a client of Roberta who Huck recognized from his past. Source: Maureen Doreen YouTube Channel

Ninotchka (1939)

As far as glamorous Hollywood movies set in Paris go, “Ninotchka” (1939) is one of the most memorable of them all. The film stars Greta Garbo as the titular Ninotchka, a special envoy in Paris sent by the Soviet Union to ensure the success of a jewelry sale. Unfortunately for her, she catches the eye of Count Léon d'Algout, an infamous playboy who made it his mission to introduce Ninotchka to the wonders of capitalism. Controversial topics aside, the movie is a quintessential rom-com set in Paris. With such big stars at the helm, it's a hilarious classic that has stood the test of time. ​​ Source: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers YouTube Channel

Funny Face (1957)

No list of romantic movies set in Paris is complete without mentioning Audrey Hepburn. It just so happens that this list has two! The first of which is the more iconic “Funny Face” from 1957. In this beloved classic, she plays Jo Stockton, a nerdy shopkeeper who catches the eye of Dick Avery (played by Fred Astaire), a photographer, and Maggie Prescott (played by Kay Thompson), the editor of a fashion magazine. The pair whisks Jo away to Paris to shoot her in haute couture against the backdrop of the beautiful city. And though Jo was hesitant at first, the more she delves deeper into the world of fashion, the more she falls in love with the photographer. Source: Movieclips YouTube Channel

Love in The Afternoon (1957)

Another of Audrey Hepbrun's films in 1957 was “Love in The Afternoon.” Starring opposite Gary Cooper, the style icon plays Ariane Chavasse, a young cello student who lives in Paris with her father, a private detective (played by Maurice Chevalier) who specializes in infidelity-related cases. Most of her father's cases involve Frank Flannagan (Cooper), an American businessman and all-around playboy. Out of curiosity and to save him from getting shot at by one of his fling's husbands, Ariane pretends to be a femme fatale. What she didn't expect was that Flannagan would eventually fall for her and begin his new affair Source: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers YouTube Channel

Aristocats (1970)

And finally, there's the 1970 Disney film, “The Aristocats.” Though it's technically set in Paris, a good portion of the movie follows the adorable critters in some parts of the French countryside. And yes, even though it's an animated feature, it's still a romantic comedy. The movie tells the story of Duchess, a Turkish Angora cat, and her three little kittens. Her owner, Madame Adelaide, is a retired opera singer who plans to leave her fortune to her four cats. As a result, her envious butler, Edgar, attempts to get rid of his mistress's feline friends in the hopes of inheriting the fortune for himself. Unfortunately for him, an alley cat named J. Thomas O'Malley helps these “aristocats” go home to Paris! Source: Trailer Chan YouTube Channel

Looking to watch something romantic this upcoming Valentine's Day? Why not go classic with a few Old Hollywood films that are set in Paris? Any movie set in the French capital is bound to tug at your heartstrings!