Bienvenue…or should we say benvenuto to the tour around all the filming locations that steal the show in the fourth season of “Emily in Paris.”
Fans of Emily Cooper, Netflix’s most popular Parisian-American, can now enjoy the fourth season of the series, with ten episodes full of new twists. Alfie and Gabriel remain around, Emily still cannot string together a full sentence in French, and Sylvie continues to be the most iconic character of the series; certainly, some things never change. The new season of Emily in Paris, nevertheless, brings a breath of fresh air with the introduction of new characters, potential romantic interests and, most notably, brand new settings.
The scenes in the City of Light are swapped for images in the equally romantic yet chaotic: Rome. Likewise, the French countryside is substituted by the grandiose snowy landscapes in the Alps. This clever plot twist promises passionate adventures for the protagonist, who now seems torn between staying in her home in Paris or carving out a place for herself among the Roman ruins.
SPOILER ALERT!!
Colosseum, Rome
Photo by @netflixThe monument par excellence in the Italian capital is, without a doubt, the Colosseum, one of the most emblematic remnants of Imperial Rome. No one leaves the city without having admired this grand construction, least of all Emily, who visits it during a charming Vespa date with Marcello. When she asks him how it’s possible that the Colosseum is still standing, the Italian simply responds, “We build things to last,” an undeniable truth for anyone who has had the pleasure of experiencing Rome.
The Colosseum immediately became the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire upon its inauguration in 80 A.D, after eight years of construction. It was originally coined the Flavian Amphitheater, though later became popularly known as the Colosseum due to Colossus of Nero, the immense statue that once stood nearby. For 400 years, the Colosseum hosted public spectacles, such as: gladiator fights, animal hunts, and even public executions. Over time, nonetheless, with the rise of Christianity and social changes, the building began to serve other functions and eventually fall into abandonment and neglect. Today, despite the battered original structure, the Colosseum is considered an exemplary testament to the brilliance of classical Roman architecture. This recognition has made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Hotel Eden, Rome
Photo by @emilyinparisDuring episodes nine and ten of the series, Emily stays at Hotel Eden, the epitome of luxury in the Italian city, boasting an enviable location just a walk away from the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese. It first opened its doors in 1889, becoming one of the most popular options among the European aristocratic elites, drawn to its exquisite décor and spacious facilities. Later, in 2013, Hotel Eden was acquired by Dorchester Collection, a hotel group which manages some of the most exclusive inns in the world. Following this, the hotel underwent an extensive renovation that introduced modern touches in harmony with the classic style of its decoration, resulting in the stunning settings we see in Emily in Paris.
Fontana di Trevi, Rome
Photo by @emilyinparisStrolling carelessly through the historic center of Rome, one might suddenly come across Fontana di Trevi, another pivotal landmark in the city. This is exactly what happens to Emily, who quickly approaches to it, excited to fulfill the quintessential tradition associated with the fountain: tossing a coin into the water with the right hand over the left shoulder, which ensures the person doing so will someday return to Rome.
The Fontana di Trevi is a perfect remnant of the dominant Baroque style from around 1762, as seen in the dramatic sculptures that compose its design. The figure of Neptune, the God of the Sea according to Roman mythology, dominates the central composition, accompanied by other elements symbolizing the strength of the ocean, like: sea horses and tritons.
The beauty and the magic of the Fontana di Trevi has inspired artists throughout history, leaving a particularly deep mark in cinema. Federico Fellini immortalized it in La Dolce Vita, in what is now one of the most remembered scenes in film history, when its protagonist Sylvia bathes in the fountain. Three Coins in the Fountain (1954,) Roman Holiday (1953,) and La Grande Bellezza (2013) are other works that captured the eternal splendor of the Fontana di Trevi.
Da Giggeto Hosteria, Rome
Photo by @emilyinparisNext to the Portico of Octavia in the Jewish Ghetto, is Da Giggetto Hosteria – an iconic restaurant of Roman-Jewish cuisine inaugurated in 1923. It specializes in dishes that showcase the influence of the Jewish community in Rome, making this restaurant a must-visit for gastronomy lovers. Traditional dishes, like “carciofi alla giudia” (Jewish-style fried artichokes), allow diners to rediscover the history of the Jewish Ghetto which was created during the 16th century to segregate the Jewish population living in Rome but now remains as one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city.
Fontana delle Tartarughe, Rome
Photo by @ashleyparkladyFontana delle Tartarughe, illuminated under soft glow of the street lamps, inspires Mindy to unveil, on the piano, her new song “Beautiful Ruins.” This magical moment takes place in Piazza Mattei, a small square tucked away in a corner of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto, crowned by one of the city’s most splendid fountains.
Giacomo della Porta built it towards the end of the 1500s, commissioned by Duke Mattei, although the turtles were added by Bernini in 1658. There is a romantic legend surrounding the backstory, which reveals that the duke aimed to win the favor of his beloved’s father by convincing him of his great wealth. Thus, it is said that he displayed his influence and power by simply ordering the construction of this grand fountain in just one night, in front of the windows of his family’s palace. Perhaps, the story is nothing more than a Roman tale, a way for the locals to bestow a romantic meaning to the iconic site. Yet, when gazing at its ethereal beauty, it’s easy to believe it could truly be the result of an act of love.
Megève, France
Photo by @emilyinparisThe second part of season four begins with Emily discovering Megève, a charming village in the French Alps, and an exclusive ski resort. Offering a wide range of luxury, the area constitutes one of the essential winter destinations for those seeking to stay in ultimate winter luxury and comfort. Despite ski slopes, which run along Mont-Blanc for 400 km, offering breathtaking landscapes and routes for lovers of this sport; Megève goes far beyond that. In the heart of the Alps, this location is a favorite for mountain enthusiasts, who, both in summer and winter seasons, can choose from dozens of activities and trails: walks to Lake Javen, excursions to the Belvédère de La Croix de Salles, and the Alpette Loop…etc. Megève is also a village worth spending a few days to appreciate the serenity of nature and architecture, where traditional farms and medieval streets blend with gourmet restaurants and luxury boutiques.
