A walk in the footsteps of François Truffaut in Paris, from the Cinémathèque to the library named after him

From the places of his childhood to the iconic sites of his films, and his deep connection with the Cinémathèque Française, follow in the footsteps of François Truffaut in Paris.

In Paris, François Truffaut left an intimate imprint, both discreet and profoundly cinematic. From his childhood on rue Henry-Monnier to the corridors of the Théâtre Saint-Georges, the City of Light continues to bear the traces of a filmmaker who saw the city as an extension of himself.

Discover François Truffaut's Parisian landmarks, at the crossroads of memories, film shoots and tributes, where reality meets fiction in an infinitely touching Paris. Cinemas, theaters, neighborhoods... Relive the poetic and intimate impetus of a filmmaker who became an icon of the New Wave.

Who was François Truffaut?

The sensitive soul of the Nouvelle Vague, François Truffaut (1932-1984) embodies an autobiographical, passionate and literary cinema. As a critic for Cahiers du cinéma, he strongly denounced"French quality" films in favor of personal, inventive and ethical direction. With 1959's Les 400 coups, he invented Antoine Doinel, a character both fragile and rebellious, reflecting an era and a desire for freedom. His entire filmography weaves together a quest for meaning, childhood, love and elopement, as in Dernier Métro, where Paris becomes both setting and inspiration.

François Truffaut's filming locations in Paris

The Pigalledistrict , between the Eglise de la Trinité and Place de Clichy (Place d'Estienne-d'Orves, 9ᵉ arr.). Many scenes from Les 400 Coups are filmed in this neighborhood.

Théâtre Saint-Georges (place Saint-Georges, 9ᵉ arr.). Key location in Le Dernier Métro, where the artistic resistance of the Occupation is played out in an underground Paris.

Rue du Conseiller-Collignon (7ᵉ arr.). Some scenes from La Peau douce are shot in an elegant apartment on this quiet street.

Stroll in the footsteps of Agnès Varda in Paris, studio-laboratory and photo studio in the heart of the 14th arrondissement.
Immerse yourself in the Parisian places that were once home to Agnès Varda: her courtyard studio on rue Daguerre, the sets for 'Cléo de 5 à 7' and her poetic tomb. In fact, discover how the capital nurtured her visual and intimate sensibility in her photos and films. [Read more]

Stroll in the footsteps of Jean-Luc Godard in Paris, Latin Quarter cinemas and film locations
Filming locations in the Latin Quarter, film clubs, intimate addresses and tributes... Discover the Paris of Jean-Luc Godard, where the spirit of the Nouvelle Vague and the audacity of this iconic filmmaker still resonate today. [Read more]

In the footsteps of François Truffaut in Paris

21 rue Henry-Monnier (9ᵉ arr.). This is where François Truffaut was born and grew up. This unassuming facade remains the first set of a life that will be transformed into cinema. A few steps away, Place Gustave-Toudouze (9ᵉ arr.) and the intersection with Rue Clauzel (9ᵉ arr.) appear as a backdrop in Les 400 coups.

Brasserie Wepler (18ᵉ arr.). Located on Place de Clichy, the brasserie welcomed many filmmakers at the time, including Claude Chabrol and François Truffaut, a veritable historic haunt for the Nouvelle Vague.

The ciné-clubs of the Quartier Latin (5ᵉ arr.) and the Cinémathèque française (12ᵉ arr.). Truffaut spent most of his time there, playing a central role in his intellectual and cinephile training. Here he met Godard, Rivette, Chabrol and other young critics and future directors.

Rue François-Truffaut (12ᵉ arr.). Near the Cinémathèque française, the street pays tribute to the Nouvelle Vague filmmaker.

The François-Truffaut cinema library (1ᵉ arr.). Located in the Forum des Halles, it offers a valuable collection of archives, magazines and films; a place dedicated to film culture.

Montmartre cemetery (18ᵉ arr.). His tomb is located in the 21ᵉ division, not far from those of other figures from the artistic world. Sober and elegant, it regularly attracts cinephiles who come to pay tribute to the director with little notes, photos and cinema tickets.

A stroll through Montmartre Cemetery
The Cimetière de Montmartre is the final resting place of François Truffaut, Jeanne Moreau, Michel Berger, France Gall, Dalida and Emile Zola. It's a refreshing must-see in the Montmartre district. [Read more]

The Cinémathèque française: the temple of cinephiles in the heart of the Bercy district
For Parisians and lovers of the 7th art, the Cinémathèque française is a must-see cinema landmark in Paris: a cinema and museum dedicated to the history of cinema. [Read more]