Parisians face influx of Netflix hero’s fans
The immense success of the Netflix series "Emily in Paris" has transformed a quiet, untouched square in the French capital into a tourist magnet.
In the historic Latin Quarter and just a short walk from the magnificent, domed Pantheon, tucked so deeply away that you could easily miss it, lies the Place de l'Estrapade. For diehard, beret-wearing fans of the show, this sliver of a neighborhood has become a landmark of its own.
That's because this is where the fictional character Emily Cooper, a 20-something American portrayed by Lily Collins, lives, dines and savors French pastries from the local bakery.
The newfound attention can be disruptive for the real people who live and work here, but the show is also igniting a new passion for Paris - and even anti-Emily graffiti has become part of the attraction.
The romantic comedy, whose third season was released in December, traces Emily's adventures and misadventures in her Parisian career and love life.
On a sunny weekday, the square bustles with tourists from the U.S. and far beyond, taking photos, video and selfies.
It's all here: Emily's apartment building at 1 Place de d'Estrapade, where she lives next to would-be love interest Gabriel. The restaurant where Gabriel, portrayed by French actor Lucas Bravo, is the chef. And, of course, the bakery she loves.
Dancer Riskya Octaviana from Jakarta, Indonesia, came directly to Paris after performing in Germany because of how much she loves the show. After twirling on the square, Emily-style, she said, "Emily is my big friend."
Elizabeth and Ruben Mercado celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Paris and visited Emily's neighborhood as part of their trip. Elizabeth Mercado said she prepared by binge-watching the...
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