Spot Hollywood Stars and Iconic Filming Locations
As a seasoned traveler who's explored California's vibrant scenes, I've relied on local experts like Bernard, my enthusiastic French-speaking guide from Cali'fun, for insider stories of daily celebrity encounters. Yet, despite wide-eyed scanning, no Johnny Depp or Leonardo DiCaprio sightings for me—not even at the upscale Fig & Olive on Melrose Place. That's okay, though; Los Angeles steals the show itself. The city feels like a massive open-air movie set, with familiar spots around every corner. In Downtown LA, I marveled at the stunning central courtyard of the Bradbury Building, featured in The Artist and Blade Runner, and spotted the U.S. Bank Tower's silhouette from Independence Day. At Griffith Observatory, I caught a panoramic sunset view of the city, rediscovering that electric 'fury of life' amid nearby rattlesnakes and coyotes.
Travel with Air Tahiti Nui on daily non-stop Paris/Los Angeles flights from Roissy starting at €745 including tax, with TGV connections for regional passengers. Call 0 825 02 42 02 (€0.15/min) or visit airtahitinui.com.
Stay at Mama Shelter Los Angeles, from $149/night excluding tax, 6500 Selma Avenue, +323 785 6600, mamashelter.com.
More info: visitcalifornia.com/fr (free French maps, guides, and road trip itineraries). Also: discoverlosangeles.com.
