FRANCE – Paris, Bois de Boulogne & Zenith de Paris // Moonraker (1979)
“Moonraker” brings Bond to France – after he pushes Jaws into an African circus tent and moves on to Brazil. But why film abroad, when you can have both Africa and Brazil in Parisian parks?
Why Bond was here
French megalomaniac Hugo Drax (Michael Lonsdale) is up to kill all mankind and then re-populate it in space. James Bond (Roger Moore) follows him to his hidden base deep inside the South American jungle – that had partly been staged at Parisian park Bois de Boulogne and the ruins of Tikal in Guatemala. All you need are some green leafs and a sparkling waterfall to turn a former royal hunting ground into an exotic Amazon forest.
Even more: In the beginning of “Moonraker”, Bond has to fight Jaws (Richard Kiel) in and outside an airplane – the latter then falls into a circus tent without a parachute. Though the exteriors of this stunt had been filmed above California’s Napa Valley and with a studio set, the tent Jaws smashes into was filmed at a Parisian park as well. It is historic Zenith de Paris at the new Hippodrome at Parc de la Villette.
The South American waterfall back in France
How you gonna get there
Bois de Boulogne is just outside the 16th arrondissement in Western Paris. Parisian speed train RER, line C runs along the eastern side of the park, you could exit at station “Neuilly – Porte Maillot” or “Avenue Henri Martin”. The metro also heads for the park: Ride line 1 from Arc de Triomphe to station “Les Sablons” or line 2 to “Port Dauphine”. From all exits it is about a half hour walk to the Caverne de la Cascade, where the waterfall scene had been filmed.
If you are not into walking, take a taxi along Allee de Longchamps or enter either bus line 244 or 43 and exit at “Longchamp – Goodplanet”. The waterfall is just around the corner.
Parc de la Villette is at another end of the city. Take metro line 5 to Porte de Pantin or metro line 7 to Porte de la Villette to get there.
Be aware: The circus used in the movie was built at the end of 1975 as part of the new Hippodrome de Paris, but it was dismantled in 1983. At the same spot is now the Zenith de Paris. Many blogs – ours as well – wrongfully stated, filming took place at the Hippodrome de Longchamps in Bois de Boulogne. But French Bond location hunter Ja Boz recently discovered the confusion and could confirm filming at the Parc de la Villette.
Good to know
Normally Pinewood is Bond’s homebase – but Moonraker was filmed at the Studios d’Epinay and Boulogne-Billancourt in Paris. Thus, many trickery scenes like the jungle scenes have been filmed in France as well. The South American jungle is actually a remnant of an ancient oak forest and royal hunting ground. Parts are formed like an English garden, while other areas remain wild and free. The area, about two and a half times the area of Central Park in New York, was turned into a public park in 1852. Parisians love to use the park for jogging and just hanging out, as it is not as crowded as the more famous Bois de Vincennes and Jardin du Luxembourg.
On the northern end of Bois de Boulogne is the amusement park Jardin d’Acclimatation, made up of vintage caroussels, lush playgrounds and some mid-century looking rollercoasters. It is a beautiful park where time stands still – and a good option for all those, who want to entertain their children for a day without heading to the galore that awaits in Disneyland on the eastern end of Paris. A little bit confusing though: You can buy an all-in ticket or just the entry and then additional tokens for each ride inside the Jardin d’Acclimatation. Right next to the amusement park is Fondation Louis-Vuitton, based in a radiant beauty of architecture. The fondation hosts an art museum with lots of contemporary exhibitions.
Bois de Boulogne can be a nice retreat in the often cramped city of Paris. On the other hand, big roads also cut through the park. To really enjoy its more secret places, wander deep into the woods – or opt for a visit at Jardin d’Acclimatation. We enjoyed a funny afternoon there with our daughter, riding steam punk-like rollercoasters and fairytale caroussels.
© 2021 Huntingbond (1,3), © 1979 Danjaq S.A. (2)