Behind the Scenes of the Grand Rex: 50-Minute Studio Tour

Behind the Scenes of the Grand Rex: 50-Minute Studio Tour — An Authentic Peek into French Cinema

If you’re a movie buff or simply love discovering hidden corners of iconic landmarks, the Grand Rex studio tour in Paris offers an engaging and surprisingly comprehensive look inside one of France’s most cherished cinematic venues. While I haven’t personally taken the tour, plentiful reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what awaits. This experience combines history, behind-the-scenes magic, and interactive fun, making it a hit for visitors of all ages.

What truly stands out are the stunning Art Deco décor, the insight into film production, and the chance to see the original 1932 interiors that have witnessed decades of film history. The affordable price point ($14) makes it accessible for most travelers, especially considering the depth of content. However, since it’s a self-guided, audio experience, those expecting a lively guide might find it a bit quiet.

This tour is ideal for cinema enthusiasts, families with kids, and curious travelers eager to peek behind the curtain of movie-making. If you’re seeking a quick, educational, and fun activity with a touch of historic glamour, this tour will likely tick most boxes.

Contents show

Key Points

Authentic Behind-the-Scenes Access: Explore sets, archives, and special effects that bring film magic to life.
Historic Architecture: Appreciate the building’s original decor from 1932, preserved within its art deco charm.
Educational and Interactive: Learn about each step of movie creation through a well-structured audio guide.
Affordable Entry: At just $14, it offers excellent value considering the unique insights and experience.
Family Friendly: Suitable for children over 5, making it a fun outing for families.
Limited Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible, and some parts may not suit those with claustrophobia or pacemakers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

This experience made our article of Paris’s 14 Top Tours (With Prices).

An Inside Look at the Studio Tour

The 50-minute audio-guided experience kicks off at the Rex Studios entrance, where you’ll meet in the grand, art deco lobby—an immediate nod to the building’s glamorous 1930s roots. The tour is designed to give visitors a behind-the-scenes feel, walking through a variety of sets, backlot areas, and technical spaces that are normally off-limits to the public.

Looking for more options in Paris? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the most praised aspects of this experience is the quality of information. Visitors consistently mention that the audio guide—which is available in multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Russian—delivers clear, engaging commentary. Interestingly, reviews from those who requested the tour in English appreciated the seamless, informative narration that made the experience more accessible.

A common highlight is the chance to see original décor from 1932, which transports visitors back to the golden age of cinema. The preserved interiors and vintage details give a real sense of the history that surrounds the building, making it more than just a studio tour—it’s a walk through film history itself.

Behind-the-Scenes Sets and Special Effects

Walking through different sets, you’ll get a sense of how movies are built from the ground up. Reviewers like Brent and Zvonimir mention how fun it was to see the creation of scenes, and to even act or direct in some makeshift set-ups. The tour also showcases special effects and tricks, giving visitors a taste of how film magic is achieved behind the cameras.

Learning the Movie-Making Process

The tour excels at explaining each step of filming, from set design and filming techniques to projection and post-production. This educational element is especially appreciated by those who want to understand what happens behind the scenes of their favorite movies. Tacila Sanchez, an actress, said she found the quality of the experience “amazing,” noting how it enhanced her understanding of film production.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authentic and Interactive Fun for All Ages

Visitors have reported that kids love the sets and effects, often describing the tour as “completely different” from other experiences. Many households mention that their children were captivated by the chance to see film sets and learn about the process. The tour’s interactive feel—acting in scenes or exploring sets—adds to its appeal.

There's plenty more to explore in Paris

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour begins every 5 minutes, making it flexible and easy to fit into your itinerary. It lasts approximately 50 minutes, which is perfect for those looking for a quick but meaningful activity. The admission ticket costs $14, an accessible price considering the comprehensive experience and behind-the-scenes access.

Meeting point: Rex Studios in Paris, located in the heart of the city, is easy to reach, but note that the facility isn’t wheelchair accessible. The tour is suitable for children over age 5, but it’s not recommended for pregnant women, those with claustrophobia, or individuals with pacemakers.

What’s Included?

Entrance to Rex Studios and access to the sets and archives.
An audio guide available in multiple languages.

What’s Not Included?

Personal purchases, such as souvenirs or film copies (some visitors have bought clips or photos as keepsakes).

Additional Tips

Book in advance to secure a preferred time slot.
Consider going out of season to enjoy the tour with fewer crowds, as some reviews noted the experience was more enjoyable when the space was less busy.
Arrive a few minutes early to start your tour smoothly.

Authentic Experiences and Visitor Feedback

Many reviewers emphasize how fun and educational their visit was. Brent, a family visitor, shared, “Kids loved it! It was interesting for my wife and I as well.” Liane raved about her experience, mentioning how she bought a film on a memory stick after the tour—a fun souvenir that captures the moment.

Tacila Sanchez, an actress, called her experience “awesome,” and others appreciated the knowledgeable guides and stunning visuals. Zvonimir appreciated the quiet atmosphere and personalized feel, especially when they had the whole tour in English.

Some guests mentioned that the history and architectural details enhanced their appreciation for the venue, with Louise noting that going “out of season” made the experience even more special, as they had the entire tour to themselves.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For cinema fans, this tour offers a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of a historic film venue with detailed explanations and authentic sets. The price point makes it an excellent value, especially considering the quality of content and the chance to learn about film production in a captivating setting.

For families, the interactive elements and visual appeal make it a memorable outing that kids and adults can enjoy together. The stunning Art Deco interiors and preserved décor from 1932 add a timeless charm, making it more than just a tour—it’s a glimpse into the heart of French cinematic heritage.

However, it’s worth noting that accessibility limitations might exclude some visitors with mobility issues or claustrophobia. If you’re sensitive to small spaces or require ADA accommodations, this might not be the best fit.

To sum it up, if you’re in Paris and have a fascination with movies or history, this studio tour provides an engaging, insightful, and visually appealing experience, perfect for a half-day adventure that’s both fun and educational.

FAQ: Your Questions About the Grand Rex Studio Tour

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s recommended for kids over age 5. Many reviews highlight how kids love the sets and interactive elements, making it a family-friendly activity.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 50 minutes, with tours starting every 5 minutes for flexibility.

What languages is the audio guide available in?
The audio guide can be enjoyed in French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, and Russian.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, the tour is currently not wheelchair accessible, so check your needs before booking.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later for added convenience.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, those with claustrophobia, or individuals with pacemakers due to small or confined spaces.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes are advised, and since it’s an indoor experience, there’s no special gear needed. Remember to bring your curiosity!

Is there a souvenir shop at the end?
While not explicitly mentioned, some visitors have purchased clips or films after the tour, so there may be options for souvenirs.

In essence, the Grand Rex studio tour offers a delightful peek into the world of filmmaking, with authentic sets, knowledgeable narration, and stunning vintage interiors. Whether you’re a film lover, traveling with family, or simply curious about cinema magic, this experience is well worth the modest price.