Fotomaton Friday

 

 

A line outside an iconic vintage FotoAutomat on a Montmartre back street.

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Known for its whimsical feel and associated with the film “Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain” (2001), this wildly popular 1960s-style black-and-white strip photo booth (4 photos per strip) set into the storefront of the FotoAutomat shop in the heart of picturesque Montmartre, produces nostalgic, retro-style prints that make affordable souvenirs (€4–€6 range, payable by card or coin). The booth's vintage aesthetic - polished mirror, fun details like a small moving skeleton inside - fits perfectly with the neighborhood's bohemian/quirky reputation. TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms have exploded its visibility in recent years as friends and couples patiently line up, often for hours, just to be able to squeeze in for its retro black-and-white shots. It's marketed as a "must-do" hidden gem or a "one-of-a-kind Parisian moment," drawing tourists (especially younger crowds) who want an authentic, Instagrammable experience. Weekends and afternoons are best avoided as there are shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Nice to see in a world of rapidly evolving technology and new trends. - BPJ

Montmartre FotoAutomat #07
53 rue des Trois Frères 75018 

 

Open  8:30 AM to 11 PM, 7 days a week