'Pink Panther 2' Incredulously Substitutes Boston for Paris

February 6, 2009 at 12:12 PM | by cmb | 1 Comment

Today, Steve Martin returns as Inspector Clouseau in "Pink Panther Deux." The movie is set in Paris and a few scenes were shot there but the majority of on location filming took place in Boston.

Beantown may seem like an unlikely stand in for the City of Lights but the film�s director, Harald Zwart, thought it was a good fit, saying, "thankfully, Boston has some good old buildings."

Massachusetts� new film tax incentives have attracted many projects in the past year, like �Ghost Town�, �Paul Blart: Mall Cop� and �Bride Wars." If a trip to Paris isn�t in your near future, here�s a guide to get your Parisian on in Boston.

Where to Stay:
The Colonnade Hotel in Boston�s trendy Back Bay neighborhood is a modern boutique in a historical town. The hotel prides itself on being able to transport guests to �an engaging realm of style and design�. The Colonnade has the only roof-top pool in Boston and offers al fresco dining poolside in the summer. The hotel�s restaurant Brasserie Jo serves tantalizing French cuisine, making it a perfect fit for our "Pink Panther 2" Boston getaway. Rooms at The Colonnade start around $239 for a Luxe King Room.

Where to Eat:
The hotspot 29 Newbury was visited by the cast and crew of �Pink Panther 2� often throughout the Boston shoot. It is the place to see and be seen. 29 features a Sushi Bar, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner menus. Their specialties include Grilled Lamb Chops and Pan Seared Halibut, both $32. For those with a lighter appetite (or wallet) they do have pizzettas and burgers, all under $15 and served anytime.

What to See:
The Boston Public Library, Copely Square, Winthrop Square, the State House, the Crane Estate in Ipswich and Citi Wang Theatre all stand in for Paris at some point in "Pink Panther 2".

Citi Wang Theatere, which is the Petit Palais in the movie, was recently renovated to its previous glory. This 3,600 seat theater hosts Broadway, music, dance and opera performances. You can find a complete listing of upcoming events and ticket information on the Citi performing Arts Center website.

The Crane Estate is a wildlife preserve open to the public and also available to be rented for weddings and private functions. The centerpiece of the property is the Crane Mansion, which epitomizes elegance with its ornate woodcarvings, luxurious Italian marble and sterling silver fixtures. The mansion, owned by the opulent Crane Family during the 1920s, can be toured Wednesday-Saturday in the summer months.

The State House is one of Boston�s great historical landmarks. Located in Beacon Hill, it was built in 1795 by renowned architect Charles Bulfinch. Tours of the building are given year round are are free to the public.

Related Stories:
· The Pink Panther Prowls Boston [IGN]
· Celebrities in Boston - 9/10/07 [Beantown Bloggery]
· Movie Set Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: OLV]

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