Media and Teenagers: The image of Paris through the Series Miraculous and Emily in Paris

AbstractMedia representations significantly influence the image of tourism destinations and shape potential tourists’ perceptions and travel motivations. Television series and animated productions increasingly serve as powerful promotional tools that contribute to destination branding and the promotion of particular lifestyles. This study examines the portrayal of Paris in the television series Emily in Paris and the animated series Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir and explores their potential influence on the perception of the French capital among teenagers. The research is based on a qualitative content analysis of selected episodes from both series, focusing on the representation of Parisian landmarks, cultural elements, lifestyles, and recurring themes associated with the city. In addition, a reflexive interpretation from the perspective of a teenager was employed to examine how young viewers may perceive and emotionally engage with these media representations. The findings reveal that both series construct a highly positive and romanticized image of Paris, emphasizing iconic attractions, fashion, culture, adventure, friendship, and urban lifestyles. While Emily in Paris presents Paris as a glamorous and fashionable destination, Miraculous portrays it as a vibrant setting for adventure and personal growth. These representations contribute to the construction of an attractive destination image that may encourage interest in visiting Paris among young audiences. The study highlights the importance of visual media in shaping tourism imaginaries and demonstrates how fictional narratives can influence teenagers’ perceptions of real-world destinations.