Emily in Paris Season 5 Ending Explained: Rome, Romance & Season 6

Grab your Aperol Spritz and settle in, besties, because we need to debrief. If you spent your Christmas break binging the latest drop of Emily in Paris, you know that Season 5 served up more drama than a Bondi hipsters' brunch order.

Released on Netflix just in time for the Aussie summer holidays on December 18, 2025, Season 5 took our favourite marketing executive from the banks of the Seine to the ancient streets of Rome. With the tagline "Hearts will Rome farther than ever before," we expected pasta, piazzas, and passion. What we got was a full-blown existential crisis and a cliffhanger that has us checking flight prices to Greece.

Whether you’re confused about that ring in Venice or just want the tea on the Emily in Paris Season 5 ending explained, we’ve got the full breakdown below. Plus, we’ve sussed out the filming locations for your next Euro trip and the latest goss on Emily in Paris Season 6.

Let’s dive in!

From Paris to Rome: The Plot Shake-Up

This season, Agence Grateau went international. Emily (Lily Collins) was tasked with heading up the agency's new office in Rome, trading her French beret for Italian cashmere. The narrative shift gave us a "Tale of Two Cities" vibe, contrasting Emily’s intense American hustle with the Italian art of dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing.

While Emily thrived on the cobblestones of Trastevere, the real shake-up was her romance with Marcello Muratori (Eugenio Franceschini), the heir to a luxury cashmere empire based in the fictional village of Solitano. He was grounded, passionate, and everything Gabriel wasn't. Or so we thought.

Emily in Paris Season 5 Ending Explained: Why Did She Leave Rome?

If you were screaming at your TV during the finale, you weren't alone. The final episode, titled "Veni, Vidi, Venezia," takes place during a flooded Venice Fashion Week.

The Ring Misunderstanding

Here is the tea: Emily and Marcello are going strong until Emily discovers a diamond ring in Marcello's pocket. Naturally, she panics. She spirals into thinking he is about to propose marriage.

The Decision

In a heartbreaking twist, Emily realises that marrying Marcello implies moving to his small hometown of Solitano permanently. During a gondola ride, she tells him, "It's a beautiful dream, but it's just not mine". She realises that living in a quiet Italian village would mean sacrificing the career and life she built in Paris.

The Outcome

So, does Emily stay in Rome? No. Despite the incredible pasta and the dreamy Vespa rides, Emily chooses her career and her independence over the guy. She returns to Paris alone. Creator Darren Star confirmed that this season was about Emily clarifying what she wants: "She was choosing the place over the person".

Fan Theory: While it hurts to see her single again, this is a major growth moment. Old Emily would have jumped into the engagement. New Emily knows her worth.

The Messy "Girl Code" Drama: Mindy & Alfie

We need to talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the fling in the Eternal City. The Mindy and Alfie romance was the plot twist nobody saw coming, and the internet is divided.

While visiting Emily in Rome, Mindy (Ashley Park) and Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) share a steamy night out that turns into a "Roman Holiday" fling. The problem? They kept it a secret from Emily.

The Breach: Fans have called this a major breach of "girl code," considering Alfie is Emily’s serious ex-boyfriend.
The Fallout: Mindy eventually accepts a proposal from her on-again-off-again billionaire boyfriend, Nicolas (Paul Forman), in Venice.
The Cliffhanger: Alfie isn’t letting go. He warns Mindy that marrying Nicolas is a mistake, leaving Mindy visibly shaken and confused as the season ends.

Where is Gabriel? (And Why Is He Obsessed with Vegetables?)

Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) took a backseat this season, literally sailing away from the drama. After earning his Michelin star, he leaves his restaurant to work as a private chef on a yacht.

The Vegan Storyline

You might have noticed Gabriel preaching about sustainability and plant-based menus this season. This Lucas Bravo vegan storyline wasn't random; it was requested by the actor himself! Lucas Bravo, a real-life vegan, pushed for his character to pursue a "Green Michelin Star" to raise awareness about climate-conscious eating.

The Greek Twist

The season ends with Gabriel sending Emily a postcard from Greece, inviting her to spend a few weeks with him there now that he has time off. Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), playing the ultimate matchmaker, had texted Gabriel to let him know Emily was single again.

Travel Inspo: Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit

If this season gave you major travel envy, you are not alone. Netflix really showed off the goods this year. Here are the Emily in Paris filming locations Rome and Venice that you need to add to your bucket list for your next Euro summer.

Rome Highlights

Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana: This striking building with the arches (known as the Square Colosseum) served as the Fendi HQ where Emily pitches her marketing magic.
Hotel Eden: Want to sleep like Emily? She stayed at this ultra-luxe hotel in the Parioli district.
The Spanish Steps & Trevi Fountain: Yes, they are touristy, but Emily hit all the classics.
Ostia Antica: This ancient harbour city stood in for Marcello’s fictional village of Solitano.

Venice Highlights

The St. Regis Venice: The stunning backdrop for the dramatic finale and fashion show.
Rialto Bridge: Featured heavily during Emily’s holiday montage.

Planning a trip? Don't forget to read our article on [Top Italian Summer Destinations for Aussies] to beat the crowds.

Will There Be an Emily in Paris Season 6?

As of early 2026, Netflix hasn't officially confirmed the Emily in Paris Season 6 release date. However, considering the show remained in the Global Top 10 and ended on multiple cliffhangers, a renewal is highly likely.

Creator Darren Star has practically admitted he writes cliffhangers to force Netflix’s hand! He teased that the invitation from Gabriel opens the door for a "Greek Holiday" arc in the next season.

Prediction: We can expect Season 6 to drop around Christmas 2026, potentially filming in Paris and Greece.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Did Emily break up with Marcello? Yes. In the Season 5 finale, Emily ends things with Marcello because she realises his dream of living a quiet life in Solitano isn't compatible with her career ambitions in Paris.

Do Emily and Gabriel get back together in Season 5? Not officially. They end the season on good terms but physically apart. However, the final scene shows Gabriel inviting Emily to meet him in Greece, leaving the door wide open for Season 6.

Who does Mindy choose: Nico or Alfie? Mindy accepts Nico's proposal in Venice, making them engaged. However, she clearly still has unresolved feelings for Alfie, who claims she is making a mistake.

Is Season 5 the final season? It hasn't been confirmed as the final season. The creator, Darren Star, has stated he wants to continue the story and deliberately wrote an open ending.

Conclusion

While Emily may have left her heart in Rome, she took her career back to Paris. Season 5 gave us the character growth we’ve been waiting for—she finally chose herself over a man. But with Gabriel waiting in Greece and Mindy’s love life in shambles, the drama is far from over.

We are ready for Season 6. Are you Team Marcello, Team Gabriel, or Team Emily-Needs-To-Stay-Single? Let us know in the comments below!