Movie locations to visit in France

With iconic landmarks, cities, medieval villages, gorges, mountains and spectacular countryside France has long been a magnet for the movie industry . The country has captivated countless directors for their cinematic creations. From historical sites that transport you to different eras to wide roads perfect for thrilling car chases France offers a diverse range of settings. Here are just a few of the locations that you might consider adding to your itinerary on your next holiday in France

Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris

You can explore  the iconic Avenue des Champs-Élysées in the heart of Paris. Constructed in the 17th century, this wide, tree-lined avenue connects renowned Parisian landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, the Élysée Palace, and the Place de la Concorde. It sets the stage for grand parades, vibrant parties, and momentous celebrations, making it a quintessential Parisian backdrop for any film. It is also the location for the final ceremonial stage of the Tour de France, but the one that every cyclist would love to have on their list of race wins.

On the Champs-Élysées, Liam Neeson’s character engages in a covert rendezvous with an old CIA contact in the thrilling movie Taken (2008). Additionally, in Charade (1963), the Champs-Élysées Gardens provide the perfect setting for Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant to meet at a delightful marionette show

arc de triomphe

The Luberon, Provence

Experience the heartwarming story of a London banker who transforms into a vineyard owner, inspired by Peter Mayle’s novel A Year in Provence. When filming ‘A Good Year’ , they captured the essence of romantic southern France. You will be enticed to visit Château la Canorgue near Bonnieux, which served as the heavenly main setting. It is open to visitors, so make sure to book ahead. Additionally, picture-perfect Gordes is where Max (Crowe) encounters Fanny (Cotillard) at the main restaurant, ‘Le Renaissance’, in the town square.

Stay at Maison du Luc to really experience the spectacular scenery of the Luberon and the unique lifestyle of Provence

Col de Peyresourde, French Pyrenees

The James Bond movie franchise have been regular visitors to France. In the opening teaser of the 1997 hit Tomorrow Never Dies, PierceBrosnan blitzes a terrorist arms bazaar ‘on the Russian border’ all by himself. The location of this intense and remote act is the Col de Peyresourde, which is located to the west of Bagnères-de-Luchon near the Spanish border.

This climb has a long history in the Tour de France since 1910, and it’s a must-visit for enthusiastic cyclists visiting the Pyrenées sections of the Tour.

The Louvre, Paris

You’ll find the Louvre  twice in The Da Vinci Code.  First, the curator’s murder occurs inside the museum. Towards the end, you’ll see it again. The supposed hiding place of Mary Magdalene’s tomb is here, beneath a stone reproduction. Not only popular as a movie location, The Louvre is one of the world’s foremost art galleries with a collection of the world’s most famous masterpieces on view and the iconic modern exterior architecture.

Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, Burgundy

This quaint French village came to prominence as the location of the feel good movie Chocolat (2000) . Vianne Rocher (played by Juliette Binoche) comes and opens her charming chocolaterie in the village. With other leading stars including Johnny Depp and Judi Dench it’s easy to imagine the village transformed into a film set.
This village is a real place – located northwest of Dijon in the beautiful Burgundian countryside – and interestingly, it’s known for its own delightful treat: the Anis de Flavigny, a delicious aniseed bonbon that was originally created by monks and is still produced at the abbey to this day.

Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, southern Tarn-et-Garonne

If you consider yourself a fan of The Hundred-Foot Journey, which stars Helen Mirren, then you should definitely visit the charming town where the film takes place.  Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, is located in south western France near the beautiful Gorges de l’Aveyron. It is a well-preserved old-world village that begins to be explored. Wander through the picturesque streets lined with old houses, and make sure not to miss the covered market that takes place every Sunday morning.

It’s a great area for activities with testing cycling, kayaking, climbing and more to be found within a short distance of the town.

Gourdon, Alpes-Maritimes –  Côte d’Azur

In Les Miserables (2012) Jean Valjean, played by Hugh Jackman, escapes strict parole and embarks on a journey to freedom through the mountains. In those moments, you are transported to France. The rugged landscape that surrounds the hilltop ‘Plus Beau Village’ of Gourdon, situated a few miles northeast of Grasse, seems unreachable from below, even for someone with Valjean’s stamina. However, once you reach the top, the breathtaking views extend all the way to the Mediterranean, leaving you in awe. Singing might even escape your lips at that moment.

See this search for France for Families properties in Alpes-Maritimes

Versailles, Île-de-France

Among many movies that have chosen Versailles as their setting is Midnight in Paris. This romantic gem doesn’t just showcase Paris’ Pont Alexandre III, Hotel Bristol, and Sacré-Coeur. The movie starts with writer Gil Pender ( Owen Wilson) professing his love for the romantic charm of old Paris in Monet’s Garden at Giverny. And in the grand gardens at Versailles, Gil’s nostalgia gets dismissed as mere “Golden Age Thinking.” You can easily reach both places from central Paris in under an hour.

There is so much to see at Versailles- superb architecture, spectacular gardens with much the history that gave way to the foundation of modern France all around.

Monpazier, Dordogne/Lot et Garonne

This well preserved fortified medieval village is in countryside rich in history, with other hilltop villages such as Monflanquin and Tournon d’Agenais nearby: Spectacular castles at Biron, Bonaguil and Gauvadun. It is therefore little wonder that director Ridley Scott chose Monpazier as the setting for many scenes in The Last Duel (2021) with the well known duo of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck coming together to contest the virtue of Marguerite de Carrougues, played by Jodie Comer.  It ends with a traditional jousting duel to the death.

The arched facades and covered market all feature in the movie, little changed since medieval times.  The simple layout of the town is a classic example of the ‘Bastide’ towns of this area of France.  Gently rolling countryside make this a favourite area for exploring by bicycle.

France and film share an enduring love, with a film repertoire including many of the world’s most esteemed box office hits. Experience the magic of these famous movie places when you travel to France: There are many more to be discovered!