Discover France’s most popular film sets
Film buff? France has been the filming location of many successful TV series and movies, from the legendary James Bond to Les Misérables. If you’ve watched any of these on repeat and always dreamed of visiting the original set, our guide has all the information you need.
Read on to learn about the sets of some of the most popular movies and shows filmed in France. We also cover nearby must-see attractions for the ultimate French holiday.
Movie sets
France is no stranger to iconic movies, from action-packed thrillers to heart-warming romances. Below are some famous filming locations to add to your itinerary.
1. Chocolat, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain
This fairy-tale village in Burgundy was the setting of the 2000 movie Chocolat, an adaptation of the 1999 novel by Joanne Harris. Juliette Binoche plays Vianne Rocher, a mother of a six-year-old who decides to open a small chocolate shop. Despite the local community’s scepticism, she brings a new energy and influences the lives of many.
Flavigny-sur-Ozerain is the perfect location for this movie, serving as an idyllic escape for Vianne to kickstart her new adventure. The area is famous for its anise-flavoured sweets and beautiful vine-wrapped houses. The film was nominated for five Oscars, and it’s safe to say that the location played a part! Must-visit spots in the area include:
2. Dunkirk, Dunkirk
If you like historical movies, Dunkirk is among the very best. This 2017 war action film portrays the Dunkirk evacuation that took place during WWII, also known as ‘Operation Dynamo’. Over 300,000 Allied soldiers escaped from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk after Nazi Germany invaded France.
Although the movie flashes forward to after the evacuation, much of it is set along the Plage de Malo-Les-Bains in Dunkirk. The beach still resembles its 1940 appearance to achieve the best possible accuracy. The film won three Oscars thanks to its representation of this incredible historic moment.
If you have more time to spend in this charming port city, must-see attractions include:
TOP PICK: Operation Dynamo and Battlefield of Dunkirk Tour
3. Les Misérables, Paris
Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is a classic that never gets old. Paris, as we know it today, is a recent creation. Most of the old city was destroyed between 1854 and 1870 and completely transformed by Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann. Before this modernisation, photographer Charles Marville documented the capital’s original neighbourhoods, which inspired Les Misérables’ production team.
The 2012 movie is predominantly set in England, but some scenes are filmed in France. One of the main filming locations is the Jardin du Luxembourg, the perfect setting for the beginning of Cosette and Marius’ love story. The Paris Sewer Museum is also depicted when Jean Valjean carries Marius after escaping from the barricade. Another important location is the Saint-Paul Saint-Louis Church, where the couple gets married.
4. Amélie, Paris
Paris is the perfect frame for this fun romantic comedy. Amélie is set in Montmartre, Paris’ artistic heart, and tells the story of an introverted girl who works as a waitress at the Café des 2 Moulins. She devises ways to help people find their happiness, like escorting a blind man to the metro station while describing the city in detail, and eventually finds true love herself.
If you want to follow in Amélie’s footsteps, walk along the Rue Saint Vincent, which is the setting of the opening scene. The views from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica are simply breathtaking. Stroll through Montmartre's cobbled alleys and stop for a bite at Amélie’s grocery shop, Au Marche de la Butte on Rue des Trois Frères.
Must-see sites in Montmartre include:
TOP PICK: Montmartre Highlights Walking Tour with a Local Guide
5. Midnight in Paris, Paris
Midnight in Paris is a real treat for the soul. While on a trip to the capital, Gil, a nostalgic screenwriter played by Owen Wilson, finds himself travelling back in time to the 1920s every day at midnight. He meets famous figures like Ernest Hemingway, Paul Gauguin and Edgar Degas while falling in love with Gabrielle.
The movie is set against the backdrop of Paris’ historic Latin Quarter and the River Seine, where Gil walks at midnight and meets Gabrielle. Other filming locations include the Rodin Museum, the Palace of Versailles, Hotel Le Bristol and Place Vendôme. The romantic Pont Neuf is also portrayed, offering beautiful views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.
TV series sets
If you’ve binge-watched any of these shows, you’ll know where the action takes place. But if not, we’re here to explore them one by one.
1. Lupin, Paris
Inspired by Maurice Leblanc’s bestselling book, Lupin is fun, action-packed and entertaining. It follows the adventures of Assane Diop, played by Omar Sy, a professional thief seeking revenge for his wrongly imprisoned father.
The series takes place across Paris, with popular tourist attractions as the backdrop. The Louvre is the setting of the heist when Lupin steals the Queen’s necklace. The scene pays tribute to one of the world’s best museums, depicting service corridors and a hidden entrance to the Napoleon courtyard. Other Paris sets include Place Vendôme, the Saint-Ouen flea market, the Italian Embassy and the Jardin du Luxembourg. Another location is Étretat in Normandy, a charming seaside town.
TOP PICK: Louvre Museum Entry Ticket and Seine River Cruise
2. All the Light We Cannot See, Saint-Malo
The 2023 Netflix series All the Light We Cannot See is based on the homonymous novel by Anthony Doerr. Set in 1940, during the Battle of Saint-Malo, it tells the story of a blind French girl whose path crosses with a German soldier over a radio station.
The show is filmed in multiple locations across France, Hungary and Germany. Much of the action takes place in Saint-Malo, which was heavily bombed by the Allies in 1944. The quaint port town was adapted for production purposes, with German street signs, military tanks and cars. Some scenes, including the bombings and Saint-Malo liberation, are filmed in Villefranche-de-Rouergue in southern France.
If you’re visiting Saint-Malo, don’t miss:
Intra Muros district
3. James Bond, South of France & Paris
It doesn’t get more iconic than James Bond. The British secret agent, better known as 007, has taken audiences through the decades with adrenaline-packed missions and a distinct sense of humour.
France has served as the filming location for many of the James Bond productions. Thunderball stars Sir Sean Connery and begins in Eure-et-Loir at the majestic Château de Bouvar in central France. The French Riviera is the setting for Never Say Never Again, with Villefranche-sur-Mer and Menton as the backdrop for the motorcycle chase. The 1985 production A View to Kill features the Eiffel Tower’s Le Jules Verne restaurant and the Château de Chantilly as two of its filming locations.
4. Emily in Paris, Paris
Glamour, sparkle and colours are key to the success of Emily in Paris. This light-hearted romantic comedy series follows the story of Emily Cooper, a young American who moves to the French capital for work. The show is filmed across Paris, taking audiences through the capital’s vibrant cobbled streets and past stunning architecture.
When she first arrives, Emily lives in the Place de l’Estrapade in the historic Latin Quarter. The central fountain and tree-lined alleys make this the ideal romantic setting. Place de Valois by the Louvre is the location of Emily’s workplace, a marketing agency. Other sets include L’Atelier des Lumières, Rue de l’Abreuvoir, the Palace of Versailles and the Jardin du Palais Royal.
TOP PICK: Emily in Paris Show Locations Guided Walking Tour
Our routes
Newhaven to Dieppe
With our Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing, you can arrive in France in 4 hours. Enjoy excellent facilities while you sail, including restaurants and an on-board shop.
Dover to Calais
Hop aboard our most popular ferry crossing, Dover to Calais, and arrive in France in just 100 minutes. There are many ways to spend time on board, from dining to Duty Free shopping.
Dover to Dunkirk
With a journey time of just 2 hours, our Dover to Dunkirk ferry crossing gives you access to Belgium, France, Holland and more. Enjoy dining and Duty Free shopping on board.
