The Movie Waffler 8 Remarkable Filming Locations Featured in Iconic Movies Set in France | The Movie Waffler

8 Remarkable Filming Locations Featured in Iconic Movies Set in France

8 Remarkable Filming Locations Featured in Iconic Movies Set in France

If you're a movie enthusiast who wants to immerse yourself in famous film locations, France is the ultimate destination. With its stunning architecture, charming streets, and picturesque bridges, this 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. We've seen a lot of movies that take place in France, but here we want to focus not so much on the films, but on the locations themselves.
 

#1 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris

You can explore Avenue des Champs-Élysées, an iconic boulevard nestled 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.

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.

#2 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 this movie, 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.


#3 Col de Peyresourde, French Pyrenees

You should make sure to include a scene shot in France in every Bond film. In the opening teaser of the 1997 hit, Brosnan 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, being featured in the Tour de France since 1910, and it's a must-visit for enthusiastic cyclists. By the way, if you want to watch the Tour de France or another movie next time, but encounter regional restrictions, make sure to install a VPN on your Firestick for seamless access. Do you know how to use a VPN with Firestick to access geo-restricted content? In order not to be distracted for a long time, just use VeePN, where you will also find instructions.

#4 The Louvre, Paris

You'll find the Louvre mentioned twice in the Davinci 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. Many famous French movies are not only filmed in the Louvre, but this is such a popular place that you don’t need to talk much about it, you already know everything.


#5 Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, Burgundy

You won't find any satisfaction in this quaint French village until Vianne Rocher (played by Binoche) comes and opens her charming chocolaterie. Chocolat (2000) does just that. 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.

#6 Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Occitanie region

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. This town, called Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, is located in southern 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.

#7 Gourdon, Côte d’Azur

Valjean (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.


#8 Versailles, Île-de-France

Don't let the title mislead you: this romantic gem doesn't just showcase Paris' Pont Alexandre III, Hotel Bristol, and Sacré-Coeur. The movie starts with writer Gil (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.

Conclusion

France and film share an enduring love, with the former hosting a film repertoire regarded as one of the world's most esteemed. Countless iconic movies have been inspired by this country. Experience the magic of these 8 famous movie places when you travel to France!