25 Movies and TV shows set in France

“So ask the travelled inhabitant of any nation, ‘In what country on earth would you rather live?’ Certainly in my own, where are all my friends, my relations, and the earliest and sweetest affections and recollections of my life. Which would be your second choice? France.” – Thomas Jefferson

France: our neigbour, where we lived for a decade. A country we keep returning to. Over and over again. Why? Because we love everything about France. Its language. Its cuisine. Its culture. Its art. When we miss France, but cannot immediately cross the border to explore the country that we once called home, then you might find us reading French books. Or watching French movies. As well as movies set in France.

Here are 25 movies and TV shows to make you visit France from your couch.

PARIS (2008)

By Mei and Kerstin from Travel with Mei and Kerstin

Paris. A cosmopolitan capital. Millions of people. Every day, we met new faces. And yet, every day we came across the same old faces. Not just at work, at school, at the markets. But also in the subway, escalators and elevators. And even from our tiny apartment’s window, while looking down in the streets or into the buildings across the avenue.

When we first moved to Paris, zillions of new faces gave us nightmares. When we left Paris 10 years later, we dreamt of the same old faces we had seen ever day. In the end, Paris is a small city…

In Cédric Klapisch’s 2008 film Paris, you get to see how the stories of various characters intertwine. They all live in the French capital, but don’t really know each other. Pierre, a cabaret dancer who stays at home due to his severe heart condition, observes Laetitia, who lives in the building across the street. Laetitia, a student at the Sorbonne, receives text messages from an anonymous lover. This unknown lover turns out to be her university professor, Roland. And Roland is envious of the successful life of his brother, Philippe. But Philippe’s nightmares clearly show that his life isn’t as perfect as one imagines. And then there’s Pierre’s sister, Élise, whom Pierre suddenly sees standing inside Laetitia’s apartment…

Yes, Paris is a small city after all. People get to talk to each other, and forget they ever met. This is the Paris we knew. The Paris we lived in and left.

Thank you Cédric Klapisch for creating this movie! And for putting together Romain Duris, Juliette Binoche, Mélanie Laurent, Fabrice Luchini, François Cluzet, and many other great French actors. We’re glad to have this movie in DVD. Even if it’s also available on Netflix or Amazon Prime.

LE FABULEUX DESTIN D’AMÉLIE POULAIN (2002)

By Vivien from The Dharma Trails

This quirky, French classic came out in 2001 and is still exciting to watch over and over again. The story is based around the main character, Amélie, a charming, Parisian, twenty-something year old, café employee. Join her as she creatively connects various lives and stories around her, ultimately leading to her own love story.

The film is based in Paris and shot at 80 different locations around the city. There are a few iconic places that you can recognise and visit. This includes the Café des 2 Moulins – a “very Parisian” corner style café with outdoor, curb side seating. It gets its name from two “windmills”, one of which is the Moulin Rouge (just around the corner). There’s also the Montmartre Funicular, a restored, transport cart that takes you up a hill to the main area of Montmartre. Which is a perfect neighbourhood to wander down old, winding alley ways.And then, there’s of course the Sacré-Cœur, an infamous Roman Catholic church with beautiful gardens and a great lookout in the heart of Paris.

The cinematography and music in this film is sure to inspire daydreams of Paris for years to come. The film is in French with subtitles and can be viewed on Apple TV, Amazon Prime or Netflix.

PARIS, JE T’AIME (2006)

By Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

Paris, Je T’aime is an anthology film, composed of 18 vignettes taking place across various arrondissements of Paris. The movie’s short films are directed by acclaimed directors. And stars actors from a broad array of nationalities, from the Cohen brothers and Oliver Schmitz to Gaspard Ullie and Natalie Portman. And fittingly, the movie is partially in both French and English, with a smattering of other languages mixed in.

Each vignette boasts its own unique flair to correspond with whichever arrondissement the tale is set in. From a surreal vampire love story to the tale of a young immigrant nanny struggling to work multiple jobs. While Paris is often portrayed as a city bursting at the seams with romance, it has many grittier facets (think prostitution, drugs, petty crime). And the film does an excellent job of balancing the city’s charm and glamour with a bit of its darker underbelly. If you feel like falling in love with Paris or perhaps just want to take a mental vacation dreamily along the Seine, this is the perfect film to transport you to the City of Love.

At the time of the writing of this article, Paris, je t’aime can be watched on YouTube, Tubi, Google Play or ITunes, among other sites.

DIX POUR CENT (2015-2018)

By Pauline from Bee Loved City

Call my agent, known as “Dix pour cent” in French, is one of the best French TV Shows that was ever produced!

It tells the story of a team of agents in Paris. They try to get their business going while keeping their stars happy. Funny and quirky, Call my agent is a very entertaining watch. You will dive into the world of the people behind the stars. Fame, back-stabbing, love… it has it all!

The main characters are particularly well chosen and include famous actors such as Camille Cottin, mainly known for her Canal + show “La Connasse”. The most interesting thing about this show is not only that it features very interesting characters but also a lot of famous French actors. Every single renowned French actor (or foreign actor who built their fame in France such as Monica Belluci) are in the show. Amongst others, you will get to see: Jean Dujardin, Cécile de France, Isabelle Adjani and Isabelle Huppert.

If you love French culture, Call my agent will be perfect for you. You will discover beautiful scenes filmed in Paris and some of the best French actors at the same time. Three seasons have been released since 2015 and they are all available on Netflix!

TAKEN (2008)

By Lara – Both Feet On The Road

Taken is a famous action-thriller that was released in 2008. In fact, the movie was such a hit that lead to the making of two sequels (with the very original titles of Taken 2 and 3). And a television series on NBC (also titled Taken). In my opinion sequels and spinoffs are never as good as the originals. So, I would only recommend the original Taken movie from 2008.

Taken is about a retired CIA agent who travels to France to bring back his daughter who is kidnapped by Albanian human traffickers in Paris. It’s a great action movie, with plenty of moments filled with adrenaline rushes. That, in combination with great shots of some Paris highlights (E.g. Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, Church of Saint Germain l’Auxerrois, and The Seine) make it an easy, yet exciting movie to watch.

The main language spoken in the movie is English. Though occasionally some Albanian and French is spoken too. Taken 1 is available on both Netflix and Apple TV. If you are really taken away by the movie, the sequels are also available on the same streaming services. Though I have warned you, they will probably disappoint you after having watched Taken 1.

DA VINCI CODE (2006)

By Kenny from Knycx Journeying

If you are a Dan Brown fan, you must know who Robert Langdon is. The Langdon adventure was very intense that you may have lost sleep reading the book as you just wanted to know what came next. In case you haven’t read the book, watch the three blockbuster movies that are played by Tom Hanks to have a taste of the Langdon’s world.

Da Vinci Code was the first movie (although not the first story in the series) in theatre and it was a sensation. The movie was released in 2006. And the mystery thriller took places in Paris, France, where Dr. Langdon partnered with beautiful Sophie Neveu, the granddaughter of Louvre’s curator. Together, to went to the quest to solve the unusual murder of the curator and the secret behind the actual Holy Grail, that was encoded in Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings.

The movie is available on Netflix and it’s in English. So why do I love the movie? The story is filled with brilliant plots, heart-racing catch-and-chase scenes. But also riddle-solving that are based on ancient symbology, secret societies, and conspiracy theories. Follow Dr. Langdon’s path and visit the heritage sites in Paris. And later in Italy and London: from the Saint-Sulpice Church, Saint Germain-des-Près, Palais Royal, to the Louvre… Trust me, the movie takes you through a journey like no others. You will definitely see the paintings and sculptures, symbols, and architecture from a completely different point of view.

BEFORE SUNSET (2004)

By Gabrijela from Under flowery sky 

Before Sunset is the part of the trilogy Before sunrise/Before sunset/Before midnight. It tells the story of an American man and a French girl who met in the train while travelling to Vienna. Before Sunset is one of my favourite movies. It’s the second meet up of these lovebirds after ten years, as they didn’t exchange any contact details except arranging to meet after 6 months.

The story happens in Paris, where Jesse or Ethan Hawke has a promotion of his new book. They only have an afternoon together as his plane goes in a few hours. The movie finishes mysteriously as we need to guess if Jesse missed the plane or not. The song that Celine sings on a guitar for him is one of the most impressive I’ve heard. That is the proof of the love that endured years without seeing each other. Of the love that still enlightens their hearts after so many years. Their conversations and their romantic story is just something to be seen.

The movie is made in English. And can be watched even on Youtube or anywhere online like here. It’s not available on Netflix in USA.

BANDE À PART (1964)

By Kelly from Snap Travel Magic

Bande à Part, or Band of Outsiders as it is known in the United States, debuted in 1964. It introduced many Americans to a modern and very French form of cinema, known as French New Wave. This French-language film follows three students as they embark to commit a gangster-movie inspired robbery, while navigating a love triangle. Complete with a convention-breaking, Tarantino-inspiring dance scene, this movie breaks stereotypes and societal expectations. Starlet Anna Karina captures most of the onstage attention. Especially with a haircut that modern viewers are likely to describe using comparisons to the film Amelie. And a vibe that is best characterized as proto manic pixie dream girl.

The unnamed star cast member, omnipresent in the film however, is Paris. The city lends its café-culture, romance, and even the Louvre as a backdrop to the exploits of the protagonists. Bande à Part eschews traditional story arcs and upends the cinematic conventions of the time. Yet, it remains one of Goddard’s most popular and accessible masterpieces guaranteed to make any Francophile swoon.

If you want to enjoy the masterpieces that is Bande à Part, you can buy the DVD on Amazon.

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (2011)

By Norbert from France Bucket List

Midnight in Paris is a romantic comedy written and directed by Woody Allen. The film is mainly set in Paris. And it shows the best of the French capital and its iconic sights. So, it is the perfect film for Paris lovers or people planning a trip to Paris. The film’s soundtrack, with many French songs, is very good too.

Midnight in Paris follows Gil (Owen Wilson), an American screenwriter and aspiring novelist on his trip to Paris with his fiancée (Rachel McAdams). Their different interests and goals make Gil touring Paris at night alone many times. On one of these excursions he travels back in time to the Paris of the roaring twenties. There he meets people like Hemingway, Dali, or the Fitzgeralds who know how to have fun in Paris at night.

The more time Gil spends with these funny-crazy people of the past, the more dissatisfied he becomes with his present life and his relationship. Midnight in Paris is currently available on Netflix.

MOULIN ROUGE! (2001)

By Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

Moulin Rouge! was released in 2001. But it’s set in Paris at the turn of the 20th century, just over 100 years earlier. More specifically, in the Montmartre quarter. The center bohemian nightlife in Paris, this neighborhood was (and still is) home to cabarets like the famous Moulin Rouge, easily identified by the red windmill on the roof. “Moulin rouge” means “red mill” in French. Even though the film is set in France, the original language is English.

This is perhaps not so farfetched, since one of the main characters is a young English writer. Christian, played by Ewan McGregor, falls in love with Satine, the club’s star courtesan, played by Nicole Kidman. But the club’s patron, the Duke of Monroth, is also vying for Satine’s affections. As hinted at by the exclamation point in the title, Moulin Rouge! is a bombastic, over the top drama performed in “jukebox musical” style. But while it may not seem very realistic, in some ways it’s a quite accurate portrayal of the seedy underworld of Paris in the 1890s. Definitely a must-watch before visiting Montmartre and watching a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge. The movie is available on AppleTV.

PLAN COEUR (2018)

By Julie from Why Not Ju

The Hookup Plan ( or Plan Coeur in French) is a Netflix original production that is set in Paris, and the original language of the show is French. And of course, as series set in a romantic city like Paris, the story is about love. However, it’s love with a twist.

The Hook Up Plan evolves around Elsa and her group of friends, all with their personalities, stories, and problems. The main character, Elsa is working in an uninspiring job, soon to be 30 and still in love with her ex. Her girlfriends want to help her break out of her ruts and put her mind on other things. The plan they come up with is rather unconventional and it does not work out the way they had planned.

The series started to run in 2018, with two seasons out so far, a total of 14 episodes. This series is perfectly quirky feel-good and to times relatable. It’s the perfect series to dream yourself away to Parisian streets. I definitely recommend watching in original language.

INTOUCHABLES (2011)

By Clemens from Travellers Archive 

Intouchables is an amazing movie that made me cry for so many times already. It has one of the most touching storylines ever. Philippe is rich and intelligent, but he needs help in everyday life because he is paralyzed from the neck down. When he hires a new nurse, he decides to the dismay of his friends and confidants for the young black Driss, who has just been released from prison.

The direct and happy character of Driss impresses Philippe, who suffers particularly from the pity of his surroundings. The two become buddies and have quite an unusual friendship which is absolutely heart-warming. The movie stars François Cluzet and Omar Sy in the leading roles. And it was shot in Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis, Savoie and in the seaside resort Cabourg on the English Channel, among others. As the movie was released in 2011 already, you can now watch it online. On Netflix , you can also change its original language into your language of choice.

TANGUY (2001)

By Mei and Kerstin from Travel with Mei and Kerstin

Today, when you say that a guy is a Tanguy, you mean that he is an adult who is still living with his parents. This term was coined very recently… in 2001 to be exact, right after the French movie Tanguy became a success!

When Tanguy was born, his parents Edith and Paul loved him so much that they said he could stay with them forever, if he wanted to. Almost 30 years later, Tanguy has a successful academic career at the Sorbonne University. He’s healthy. And women seem to love him. BUT, he still lives with his parents, in his parents’ Parisian apartment. Every day, he says I love you to his parents. Kisses them good morning, goodbye, and good night. He plays tennis with his parents’ friends. He dines with them. And he even brings girls home for the night, who, on the next morning, get to meet his parents at breakfast.

A dream for most parents? Well, not so much anymore for Tanguy’s parents. In fact, Edith and Paul have become so fed up with their son’s presence that they decided to make Tanguy’s life at home as miserable as possible. At almost 30 years, Tanguy suddenly has to sleep in a baby bed….

We love this hilarious French movie for its actors. But also because it’s set in so many places of Paris where we used to spend our time at, when we lived in the French capital. From the Chinatown in the 13th arrondissement, to the interior of the Sorbonne University, past the Jardin du Luxembourg. If you have never heard of Tanguy, then you should definitely watch this French comedy on Youtube.

Oh, and there’s also a second movie called Tanguy : the return (2019), which you can watch on ITunes.

CHARADE (1963)

By Eileen from Families Go!

One of my favorite movies set in Paris is Charade, a 1963 American movie that combines suspense, romance and some comedy. Three men are pursuing Audrey Hepburn to reclaim their share of the booty they stole with her husband during WWII. And that her husband later kept for himself. The problem is, she knows nothing about it.

Walter Matthau claims to be a government agent trying to reclaim that money for the U.S. Treasury. Cary Grant seems to be a helpful stranger. But as her pursuers are murdered one by one she begins to wonder if anyone is who they say they are. And who she can really trust. The scenes in the Paris streets, the Metro, on the rooftops and along the Seine have a real sense of place. Even if some were likely filmed in a studio. I like Grant’s visit to the American Express office because it takes the viewer back to an earlier era of travel. You can stream it for free with Amazon Prime membership (or stream it with a rental fee).

MARIE-ANTOINETTE (2006)

By Elisa from World in Paris

Marie Antoinette (2006) is an American film written and directed by Sofia Coppola. It is based on the life of Queen Marie-Antoinette of France, King Louis XVI’s wife. Since she leaves her country to get married to the Dauphin of France until the storm of the Bastille. The film stars Kirsten Dunst (Marie-Antoinette) and Jason Schwartzman (Louis XVI).

The film is shot in Versailles Palace and Gardens (in Ile-de-France). And it is a great way to see how Versailles looked like in the 18th century, with the amazing costumes, masked balls and crazy parties to entertain the King and the Queen. But also the gossip, envies and conspiracies of the French court.

During the first years, the couple remains childless. Mainly because Louis XVI does not know how to consummate. It is the period when Marie spends most of her time buying extravagant clothes and gambling. Later, they find their way, and Marie-Antoinette gives birth to 4 children.

As France’s financial crisis worsens, food shortages and riots increase. Her luxurious lifestyle and seeming indifference to the struggles of the French people earn her the title “Madame Deficit”. Marie-Antoinette can be watched on Apple TV.

THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK (1998)

By Diana from Travels in Poland

The Man in the Iron Mask focuses on four musketeers and is loosely based on Alexandre Dumas’s The Vicomte de Bradelonne novel. Made in the United States, the film is in English and was released in 1998.

The movie follows the plot of King Louis XIV’s life in France as he is in a perilous state following the country’s wars. Many people in France are poor and the king continues to go about his ways. Prioritizing himself and his social life ahead of the good of the people and country. As such, the musketeers bring a prisoner back, whom they introduce as Phillippe, Louis’s twin brother. Their plan is to have the identical twin replace the king and bring France back to an era of prosperity. The film follows the story as the musketeers and Phillippe try to overcome all the obstacles needed to become the true king of France.

The movie was filmed in various locations in France. The most famous being the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which served as the Versailles for the film. Other filming locations include the Chateau de Fontainebleau and Le Mans. The movie can be watched on Apple TV.

LA GRANDE CLASSE (2019)

By Camille from Everything Yoga Retreat

La Grande Classe (Back to School) is a French comedy released on Netflix in 2019. This movie takes place both in Paris and in Bretigny, a southern suburb of Paris. It’s a fun movie about a school reunion, and there’s some good humor sprinkled throughout the film.

The story starts in the past where we see the two main protagonists, Jonathan and Pierre Yves, being bullied at school for being nerds. Twenty years later, we find them both in Paris. They have now successful careers and have changed in appearance. They find out that their old high school is having a reunion, to which they have not been invited. So, they decide to go and show off their successful lives to their old schoolmates. However, the party doesn’t go as planned.

The main reason why I liked this movie is because it is played by French actors. So it gives you a real feel of what French people and France is like. Also, even though it’s a comedy, this movie also deals with serious topics such as bullying and the importance of friendship. If you’re looking for a funny movie that’s 100% French, I definitely recommend watching La Grande Classe on Netflix.

THE TUNNEL (2013)

By Mandi from Big Family Little Adventures

The Tunnel is a British-French crime drama series, set across The Channel tunnel. The first series follows the discovery of the top half of a French politician. And the bottom half of a British prostitute left in the Channel tunnel.

The series features Stephen Dillane as Karl Roebuck (UK detective) and Clemence Poesy as Elise Wasserman (French detective). The two detectives work between the two countries to find the serial killer. It’s a great plot with lots of twists and turns. And as it’s bilingual, it appeals to a wider audience. It also gives a great insight into both countries. The scenes in France was filmed in Boulogne-sur-mer, Calais, Dunkirk and Wissant. Whereas the UK part was filmed in Cantebrury, Dover, Folkestone, Swale and Thanet. It was the first television production to film inside the Channel Tunnel.

The first series aired in the UK and France in October/November 2013. There have been three series. Series one consists of 10 episodes, series 2of 8 episodes, and series 3 of 6 episodes. You can currently watch it on Sky Atlantic, purchase on Amazon Prime or purchase all 3 series in a DVD boxset.

CHOCOLAT (2000)

By Jade from The Migrant Yogi

Chocolat is an iconic romantic movie, starring Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Lena Olin, and Judy Dench. The movie was released in 2000, and is set in 1959 in a small, fictional village in Southern France.

Chocolat tells the story of a young woman, Vianne (Juliette Binoche), and her daughter, Anouk, who move to a rural village and open a chocolate shop.  Initially, the shop is met with reservations, as it has Sunday hours, is opened during Lent, and is located across from a church. Eventually, though, the townspeople welcome the mother-daughter pair and their sumptuous treats. Despite the popularity of the chocolatier, the town’s mayor is determined to shut down Vianne’s shop and drive them out of the village.

It is a charming movie about perseverance, acceptance, and kindness. The quaint village scenes will likely inspire a visit to France. Complete with chocolate and champagne tastings.  So, where exactly is it?  Actually, the village is fictional. The movie was primarily filmed in the medieval village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain in the region of Burgundy, north of Dijon. Visit Flavigny-sur-Ozerain to see a beautifully-preserved, walled medieval village and lovely Benedictine buildings. Chocolat is filmed in English and is currently available for streaming on HBO and Amazon Prime.

THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY (2014)

By Sarah from Let’s Grow Cook

This feel-good foodie movie follows Hassan Kadam, from Mumbai, India to London, then the Midi Pyrenees and the glorious heights of Michelin starred cuisine.  The Hundred Foot Journey is adapted from the book of the same name by Richard Morais (and that’s also well worth a read) and stars Helen Mirren, being directed by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg. Originally made in English, this movie debuted in 2014.

The movie showcases the area near Saint Antonin Noble Val in the Midi-Pyrenees, as well as Paris (and of course Mumbai, India). But it also highlights the world of French cuisine and the quality of good fresh food ingredients, especially available in rural France.  The hundred-foot journey reference in the title of the movie relates to the distance between the Kadam family’s Indian restaurant and Mirren’s haute cuisine restaurant. But also the journey that those within the story take during the course of the movie.  There is rivalry, jealously and culture clashes throughout the movie, as well as drama and more than a few life lessons.

It’s a glorious representation of both rural life in France, excellent food and both family life and the business of food. The movie is available on Netflix.

A GOOD YEAR (2006)

By Nadine from Le Long Weekend

The movie A Good Year is a romantic comedy that revolves around a vineyard estate in Provence. It’s a loveable movie based on the book of the same name written by local writer Peter Mayle. Mayle lived in the Luberon Valley when writing A Good Year. And the script takes you on a wonderful journey through the South of France. Filming takes place in several hilltop villages of Provence, with the famed vineyard itself being located just outside of Bonnieux.

The plot follows a fairly predictable pattern of stressed out banker who moves to Provence to sell the family estate (after an estranged uncle dies). But he gets lured in by the lifestyle, the memories, and of course, the love interest. Will he stay or will he return to his fast-paced life in London? That’s the question you’re holding onto throughout the film. It’s the kind of movie you want to watch while curling up on the sofa. With a good glass of Provence rosé in hand. And let yourself be transported to the Provence countryside.

The movie is in English and can be watched Amazon Prime or Google Play.

MARSEILLE (2016)

By Megan from Peter Pan Traveler 

Political drama doesn’t only happen in the USA. There are tons of scandals all around the world, that we normally never hear about. However, thankfully for Netflix, this doesn’t always have to be the case.

Anyone that is obsessed with France like I am, should watch Marseille. It is a great show that goes into good detail of the political scandal that happened in the city of Marseille. It is based on a true story and is full of political drama. I loved watching it because I learned so much about politics in France. Also, it was filmed in Marseille and reminded me of the time I spent there. Anyone that has wanderlust will appreciate the filming that takes to all the popular destinations there.

I also highly recommend it for anyone wanting or trying to learn French, as it is filmed in French and is a great way to practice. There are only two seasons, but it will leave you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER (2006)

By Veronika from Travel Geekery

The psychological thriller set in the 18^th century France was made in 2006 based on a German novel by Patrick Süskind from 1985. It follows the story of the orphaned Jean-Baptiste Grenouille who was born with an exceptional sense of smell. As a young man he learns everything about perfume-making in Grasse, the cradle of the craft. However, his quest for the ultimate fragrance takes a dark turn…

Even though many of the scenes were shot in Spain, still quite a few were made right in Grasse, France. When you visit the perfume town and navigate its small winding streets, you’ll feel like you’re in the film set.

I liked the movie because it has such an unusual plot and it also gives you a unique insight into how perfumes are made. I watched it prior to visiting Grasse and could build up on that knowledge, e.g. at Grasse’s Perfume Museum at the Fragonard Factory. You can watch the movie on Apple TV.

RIVIERA (2017)

By Sarah from Cosmopoliclan

Discover some of the most glamorous sites along the Côte d’Azur in Riviera, a TV series first released in 2017 by on Sky Box. Julia Stiles plays the role of Georgina, an American art curator living the dream in the south of France with her new husband, banker Constantine Clios (Anthony Lapaglia). But her dreams are shattered when Constantine gets killed in an explosion onboard the yacht of a powerful Russian arms dealer. Georgina, determined to unveil the truth about her husband’s death, gets caught up in a web of intrigue, art crime and murder.

The storyline unfolds against the stunning backdrop of the glamorous French Riviera. Many of the dreamy filming locations can be visited and some even allow for an overnight stay. Villa Carmella, for example, the sprawling estate, which is featured as the Clios residence, is actually Château Diter, a luxury boutique hotel in the town of Grasse between Monaco and Saint-Tropez. Another high-end location that can be yours for the night is the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat. Other sun-soaked sites are the Chantecler restaurant at the Negresco hotel. The Cornice and the Cimetière du Château in Nice. The Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur in Cagnes-sur-Mer. The Place de la Conception in Menton, and the church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Èze.

I spent all my childhood summers at the French Riviera and love how Riviera allows me to step inside some of the most exclusive French estates. The public locations that are featured bring back so many memories, making me fall in love with the Côte d’Azur all over again. I really can’t wait for the third season, which is planned to be released this year. Riviera is in English and can be streamed on Sky Go and Now TV  or downloaded on Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Sky Store, Google Play Movies.

À LA FOLIE… PAS DU TOUT (2001)

By Mei and Kerstin from Travel with Mei and Kerstin

We all know Audrey Tautou. She played the iconic Amélie Poulain. She was Sophie in Da Vinci Code. She even impersonated Coco Chanel. But somehow, we remember her best as Angélique in À le folie… pas du tout. Perhaps, because the movie is set in Bordeaux, in southwestern France, where we lived from 2003-2005. Or is it because the ending of the story is so shocking that we could never forget the movie?

À la folie… pas du tout is known in English as He Loves me… He Loves me not. It’s not a literal translation. But the metaphor is still there. When we were kids, we also played the “he/she loves me; he/she loves me not” game. We pulled the petals off a flower, one after another, until we got the final answer. By doing this, we let destiny choose for us. But if the final answer didn’t suit us, we started again, with another flower. Because, who cares about destiny if you can make your own decision? When someone does this over and over again, people will say that he or she is completely obsessed.

And in this movie, Angélique is more than obsessed. Obsessed with a married man, called Loïc. He gave her a pink rose at the beginning of the movie. And then he smiled at her. He was about to get divorced to be with her. She was so incredibly in love. And so was he… or at least, this is what she said. But when you’ve watched half of the movie, you start to wonder: does Loïc know Angélique at all? Suddenly, the movie rewinds to the opening scene. And we get to see the whole story from a different viewpoint…

À la folie… pas du tout is available on Amazon and Apple TV.

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