Lately we’ve been thinking about the films that make us fall more in love with France every time we watch them. So, in honour of the upcoming Cannes film festival in May, here’s three of our favourite films set in France to get you in the mood. We’ve also lined up the best French villas and chateaux to stay in to enjoy the best the area has to offer.
Chocolat, starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp is based on the novel by Joanne Harris. It tells the story of a travelling mother and her daughter, who arrive at a starchy French village and turn it upside down. The chocolaterie they open during lent causes controversy and scandal, and tests the wills of the villagers. A funny, touching and visually beautiful film that will have you craving dinner parties under the stars, lazy afternoons by the river, French village life and chocolate. Filming took place in the village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain in Burgundy and on the Dordogne River.
Far grander than anything you’d find in Chocolat, Château De Fremont is set in rural Burgundy, surrounded by four acres of glorious grounds. Built in 1900 for a celebrated French actress by her lover, it carries an unmistakable air of romance. Later serving as a Red Cross hospital during World War II, today this historic château has been transformed into a welcoming holiday home. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a reunion with friends, or even a wedding, it offers the perfect blend of history, charm, and elegance.
Picture the elegance of a light-filled Parisian apartment, beautifully reimagined within a Dordogne manor. This is Manoir Altheas, an 1800s holiday home restored with timeless style and grace. Every room reflects refined comfort and the authentic charm of Périgord, while the hillside setting across two floors offers enchanting views. From the upper level, wander through flourishing flower gardens, or simply throw open the grand traditional windows to let the fresh country air drift inside.
Russell Crowe plays a money-obsessed London banker who is forced into a sudden life overhaul when he gets left his uncle’s chateau and vineyard in Provence. First thinking he will try to sell the estate, Crowe discovers a new lifestyle and long-forgotten joys from his childhood. This is a life-affirming film which will inspire you to learn about wine, Provence and enjoying life to its fullest. It was filmed in Cucuron and throughout the stunning landscapes of the Vaucluse and Luberon areas.
This casual and unique stone villa is perched on a hill, with stunning views across the Luberon to soak in. The outside is a rustic stone haphazard villa, with idyllic blue painted shutters, wisteria and grape vines clinging to it. The interior of this French villa is full of quirky objects and sculptures gathered and made by the it’s artist owners. A scenic 30 minute drive will take you to the village of Curcuron, where much of the filming took place.
Just over mile away from the pretty Provence market town of Apt, and half an hour from Cucuron this villa is a great spot to base yourself for wandering around the gorgeous scenery and vineyards in the area. This bastide was once a gentlemen’s retreat in the 18th century, and you’ll still find the traces of the old maze in the grounds.
Midnight in Paris is a modern Woody Allen classic. Struggling writer Gill, (Owen Wilson) visits Paris with his glamourous fiancée and her snooty family. Gill’s wistful optimism shines through as he begins to realize he is out of place on his holiday, and in his life. His love of Paris leads him to wander the city at night, and at midnight somehow finds himself transported to the Paris of the roaring twenties, complete with Dali, Picasso, Hemingway et. al. Sets feature Monet’s water garden, Versailles, and the romance of Paris in the rain. A perfect movie to fall in love with Paris, idealism and probably Owen Wilson.
Modern luxury meets belle epoque in this magnificent old country estate. The groomed grounds are yours to explore at this bolthole just 30kmfrom the allure of Paris. It’s also very close to Jean-Jacques Rousseau Museum, if you want to brush up on your historical knowledge to impress any guests.
Sleeps: 12-27
Price from: £99pppn
Feeling suitably wooed by France’s filmstar charms? Or maybe you have another movie suggestion for us that made you need to go to France? We have a fantastic range of French chateaux and villas, no matter which region is calling to you. We also have some fantastic travel guides for Provence, the Dordogne and Burgundy to make sure you get the most out of your holiday. If you need some advice, our concierge team will be happy to help.
Looking for a full list of villas to rent this year? Check out our villa holidays page here.
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