FRANCE


Film location scout in France

From the snowy peaks of the Alps to the picturesque countryside of Provence, our location scouting in France is the professional help you need to find a hidden gem. One of our customers was looking to shoot a romantic scene in an intimate, visually stunning, and not-too-crowded spot. They spent hours researching possible locations online.

Our fixer in France suggested an idyllic and remote site on the banks of the Seine River, surrounded by lush greenery and with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower in the background. Together with our film location scout in France the client visited it and found the perfect spot for the video.

film location scout in france, paris

PARIS

From the narrow, winding streets of Montmartre to the wide boulevards of the Champs-Élysées, Paris offers a wealth of opportunity. Our film location scout in France loves lesser-known sites like Passage des Panoramas, a historic covered shopping arcade, or the Petite Ceinture, an abandoned railway line.

Paris is a highly regulated city, and filming without the proper permits can result in fines and other penalties. The process of obtaining film permits can be time-consuming, which is why it is essential to work with a local fixer who can help you navigate it.

Did you know the city has a ban on filming on Sundays? Known as the day of rest, this ban has been in place since the 19th century to give workers a day off to spend with their families. While there are some exceptions for certain types of productions, such as news broadcasts, most filming is prohibited on Sundays, as our film location scout in France will tell you.

NICE

Azure blue waters, colorful architecture, and dramatic landscapes. The city of Nice is famous for its ‘Promenade des Anglais’, a seaside walkway that offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. The Old Town of Nice, known as ‘Vieux Nice’, is a picturesque neighborhood with narrow, winding streets and colorful buildings. Lesser-known sites that location scouting can uncover for you include the Parc de la Colline du Château, a hilltop park that offers panoramic views of the city, and the Palais Lascaris, a Baroque-style palace that is now a museum.

Nice is home to some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. The Cannes Film Festival, which takes place just a short distance away, attracts filmmakers and celebrities from around the world.

With reliable gear rental in France and the help of an experienced film location scout in France, you too can capture the charm of Nice on film.

film location scout in france, nice
CLERVAUX

LYON

Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France. With restaurants such as Les Apothicaires whose dishes make use of medicinal herbs and La Bijouterie, with its antique jewelry chandeliers and quirky menu, it is not hard to understand why!

‘Vieux Lyon’, the old quarter, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features narrow streets and hidden passageways. Fourvière Hill offers splendid views of the city, and the Croix-Rousse district is known for its colorful murals and street art. The city has strict regulations on filming in certain areas, as our film location scout in France will tell you. This includes public monuments and parks, and permits are required for most productions. Lyon has a thriving film industry and is home to several film festivals, including the Lumière Film Festival, which celebrates the legacy of the Lumière brothers, pioneers of early cinema. ‘The Three Musketeers’ (2011) and ‘The Da Vinci Code’ (2006) feature scenes shot in the city.

PROVENCE

Provence is home to several iconic film locations in France, including the lavender fields of Valensole, the hilltop village of Gordes, and the Pont du Gard aqueduct. Lesser-known locations include the rolling hills, quaint villages, and vineyards of Luberon Regional Nature Park. The Camargue region is home to wild horses, pink flamingos, and salt marshes.

Provence is also famous for its markets, which offer a colorful and lively backdrop for filming. The markets of Aix-en-Provence, Arles, and Avignon feature a wide range of local produce, artisanal crafts, and cultural events.

The region’s warm climate and long days make it ideal for filming outdoors, as per our film location scout in France. The summer months can be hot and crowded, but spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer tourists.

Like most film permits in France, obtaining approvals can take several weeks. The French government aids foreign production, including tax credits and subsidies for certain types of production.

MARSEILLE

MARSEILLE

Marseille is a bustling port city. Its architecture, music, and art reflect influences from Greek, Roman, and Arab civilizations. Its cuisine blends French, North African, and Mediterranean flavors. The city’s traditional dish is bouillabaisse, a fish stew made with local seafood and served with bread and rouille sauce.

It is home to many film locations in France, including the Old Port, the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, and the Calanques, a series of rocky inlets and fjords that stretch along the coast. These locations have been featured in films such as ‘The French Connection’ (1971). Our film location scout in France recommends MuCEM, a museum located on the waterfront, the Cours Julien, a bohemian neighborhood filled with street art and quirky boutiques, and the markets of the Noailles and the Vieux-Port. Filmmakers who are not local should know that Marseille has a reputation for being gritty and dangerous, with high crime rates in some areas.