Are you planning on visiting the south of France soon? To get you started, here are some films, novels, series and movies set in Provence that feature the region’s culture at the center of their stories. Enjoy!
The Count of Monte Cristo
This high-budget movie reimagines Alexandre Dumas’ famous novel with a modern twist, setting several scenes against the enchanting landscapes of Provence. Filming took place in iconic locations such as the calanques of Cassis, the majestic Château d’If, and the picturesque streets of Aix-en-Provence. These natural settings, rich in history, sunshine, and beauty, add an authentic and immersive dimension to this new adaptation of the classic, perfectly capturing the essence of southern France.
Which film maker is famous for his films set in his native Provence? Marcel Pagnol!
The works of Marcel Pagnol, including classics like Jean de Florette, My Mother’s Castle, and Manon of the Spring, are inseparable from Provence, which serves as their essential backdrop. Through his novels and movies, often directed by Daniel Auteuil, Pagnol authentically depicts rural Provençal life, highlighting both the beauty and harshness of the region. His poignant stories, rooted in the sunlit hills and picturesque villages of Provence, capture the essence of its landscapes and inhabitants.
My Friend Maigret by Georges Simenon
The famous character of Commissioner Maigret is at the center of several twists in this detective novel. Marcellin, one of his friends, is killed on the island of Porquerolles, and Maigret must investigate the crime.
The Connection
Based on real events, this action movie takes us to 1970s Marseille, where the mafia organization known as the French Connection was making headlines for heroin smuggling. Starring Jean Dujardin and Gilles Lellouche, the film uncovers a troubled past of Provence’s largest city.
To Catch a Thief
This classic Alfred Hitchcock romantic thriller stars Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. Set against the glamorous backdrop of the French Riviera, the film features iconic scenes that showcase the breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes. Cary Grant plays a retired jewel thief trying to clear his name, while Grace Kelly’s elegant and charming character adds intrigue and romance to the story’s scenes.
Cézanne and I in Aix-en-Provence
Artist Paul Cézanne embodies Provence. From his birthplace to his last residence in Aix-en-Provence, this movie takes viewers through the various places that marked his life and career: from Cézanne’s cabin to the Domaine du Jas de Bouffan…
Ronin
Starring Robert De Niro and Jean Reno, this British-American action movie follows six mercenaries on a mission to recover a coveted briefcase. Ronin’s filming took place across various locations, including Paris, Cannes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Arles.
Swimming Pool
In this psychological thriller directed by François Ozon, Charlotte Rampling plays Sarah, a British novelist seeking inspiration who retreats to her publisher’s secluded villa in the south of France. The swimming pool becomes a central symbol of the movie, reflecting growing tension and blurred realities, especially after the arrival of the publisher’s enigmatic daughter, Julie, played by Ludivine Sagnier.
A Good Year, one of the most scenic movies set in south of France
The movie A Good Year, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe, was filmed at Château la Canorgue in Provence. This charming vineyard, located in the heart of the Luberon, provides the perfect idyllic setting for the film. The story follows a British investment broker who inherits a vineyard in Provence, where he rediscovers the simple pleasures of life amid sun-drenched vineyards and picturesque landscapes.
Taxi
Marseille is at the heart of the action in the legendary movie Taxi. The story revolves around Daniel, a taxi driver with Formula 1-worthy skills, who is recruited by a policeman to chase down bank robbers. Directed by Gérard Pirès and written by Luc Besson, this 1998 film became iconic for its explosive mix of action and launched the career of Marion Cotillard.
Stillwater
Matt Damon stars in the dramatic movie Stillwater, where the Baumettes prison and the city of Marseille’s Old Port take center stage. Bill Baker travels to the Provençal city to find his daughter Allison, who has been sentenced to nine years in prison for a murder she claims she didn’t commit.
The First Man by Albert Camus
Albert Camus’ unfinished autobiography explores his roots and childhood in Algeria. Lourmarin, a village in the Luberon, played a significant role in Camus’ life, where he settled after winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in search of serenity. This peaceful village, with its bright landscapes, inspired Camus as he wrote this work. Today, he rests in Lourmarin’s cemetery, in harmony with the land he so loved.
Emily in Paris
The famous American continues her adventures in France, exploring the Vaucluse during a weekend in an episode of season 3. Lavender fields, small towns like Gordes, and the Agnels distillery are among the fashionista’s favorite spots as she romances her trip to Provence.
The Painter’s Life of Vincent Van Gogh
Having lived in Arles and later in an asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Provençal light greatly inspired Van Gogh’s art. This series takes us through the landscapes painted by the famous Dutch artist.
The 100 Places You Must See
This picturesque documentary series takes viewers on a journey across France and its incredible sites. Several episodes promise to explore Provence, including episodes on Vaucluse, Var: From Saint-Tropez to the Verdon Gorges, and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
The Drops of God
This American-French-Japanese series on Apple TV+ tells the story of wine lovers and connoisseurs. It showcases the vineyards and landscapes of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, along with Orange and Avignon.
A Year in Provence and Toujours Provence by Peter Mayle
These novels by Peter Mayle tell the story of why he moved to Provence and in several works, he shares his perspective on daily life in the region. With its scents, customs, colorful markets, and charming characters, diving into these books is a journey in itself.
Downton Abbey: A New Era
Following the success of its six seasons, Downton Abbey returns with a feature film. In the sequel plot’s to the Crawley family’s adventures, Violet, the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith), inherits a house in the South of France, located in Le Pradet near Toulon. Most of the action takes place at Villa Rocabella in Le Pradet. One of the most lighthearted yet scenic movies set in Provence!
Corniche Kennedy by Maylis de Kerangal
In Marseille, along the Corniche Kennedy, “La Plate” is the daily gathering spot for teenagers aged 13 to 17. Every evening begins with a swim, followed by daring dives from high promontories, in what has become a near-obligatory ritual.
Someone Stole the Sainte-Victoire by Joël Rumello
During a museum visit, two children discover that an original Sainte-Victoire painting by Cézanne has disappeared… except the artist never painted the work they’re talking about.
The Grocer’s Son
Directed by Éric Guirado, The Grocer’s Son is a touching movie that explores simple life in a village in southern France. The story follows Antoine, a young city dweller who returns home to take over his father’s traveling grocery business after he falls ill. Driving the family van, Antoine rediscovers the beauty of the Provençal countryside and the warmth of its people, reconnecting with forgotten values. Through its picturesque landscapes, the film offers a tender look at provincial life and the return to one’s roots.
French Kiss, an iconic romance movie set in Provence
This 90s romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline tells the story of a woman who flies to France to win back her ex-fiancé. During the flight, she is charmed by a mischievous con man who changes the course of her journey. Much of French Kiss was filmed in Provençal settings, including vineyards in Var, the village of Valbonne, and the countryside of the Côte d’Azur.
