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The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, has always been one of the favourite places for filmmakers. The region, with its marvellous sandy beaches, beautiful aquamarine waters, and luxurious lifestyle, is nothing short of the best ingredients for glitz, poise, and action. The long autumn evenings are approaching, so it's the perfect time to get to know the films shot in the paradise setting of the French Riviera.
One of the best films set in Saint-Tropez is And God Created Woman from 1956. This movie helped globalise Bardot’s fame. The fashion industry was captivated by the image of Bardot promoted in the film and the “provocative young bride” drew inspiration from the Riviera itself. While shooting this sensual film, Bardot not only became infatuated with cinema but also fell in love with Saint-Tropez. Subsequently, she bought a luxury residence in Saint-Tropez, making her one of the many famous residents in the region. And her mansion, “La Madrague,” has become almost as famous as its owner.
The 1955 Alfred Hitchcock classic To Catch a Thief is an absolute glorification of the French Riviera region. It is a romantic thriller featuring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, set against the gorgeous azure backdrop of the French coast. Luxury villas in Cannes, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jeannet, so often shown in this famous film’s scenes, are exactly the same type of luxury that now attracts visitors from around the world.
They say that a James Bond movie is never complete without a trip around the world, and the French Riviera is often featured in his adventures. In Never Say Never Again (1983), Sean Connery returns to the role of Bond in an attempt to avert another nuclear disaster in Monaco. The film, as a matter of fact, could not do without the luxury residences in Monaco and the very famous Monte Carlo casino, which still is the symbol of first-class living and entertainment.
Pierce Brosnan's first time as James Bond also brought him to the French Riviera, where action-packed scenes are shot against the background of this luxurious coastline. The association of the French Riviera with the Bond franchise has been successful in promoting this region as a playground for the rich with their formidable residences and stunning penthouses acting in the Bond’s films as hideouts and headquarters of various international spies.
This 1964 French comedy classic, The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez, stars Louis de Funès. It shows another side to Saint-Tropez. With its main plot being the humorous misadventures of a gendarme, the charm of the Riviera tends to come out. Saint-Tropez is again the star, this time in a comic turn with picturesque streets and waters that remind viewers of the opulence that has made it a coveted destination.
Filmed in the beautiful city of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, near Nice, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) is set in the fictional town of "Beaumont-sur-Mer." This comic story of two conmen trying to outdo each other on the French Riviera shows the region for its endless parade of wealthy tourists and residents. This elegant part of the Côte d'Azur is just that: secluded and offering luxury, with stunning villas in South France dotting the coast that sets the scene for high-stakes swindles.
The high-octane action thriller fully utilises the French Riviera's scenic roads and stunning villas. Released in 2002, it stars Jason Statham as a driver for hire, and many of the film's iconic chase scenes were shot on the twisting coastal roads of Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez. The film interlaces action with breathtaking views of luxury residences in South France and stunning beachfront homes in the region, adding an air of elegance to the adrenaline-fueled plot.
Even the famously goofy Mr. Bean gets his chance to enjoy the French Riviera in Mr. Bean's Holiday. As he travels from London to the south of France, he eventually ends up in Cannes, home of the world-famous film festival. His misadventures bring a touch of humour to the glamorous setting, but the luxury of the region's penthouses and villas remains an undeniable backdrop.
Grace of Monaco (2014) stars Nicole Kidman in this biographical drama about Grace Kelly's transition from Hollywood starlet to Monaco's princess. Beautifully shot, Monaco's luxury residences, palaces, and stunning coastal views are on full display. Grace's life in Monaco epitomised elegance, and this film offers viewers a peek into the lifestyle of royalty in one of Europe's most luxurious locales.
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