What to Watch Before Visiting France
Vive le France!
While Paris is magical, the whole of France has plenty to offer and see, including delicious food, fashion, historical sights, nature, architecture, etc. etc. etc. One could go on for ages discussing all the many regions and departments of France, and listing all the reasons why each one is worth visiting. Instead consider this list of movies and TV shows to help inspire your future travels, introducing new parts of the country and chronicling significant moments and people from history.
This list tries to exclude films and TV shows that specifically focus on Paris, though a few have slipped in - usually because the movie or show in question focuses on something important to French culture or history, such as a movie about French food or a film documenting the scandals of royalty. If you’re looking for a more specific list of films and TV show to watch about Paris, see THIS LIST. I have also aimed to keep this list with mostly English-language films, though a few sub-titled staples are included when necessary.
Versailles (2015-2018)
A mini-series about the Sun King, Louis XIV, as he moved his court from Paris to the now famous chateau outside the city and had it built to honour his reign. The series, which lasts 3 seasons, focuses on the early days of Louis and his golden age as king of France. While not always historically accurate, this show does give you some good insight and background into his life and how Versailles came to be; all done with French approval as this show is largely produced - and first aired - by a French network (Canal+), despite being in English. Featuring actor George Blagden (Vikings, Les Miserables), this series will transport you to the golden age of France, with historical drama and intrigue, politics, romance, and ornate costumes and sets.
You can watch the trailer for the first season here.
Reign (2013-2017)
Focusing on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots- from her start at French court and marriage to the dauphin, Francis (later King Francis II, or Francois in French) to her return to Scotland and eventual execution. While this drama is targeted towards teens and young adults, with blatantly historically inaccurate storylines and fashion, there are kernels of truth in plot and a host of real and historically significant characters that traipse in and out of the story. If you’re looking for a thorough and perfect representation of Mary Stuart's life, this is not the show for you. But if you’re looking for a general understanding of her life, the political climate in France, England, and Scotland at the time, and a fun and entertaining drama - this is most definitely worth watching.
To be clear, while there are some very obviously inaccurate storylines, don’t think there isn’t a lot to learn from this show. Reign does a good job at showing the rise of Protestantism in France and the struggles faced by both sides, the superstition regarding pagans and witches though an acceptance for certain elements of the occult (Nostradamus really was welcome at court),the cunning of Catherine de’ Medici (Mary’s mother-in-law), the threat of the Bourbon princes (who do ultimately becoming the reigning family), the power of John Knox and the struggle Queen Mary had when returning to Scotland, and the power dynamic and contention between Mary and her cousin Queen Elizabeth I of England. The loneliness, confusion, yearning for power, and mistrust of these cousin queens is made evident and well portrayed. As is the horror of what happens to David Rizzio (this story is true), the relationship between King Henri II and Diane de Poitiers, and a series of small references that could so easily be overlooked but are actually pulled from truth, such as casual reference to Chateau de Chenonceau, England’s work with John Hawkins, and court gossip suspecting Queen Elizabeth I of having an affair with Robert Dudley.
You can watch a relatively spoiler-free trailer for the second season here.
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
This Alexandre Dumas adaptation may leave a lot to be desired if you’re a die hard fan of the novel - the movie is definitely an abridged version and takes a happier ending - but it captures all the drama, intrigue, plotting, and mystery of the beloved story and gives you more fleshed out characters to love.
Edmond Dantes is a poor and uneducated sailor from Marseille, a kind young man who is loyal to a fault and wears his heart on his sleeve. In love with a local girl, Mercedes, Edmond just wants to earn a living to support their future. However, through a series of betrayals and misunderstandings, Edmond finds himself imprisoned in the Chateau d’If, a notoriously torturous prison. There, despite the horrors he faces, he finds a friend who educates him, from languages and economics, to philosophy, warfare, and sword fighting. When Edmond is finally free of the Chateau d’If, he commits himself to revenge, seeking to hurt all those who betrayed and wronged him.
A story of vengeance, betrayal, love, hope, and men in tights, you can’t go wrong watching this movie. Especially because it focuses on areas of France not often captured in English-language films, in particular Marseille. It also features a young Henry Cavill as part of the all-star cast, his first major role. Other actors include the late Richard Harris, Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, and Helen McRory, with James Frain and Luis Guzman also starring.
You can watch the trailer here.
The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
Based on the works of Alexandre Dumas and within the world of The Three Musketeers, The Man in the Iron Mask focuses on the musketeers later in life as they debate how to overthrow a tyrannical king - Louis XIV - and restore order to a struggling France. While D’Artagnen is loyal to the king, for reasons to be revealed, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis set out on a mission to free the titular character - the man in the iron mask - as Aramis believes he is the solution to the problems facing France. While a dated film with a myriad of accents, it's an entertaining action-drama with great costumes and a famous cast. Leonardo DiCaprio plays King Louis XIV, among other roles, while Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, and Gerard Depardieu star as the three musketeers.
You can watch the trailer here.
The Three Musketeers (2011)
A whimsical and loose adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas novel, the movie follows young D’Artagnan (played by Logan Lerman) as he ventures from home and seeks to make his place in the world as one of the revered Musketeers – a group of men who protect the king and see justice served. However, when D’Artagnan comes across the famous three – Aramis, Athos, and Porthos – they are downtrodden and far from the vivacious fighters he was hoping to meet. While they seem to have lost their inner fight, they are rallied by D’Artagnan, and together fight to stop Cardinal Richelieu (played by Christoph Waltz), who is plotting to depose the king and have himself named as king of France instead. While Richelieu is the grand master of plotting, there are countless foes scheming who must be stopped by the Musketeers and D’Artagnan, including the Duke of Buckingham, Milady De Winter and Captain Rochefort.
If the plot is not enough to grab your attention, the stellar cast – who includes Lerman and Waltz – surely will be. The Musketeers are played by Matthew Macfadyn as Athos, Luke Evans as Aramis, and Ray Stevenson as Porthos. Other actors with prominent roles include Mads Mikkelsen, Milla Jovovich, James Corden, Gabriella Wilde, Juno Temple, Freddie Fox, Til Scweiger, and Orlando Bloom.
Watch the trailer here.
La Vie en Rose (2007)
While a French language film with subtitles, this film is undoubtedly a must-see when looking for inspiration or history before visiting Paris. Featuring Marion Cotillard, this Oscar-winning biopic tells the tragic story of famed French singer Edith Piaf and her rise to fame. Cotillard's portrayal of Edith Piaf is so prolific, she became the first person to win an Oscar for a French-language role; this being only one of the MANY awards she won for this role, and only one of the academy awards it earned.
Watch the trailer here.
To Catch a Thief (1955)
An adaptation of a novel by the same name, published in 1952, this Alfred Hitchcock film is Grace Kelley’s last film before become the future Princess Grace of Monaco. Breaking from his usual genre, this movie is more a comedy and romance than Hitchock’s typical spooky thrillers. The movie tells the story of American John Robie (Cary Grant), a retired cat burglar living the fine life in the South of France. When a series of robberies take place, the police immediately suspect “the Cat” Robie, despite he and his former affiliates all being pardoned of previous crimes due to their contributions to the French resistance during World War II. Through the help of an insurance broker – played by John Williams – Robie sets out to prove his innocence by catching the real thief. Through the process, he befriends the wealthy American widow Jessie Stevens and her daughter Frances (Gracey Kelley), ultimately forming an attachment to Frances while he seeks to clear his name.
Watch this classic for the light and comedic story, the great performances, and the amazing scenery of the French Riviera.
You can watch the trailer here.
Les Misérables (2012) – Musical Adaptation
An adaptation of an adaptation, this film is the hit musical that has been adored for decades, brought to life on the big screen. With the actors singing live during filming, it provides a similar effect in the portrayals of these characters, but this time you have appropriate scenery and backdrops, rather than one large stage meant to capture it all. Paying respect to the original theatre production (both West End and Broadway), Colm Wilkinson makes an appearance in this film, though unfortunately only as the priest rather than the protagonist Jean Valjaen. Broadway and theatre legend Hugh Jackman stars as the lead, supported by a host of talented film and stage actors, including: Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfriend, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helen Bonham Carter, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, Adrian Scarborough, and George Blagden.
The story, for those unfamiliar, focuses on Jean Valjean, freed from prison after 19 years serving time for stealing bread for his starving family. When he breaks parole, officer Javert vows to find him and return him to prison, as he sees Valjean as a convict for life. When a priest helps Jean Valjean, gifting him the silver he was planning to steal, Valjean becomes determined to do something more with his life – to do good and make a name for himself. After reinventing himself as a prominent business owner, through a series of events, Jean Valjean becomes the guardian for a young girl named Cossette, who he comes to love and raise as his own. As she grows older, and finds love for herself, Jean Valjean must keep his true identity secret despite the presence of those who can identity him and want to exploit him – all of this against the backdrop of the French Revolution, which ends up becoming a prominent factor in the story.
You can watch the trailer for this musical adaptation here.
Les Misérables (2018-2019) – TV Series
A recent adaptation of the famed novel, this BBC and PBS production is a mini-series with six episodes to explore the novels themes and characters, written by famous screenwriter Andrew Davies. While telling the same story, by doing it through mini-series rather than film, there is enough time to explore French culture in the 19th century and examine all the factors that end up impacting these beloved characters. It takes the time to flesh the characters out and provide further backstory, something most adaptations have been unable to capture.
With well-reviewed performances, this show features a great cast, including Dominic West as Jean Valjean, David Oyelowo as Javert, Lily Collins as Fantine, and Josh O’Connor as Marius. Other cast members include: Olivia Colman, Derek Jacobi, Johnny Flynn, Ellie Bamber, and Donald Sumpter.
You can watch the trailer for the mini-series here.
Les Misérables (1998) – Literary Adaptation
An adaptation of the novel by Victor Hugo – so no singing to be had in this movie – this film focuses on the key points of the novel, with a relatively faithful portrayal, though it does make adjustments and takes liberties with subplot and secondary characters. Minor characters had their names changes for an English audience, rather than keeping the French names, and some characters are only introduced for relevant storylines, rather than including their background or early mentions, such as the famous Thénardiers, who house Cossette as a child. In fact, most characters’ backgrounds are completely eliminated unless they prove pivotal to the main plot. The movie also does end earlier than the novel, leaving the final resolutions out.
Though this adaptation follows a very limited story arch and leaves a lot of the detail out, while also mildly altering characters roles, personalities, or backstories, it does do justice to certain key moments of Hugo’s novel, and provides a condensed summary. It also has a stacked cast, including Liam Neeson as Jean Valjean, Geoffrey Rush as Javert, Uma Thurman as Fantine, and Claire Danes as Cossette. Other actors includes Tony Jones, Hans Matheson, and Peter Vaughan.
Watch the trailer here.
The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
After a tragedy at their restaurant in India, Hassan Kadam and his family uproot their life and move to Europe in hopes to start over in a new country. But just as quickly as they find a charming town to settle down in in France, they find a nemesis in Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren) - the owner of Michelin-starred restaurant across the way. What ensues is a battle of cultures and cuisine, until Hassan’s (Manish Dayal) culinary prowess bridges the gap. A heartwarming and light film, don’t watch this movie if you’re hungry - you’ll be starving by the end of it. Not only will you be entertained, this movie also introduces you to the art of French cooking and the significance restaurants place on Michelin stars. If you’re at all interested in French gastronomy, this is an easy way to be introduced to it.
Directed by Lasse Hallström (director of Chocolat, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Dear John, Casanova, etc.), this film stars Manish Dayal (The Resident, 90210), Helen Mirren, Charlotte Le Bon (The Promise, Anthropoid), and the late Om Puri.
You can watch the trailer here.
Ratatouille (2007)
A modern Disney classic, this animated film tells the story of Remy, a rat in France who dreams of becoming a world renowned chef, specializing in French food like his idol – the late revered chef Auguste Gusteau. Unlike most rats, Remy has a defined palate and ambition, rather than focusing on eating to survive. After his rat community is forced to flee, Remy gets separated from his family and colony, oddly finding himself outside his idol Gusteau’s kitchen in Paris.
When he catches a garbage boy – Linguini - trying to fix a soup he accidentally ruined, Remy steps in to help him. When the soup is deemed a success, a Remy and Linguini form a partnership, with Remy directing Linguini and helping him make delicious masterpieces. Of course, nothing can be simple, and as the movie progresses, Remy must face that the world is not ready for a rodent chef. Will he let this obstacle get in the way of his dreams or will ambition and hope prevail?
This Disney movie is a great way to learn about French food, while also enjoying an animated action-comedy that talks of revenge and aspirations. Voices giving life to these characters include Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Peter O’Toole, Brian Dennehy, Brad Garrett, and Will Arnett.
You can watch the trailer here.
Julie & Julia (2009)
Starring Meryl Streep as famous chef Julia Child, this movie flips between the life of Julie Powell (played by Amy Adams), a young struggling New Yorker in modern times, who is working her way through Julia Child’s cookbook – all 524 recipes – in just one year, and Julia Child’s early days in Paris, where she wrote her now infamous cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Written and directed by Nora Ephron, this is a feel-good movie, with a wonderful cast including Stanley Tucci and Chris Messina as the leading ladies’ husbands. While only half the story takes place in Paris, the film makes for a great introduction to French cuisine.
Watch the trailer here.
Chocolat (2000)
Not for those who get chocolate craving quickly, this charming and quirky romantic movie, starring Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche, tells the story of a mother and daughter who move to a small town in a closed off and conservative French village, where they are immediately met with resistance and seen as outsiders. However, Vianne Rocher (played by Binoche) quickly wins over the hearts of the locals with her chocolate shop and its somewhat magical ability to heal their problems. Vianne also finds love with a Roma, named Roux (Johnny Depp) passing through the area.
Directed by Lasse Hallström, this film also stars Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Carie-Ann Moss, and Lena Olin as some of the towns quirky characters.
Watch the trailer here.
A Good Year (2006)
When London investment banker and workaholic, Max Skinner, inherits his uncle’s estate and vineyard in the South of France, he is forced to make a quick trip to Provence to prepare the house to be sold. However, what follows is a series of unfortunate events and a collection of interesting characters, which ultimately leads to a one-week suspension from his job, allowing him to reminisce is his memories of his uncle and take in his surroundings, finding joy and a new lease on life. This romantic-comedy, directed by action blockbuster filmmaker Ridley Scott, features an all-star cast, including Russel Crow as the leading man Max Skinner, along with Marion Cotillard, Abbie Cornish, Freddie Highmore, Rafe Spall, and Tom Hollander.
Watch the trailer here.
Marie Antoinette (2006)
A bio-pic depicting life of the infamous Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, who ultimately lost her head with the fall of France. This colourful film is a loose portrayal of her life, acknowledging some of the famous rumours about the controversial queen, though choosing to focus more on what drove her to the criticized life of indulgence, rather than on historical truths. Directed by Sophia Coppola, the movie does a great job at depicting how lonely it must’ve felt for a woman throughout history, as Antoinette’s only perceived value was her ability to have children and produce an heir. Her opinion, desires, and thoughts were considered worthless as she was a woman.
The film touches on the fact that Marie Antoinette came from a royal family herself, the revered Hapsburgs who made Austria a powerhouse. She was born to a life of luxury, but in France that was all that was allowed to her, and thus she must constantly look for entertainment and pleasure in whatever form she can find it. However, while Coppola does a good job supposing what it must have been like for Marie Antoinette, the film is by no means an in-depth look into who Marie Antoinette was really, nor the mistakes made that lead to her outcome. That said, it’s an enjoyable film full of anachronisms to keep you interested and help make the message more relatable.
You can watch the trailer here.
A Little Chaos (2014)
If you're even remotely considering a day-trip to Versailles, this romantic historical drama will undoubtedly inspire you and change the way you see the gardens of Versailles. Kate Winslet stars opposite Matthias Schoenaerts, who plays the famous gardener Andre Le Notre - a man who not only designed the gardens of Versailles, but also the gardens for various other royal residences and palaces throughout France. Watch as the gardens, in particular the musical amphitheater, comes together while romance ensues. Other actors starring in this film include: Alan Rickman (who also directed the movie), Stanley Tucci, Helen McCrory, Adrian Scarborough, and Jennifer Ehle.
Watch the trailer here.
Quills (2000)
If you’re unfamiliar with the Marquis de Sade – by name or by writing – this film will quickly familiarize you with him, as this quirky and unusual dark film focuses on the writer’s last years of imprisonment at an insane asylum where he was forced to smuggle out his writing. Of course, it’s only really just the sprinkles on the cake, not even the icing or the cake itself – meaning this film barely touches on who this man really was and everything that he did (especially the bad things), and instead just focuses on what aspect of him with a very specific perspective.
Set in Napoleonic times, the famed thinker and writer – the Marquis de Sade (played by Geoffrey Rush) – struggles to publish his ‘outlandish’ works, which explore sexuality in a way writer’s are prohibited from writing about. With the help of a laundry lady, the Marquis is finally able to smuggle out his works, including the manuscript for his famed novel Juliette. This movie depicts a flamboyant caricature of the Marquis de Sade, a man who is both the suave playboy and the censored author striving to have his voice heard despite a system of oppression. The cast includes: Kate Winslet, Joaquin Phoenix, Michael Caine, and Stephen Moyer.
Be warned - this film is not historically accurate in many ways, and takes a very light approach to its portrayal of the Marquis de Sade, but it’s still an enjoyable way introduce yourself to one of France’s most scandalous writers while also learning more about the Napoleonic era. It will also most likely have you falling down a rabbit hole of research, trying to learn all you can about this scandalous individual, who is actually a rather deplorable human, despite his libertine writings.
You can watch the trailer here – warning, it’s a low quality trailer.
Intouchables (2012)
If this French-language film seems familiar, perhaps you caught the American remake of it – The Upside (2019) featuring Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman, Julianna Margulies and Aja Naomi King. However, the remake is hardly equal to the original, lacking the touching sentiment and impact of the French version. Considered one of the most successful French films ever made, this movie was the hit of the festival circuit, earning the César Award for Best Actor (awarded to Omar Sy for his portrayal of Driss).
This film, which is inspired by a true story, tells the story of the touching friendship between Phillipe, a quadriplegic aristocrat, and his caregiver Driss. Philippe is a privileged white male, brought up in a cultured world full of a music, art, and an extensive education. Driss, a young black man, has been incarcerated and comes from a rougher neighbourhood, never afforded the opportunities Philippe has grown accustomed to. Together they educate one another, making each other laugh, and bringing light into the other’s life, ultimately forming a bond to last decades.
Watch the trailer here.