Filming in France
Your comprehensive guide to film production in France — from Paris to Provence and the Côte d'Azur
Why Film in France?
France offers an extraordinary variety of filming locations — from historic châteaux and world‑class museums to modern urban cityscapes, Alpine peaks, vineyards, and Mediterranean coastlines.
Historical Sites
UNESCO sites including the Eiffel Tower, Mont Saint‑Michel, Versailles, and Roman amphitheaters — perfect for period and prestige productions.
Island Paradise
Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, Corsica and island towns offering picturesque waterfronts and dramatic seascapes.
Modern Cities
Contemporary urban settings in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Nice with distinctive architecture and vibrant street life.
Diverse Landscapes
From the Alps and Pyrenees to lavender fields in Provence — diverse looks within easy reach via excellent transport.
Film Permits in France
France has a clear, well‑established permit framework. Our fixers handle city, regional, and national permissions to keep your production moving.
Standard Permits (1-2 weeks)
For small crews with handheld equipment filming in public spaces. Includes basic liability insurance requirements.
Location Permits (2-3 weeks)
For exclusive use of properties, laying tracks, larger lighting setups, and equipment placement.
Complex Permits (3-4 weeks)
For road closures, traffic control, archaeological sites, and large-scale productions requiring government coordination.
Key Permit Requirements
- ✓ Production liability insurance (minimum €1M coverage)
- ✓ Detailed shooting schedule and location list
- ✓ Equipment list and crew size details
- ✓ Municipal and heritage site approvals
- ✓ Property owner permissions for private locations
- ✓ Environmental impact assessment for sensitive areas
Best Time to Film in France
France features Atlantic, continental, and Mediterranean climates with distinct seasons that offer varied looks throughout the year.
Spring (Mar-May)
- • Perfect temperatures (15-25°C)
- • Wildflowers in bloom
- • Fewer tourists
- • Ideal for outdoor shoots
- • Easter celebrations
Summer (Jun-Aug)
- • Long daylight hours
- • Guaranteed sunshine
- • Beach/water filming
- • Peak tourist season
- • Hot temperatures (25-35°C)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- • Warm sea temperatures
- • Golden light quality
- • Harvest season
- • Less crowded
- • Stable weather
Winter (Dec-Feb)
- • Mild temperatures (10-15°C)
- • Dramatic skies
- • Snow in mountains
- • Budget-friendly
- • Authentic local life
Visa Requirements for Film Crews
France is part of the Schengen Area, making it accessible for many international film crews. We assist with all visa and work permit requirements.
EU/EEA Citizens
No visa required. Freedom to work throughout France with valid ID or passport.
Schengen Visa Countries
90 days visa-free for tourism/business. Work permits may be required for commercial productions.
Non-Schengen Countries
Schengen visa required. We facilitate invitation letters and documentation for film crews.
We Handle Your Paperwork
- 📋 Official invitation letters for visa applications
- 📋 Work permit applications and documentation
- 📋 Consulate liaison and appointment scheduling
- 📋 Equipment customs clearance (ATA Carnet)
- 📋 Travel insurance and health requirements
Equipment & Technical Support
France offers professional filming equipment and technical support matching international standards.
Camera Equipment
- • ARRI and RED camera systems
- • Complete lens packages
- • Steadicam and gimbal systems
- • Drone equipment with operators
- • Underwater filming gear
Lighting & Grip
- • HMI and LED lighting
- • Generator trucks
- • Grip trucks fully equipped
- • Specialized rigging
- • Cherry pickers and lifts
Post Production
- • Edit suites with latest software
- • Color grading facilities
- • Sound mixing studios
- • VFX and animation services
- • DCP creation for cinema
International Equipment Import
France is an ATA Carnet country, allowing temporary import of professional equipment. We handle all customs procedures for bringing your own gear.
View Equipment CatalogFrance Filming Hub - Featured Locations
Explore France's most cinematic destinations with our specialized location guides and local expertise.
Paris Filming Services
Eiffel Tower vistas, Louvre courtyards, and Seine riverfronts combine with modern districts like La Défense to give your production a complete mix of classic and contemporary France.
- • Iconic monuments including Eiffel Tower and Louvre
- • Haussmann boulevards and elegant Parisian avenues
- • Modern business districts and glass skyscrapers
- • Fashion and luxury retail hotspots for brand shoots
- • World-class studios and vendors for turnkey productions
French Riviera Production
Cannes red carpets, Nice promenades, and Provencal hill towns deliver sun-soaked backdrops for commercials, luxury travel content, and lifestyle storytelling.
- • Mediterranean light along the Promenade des Anglais
- • Cannes festival venues and luxury hotels
- • Seaside villas and yacht harbors for premium shoots
- • Lavender fields and hilltop villages across Provence
- • Experienced crews for summer and shoulder-season filming
Marseille Filming
France's oldest port blends vibrant Mediterranean culture with modern architecture, diverse communities, and cinematic coastal scenery across the Calanques.
- • Vieux-Port harbor and historic Panier district
- • Contemporary Euroméditerranée waterfront developments
- • Calanques national park for dramatic cliffside shots
- • Multicultural street scenes and markets
- • Access to Provence and Occitanie filming permits
More France Filming Destinations
Bordeaux & Atlantic Coast
Châteaux, vineyards, and dune-lined beaches for lifestyle stories
French Alps
Snow-capped peaks, alpine resorts, and four-season adventure
Normandy & Brittany
Dramatic coastlines, historic towns, and maritime heritage
Planning a multi-location production across France?
Custom Location ScoutingReady to Film in France?
From the Eiffel Tower to the Côte d’Azur, we make filming in France simple, efficient, and unforgettable. Contact us today to start planning your French production.