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Iconic Films & Their French Landscapes: A Cinematic Journey Through Normandy & Beyond
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A growing number of beloved films have found their perfect backdrop in the picturesque landscapes of western France, particularly in the regions of Normandy and the Pays de la Loire. From classic comedies to award-winning dramas, these locations have become inextricably linked with the stories they helped tell.
The region’s cinematic appeal is undeniable, with locations serving as settings for films that have achieved cult status. Here’s a look at some of the most recognizable filming locations and the stories they helped bring to life.
“We Found the 7th Company” in Normandy’s Eure Department
Contrary to popular belief, the saga of Robert Lamoureux’s “7th Company” wasn’t filmed in Machecoul, vendée, but rather in Normandy. In August 1975, the production team for the sequel, “We Found the 7th Company,” established its base at the Moulin des Prés in Gasny (Eure).
As one source noted, the film crews spent approximately a dozen days filming scenes around a bridge and a mill – specifically, the mill of Mother Crouzy, portrayed by Jackie Sardou – where actors Jean Lefebvre and Henri Guybet found themselves in a memorable predicament.The film’s enduring popularity is a testament to both the story and the evocative setting.
Deauville, Calvados: The Eternal Setting of “A Man and a Woman”
Few films are as intrinsically tied to their filming location as Claude Lelouch’s “A Man and a Woman.” The beach of Deauville in Calvados remains the iconic setting for this cinematic masterpiece. The poignant reunion scene between Anouk Aimée and Jean-Louis Trintignant on the Normandy beach is etched in the memories of film lovers worldwide.
Shot almost 50 years ago in 1965, the film garnered significant acclaim, winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1966 and securing two Academy Awards in hollywood.
Noirmoutier Island: A Recurring Location for Claude Sautet
The island of Noirmoutier in Vendée served as a key location for Claude Sautet’s “César and Rosalie.” In the spring of 1972, Romy Schneider and Yves Montand, the stars of this love triangle drama, visited the island. Locals recall images captured on the Mardi Gras beach, and the house with blue shutters remains a recognizable landmark for fans of the film.
Sautet revisited the lovely island of noirmoutier in 1983 to film “Boy!”, further cementing its status as a favored cinematic location.
