France is renowned for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant history. If you’re planning a trip to the French countryside or bustling city streets, diving into French cinema is a fantastic way to prepare. Movies offer a glimpse into French traditions, art, and daily life, enriching your travel experience before you even arrive.
How Watching Movies Improves Your Trip
Watching French films before your trip isn’t just a way to pass the time.
It’s a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the country.
Here’s how movies can make your journey even more memorable:
- They provide cultural context: Films give you insights into French customs, social norms, and everyday life. Movies depicting traditional celebrations or etiquette can help you engage more respectfully and authentically with local practices.
- They offer geographical insight: Many films highlight beautiful landscapes, iconic landmarks, and urban settings. Familiarizing yourself with these locations through cinema only adds an extra layer of excitement and recognition to your trip.
- They help you form an emotional connection: French cinema often explores personal and emotional stories, giving you a deeper understanding of French values, family dynamics, and even societal issues.
- They broaden your historical and social perspectives: Films frequently tackle historical events and social changes. Watching stories set in different eras or addressing significant cultural shifts will help you grasp the significance of historical sites and contemporary issues during your travels.
- They give you an enhanced appreciation: Recognizing references and themes from movies in real life can enrich your travel experiences with additional context and enjoyment.
Connecting The Movies To Your Journey
Add to your French adventure by connecting your experiences with the films you’ve watched. Here are some tips to bridge the gap between the screen and real-life exploration:
- Join Film Tours: Some cities offer guided tours focused on famous film locations or historical aspects of cinema. These tours can provide insider knowledge and context about the movies you’ve watched.
- Learn Film-Related French Phrases: Familiarize yourself with common French film terminology or phrases. This can enhance your experience when discussing or exploring film-related sites in France.
- Follow Film Characters’ Footsteps: Create a self-guided itinerary based on the characters’ journeys in the films. For example, if a movie features a character exploring Paris, follow their path and visit the same landmarks.
12 Movies to Watch Before Traveling to France
Let’s explore 12 must-watch movies before you embark on your French journey.
Culture
Experience French traditions and daily life through these culturally rich films.
Paris, je t’aime (2006) – Directed by multiple filmmakers, this anthology film features stories set in different neighborhoods of Paris, offering a snapshot of diverse Parisian life.
La Vie en Rose (2007) – Directed by Olivier Dahan, this biopic about Edith Piaf explores French music and culture through the lens of one of France’s most iconic singers.
History
Gain insights into France’s past through these historical narratives.
The French Connection (1971) – Directed by William Friedkin, this classic crime film gives a gritty view of 1970s France and its criminal underworld.
The Last Metro (1980) – Directed by François Truffaut, this film is set during the German occupation of France in World War II.
Modern France
Discover contemporary French society with these modern films.
La Haine (1995) – Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, this film provides a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in the French suburbs and social issues facing contemporary France.
Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013) – Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, this film offers a contemporary look at French society through a poignant coming-of-age love story.
Art and Design
Appreciate French art and design through these visually captivating films.
The Artist (2011) – Directed by Michel Hazanavicius, this silent film set in 1920s Hollywood provides a nostalgic look at cinema’s early days and the art of film.
The Dreamers (2003) – Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, this film explores the lives of three students in Paris during the 1968 student riots, delving into French cinema and culture.
Food
Savor France’s culinary delights through these films celebrating food.
The Chef (2012) – Directed by Daniel Cohen, this comedy-drama follows a French chef as he navigates the challenges of running a restaurant and focuses on French culinary traditions.
The Taste Of Things (2023) – Directed by Anh Hung Tran, this film follows Eugenie, an esteemed cook, and Dodin – the fine gourmet chef she has been working for over the last 20 years.
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