Lozère boasts a variety of landscapes, each more stunning than the last. It is these landscapes that have inspired film-makers to shoot parts of their films here. Here’s a look at 10 films shot in Lozère, from the most recent to the cult classics.
The Book of Solutions
Directed by Michel Gondry in 2023, “The Book of Solutions” tells the story of Marc, who flees with his entire crew to a small village in the Cévennes to finish his film at his aunt Denise’s house. Once there, he sets about writing *The Book of Solutions*, a guide full of practical advice that could well be the solution to all his problems… Featuring a superb cast including Pierre Niney and Blanche Gardin, scenes were shot in the streets of Meyrueis.
On the Black Paths
“Sur les Chemins Noirs”, directed by Denis Imbert in 2021, was released in cinemas in 2023. Inspired by Sylvain Tesson’s book, this film tells the story of Pierre, played by Jean Dujardin, a writer and explorer who, after falling several storeys, slips into a deep coma. Lying in his hospital bed, having come back to life, he vows to cross France on foot from the Mercantour to the Cotentin. A unique and timeless journey to discover the depths of rural life, the beauty of France and a rebirth of the self. The film notably features a scene set in Lozère, at the Mas de la Barque.
Free Garance!
“Libre Garance!”, a film directed by Lisa Diaz, is set in the early 1980s in a valley in the Cévennes. A news story disrupts the tranquillity of a family living in isolation because of their beliefs. Released in cinemas in 2022, the director’s debut feature film was shot in the village of Sainte Croix Vallée Française in 2021.
Antoinette in the Cévennes
Released in 2020, this comedy by Caroline Vignal enjoyed unexpected success, attracting over 700,000 cinema-goers, and was nominated in eight categories at the 2021 César Awards. Laure Calamy, the lead actress, won the César for Best Actress. Antoinette is looking forward to going on summer holiday with her lover Vladimir. However, Vladimir’s wife has organised a surprise hike in the Cévennes with a donkey. Antoinette decides to follow them, accompanied by Patrick, a protective donkey.
Rémi, with no family
Rémi, an 8-year-old boy, lives in the Massif Central. He learns that he is a foundling and, after many twists and turns, will do everything he can to find his biological parents. This film was directed by Antoine Blossier and shot in the Massif Central in 2018, with some scenes filmed on the Aubrac plateau, notably around the Déroc waterfall and Lake Saint-Andéol.
Wildlife
Released in 2014, this film by Cédric Kahn, starring Mathieu Kassovitz, is inspired by the case of Xavier Fortin: following a violent break-up with his wife, a father goes into hiding for 11 years with his two sons. They lead a life very close to nature, cut off from society. Several scenes in the film were shot in the heart of the Cévennes in the Lozère department.
Lucy
Luc Besson’s 2014 film “Lucy”, starring Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman, tells the story of a young woman who is ambushed by the Korean mafia, who force her to swallow a packet of blue powder. However, whilst locked in a cell and then assaulted, the packet inside her stomach bursts open and its contents give Lucy exceptional psychic abilities. To find out what happens next and see the scenes filmed in Saint-Chély-du-Tarn by Luc Besson and his team, all you have to do is watch the film!
The most iconic films
The Great Escape
It was in 1966 that Gérard Oury released this masterpiece of French cinema, starring Bourvil and De Funès: in 1942, a British aeroplane carrying five men is shot down by the Germans. Two are taken prisoner and the other three manage to escape. A series of adventures ensues before they finally reach the unoccupied zone in a glider – a scene filmed at Mende aerodrome.
The Camisards
This historical film, released in 1972 and directed by René Allio, traces the history of the Camisards across the Cévennes, from their formation to their defeat. It immerses the viewer in the heart of the Cévennes villages, where local history is part of the wider narrative.
37.2 in the morning
This film, directed by Jean-Jacques Beinex, tells the story of Zorg and Betty, who share a deeply passionate love. The plot takes the protagonists to the four corners of France before bringing them to the pretty town of Marvejols, where they find themselves running a piano shop. We get to explore the town’s narrow streets as well as some of the landscapes of the Lozère region.
Thematics
