Take stunning scenery, add charming heritage and then throw in seriously intriguing plot lines. The result? The recipe for great TV shows or series set in France. From veteran Âllo, Âllo to the cult Call My Agent, France, her people, scenery and culture have provided some compelling viewing.
If you fancy a binge watch à la français, enjoy great telly or fancy brushing up on your French via the subtitles, read on for our guide to the best TV shows and series set in or about France. Happy viewing!
Best spy drama about France – Le Bureau des Légendes
Streamed as The Bureau in English, this spy drama (with a touch of love) finds Mathieu Kassovitz as a French agent who, unlike Bond, fails to keep romance out of his professional life. In the end, he betrays la France for love and sells out to the Americans.
Main location
Morocco features in several seasons, with Ouarzazate and Casablanca masquerading as Sinai in Egypt and Tehran, respectively. Paris too appears as herself.
- Where to watch it – Prime Video
- Watch the trailer for Season 4
Best historical and real-life drama set in France – The Bonfire of Destiny
This series (known as Le Bazar de la Charité in its original French version) takes the inferno at the Bazar de la Charité in Paris in 1897 as its central theme. It then follows three women affected by the fire that killed almost 200 people, most of them women from the higher echelons of Parisian society. As well as having to cope with the trauma of the flames, the characters battle with betrayal, lies and love turned sour (alongside a touch of aristocratic glamour).
Main location
Paris is the principal setting, but several châteaux also make an appearance. For example, Château du Prieuré in Évecquemont doubles as Alice Jeansin’s home and the Château de Voisins in Saint-Hilarion stands in for Adrienne de Lenverpré’s house.
- Where to watch it – Netflix
- Watch the trailer
Best political drama set in France – Baron Noir
France is, of course, known for its own brand of complex party politics, and this series takes you into the heart of the back-stabbing and double standards. It also shows how the French has lost faith in democracy. Not for nothing did its creators bill it as The Sopranos in The West Wing.
Main location
As you’d expect, the Elysée Palace forms the main set for this TV series set in France. Nearby Versailles, Gentilly, Gagny and Boulogne-Billancourt also make appearances.
- Where to watch it – Amazon Prime
- Watch the season 3 trailer
Best crime drama set in France – Lupin
The Intouchables star, Omar Cy, has the starring role in this French TV series as the pro thief, Assane Lupin. His ultimate aim is to settle a score in his father’s name, but along the way, Assane comes up against a long list of baddies (and there’s a hint of magic too).
Main location
Paris takes centre stage in Lupin – the Louvre dominates episode one, with cameos from other French gems such as Étretat in Normandy.
- Where to watch it – Netflix
- Watch the trailer
Best veteran TV series set in France – Âllo, Âllo
Not French at all and about as comically British as they come (and with more than a touch of cliché), this TV series dates back to 1982. The sitcom centres around René Artois (complete with a faux French accent), who owns a café in Nouvion during the German occupation of France in the Second World War. As you might expect, corrupt Germans, patriotic French resisters and irresistible waitresses all appear in the plot.
Main location
Again, zero France because the main exterior locations were filmed in Norfolk and the interiors at BBC Television Centre in London.
- Where to watch it – Amazon Prime
Best cult TV series set in France – Call My Agent
The adventures of a talent agency (with a touch of farce) form the basis of the plot for Dix pour cent, as it’s known in France. It’s a four-season series that has garnered fans across the globe. The agents’ egos, hang-ups and incorrigible rivalries make for entertaining viewing. Plus, there are guest appearances from real-live stars such as Isabelle Adjani, Monica Bellucci, Juliette Binoche and Sigourney Weaver.
Main location
Parisian landmarks such as Les Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg and the Arc de Triomphe all feature, along with numerous squares and bridges. The ASK Agency exteriors are from 149 Rue Saint-Honoré.
- Where to watch it – Netflix
- Watch trailer
Best cooking show in France – Chef’s Table France
Although it was first filmed in 2016, this cooking series (with professional chefs) still makes essential viewing if you want to discover the art of French cooking Michelin-star style. Each episode takes place in a star chef’s kitchen and follows their interpretation of the best cuisine in the world.
Main location
The chefs’ kitchens such as Alexandre Couillon’s La Marine on the island of Noirmoutier or Adeline Grattard’s Yam’Tcha in Paris.
- Where to watch it – Netflix
- Whet your appetite with the trailer
Best cycling TV series – Tour de France
Whether you are a die-hard cycling fan, love watching the world’s greatest two-wheeled race or enjoy an aerial shot or two of the French countryside, this YouTube channel is for you. On it, the Tour de France posts regular updates (including snippets for the forthcoming edition) and the greatest stages in the race. And even if you don’t like cycling, it’s worth a watch for the scenery alone!
Main location
All corners of France, with the occasional appearance from neighbouring countries such as Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and even the UK.
- Where to watch it – YouTube
Best family sit-com – Family Business
A hit in French households from the very first episode, Family Business follows Joseph’s (mis)fortunes, after deciding to turn his kosher butchers into a “coffee” shop when he hears that France plans to legalise marijuana. Virtually nothing goes to plan and three seasons take Joseph et al on a journey that smacks of Breaking Bad.
Main location
Mostly Paris and, in particular, the Marais district where Joseph has his shop. Unsurprisingly, Amsterdam also makes an appearance in the series.
- Where to watch it – Netflix
- Watch the trailer
See the France in the TV series for yourself
If Call My Agent or Lupin have inspired you to visit the City of Love, or a stage in the Tour de France has you longing to discover Provence, why not book a holiday right now? From a leisurely hotel barge trip along the Canal du Midi to a river cruise from Paris to Normandy, or a hire boating break with you at the helm, our holidays on the water have something for everyone.
