Bonjour Tristesse (2024) is a captivating coming-of-age romantic drama that brings Françoise Sagan’s 1954 novel to life. Directed by Durga Chew-Bose in her feature-length debut, this film features a talented cast, including Lily McInerny as Cécile, Claes Bang as Raymond, Naïlia Harzoune as Elsa, Aliocha Schneider as Cyril, and Chloë Sevigny as Anne. For fans eager to explore the breathtaking settings of this story, NetFilming dives into the filming locations that make this movie a visual masterpiece.
The film follows Cécile, an 18-year-old enjoying a carefree summer with her widowed father, Raymond, and his girlfriend, Elsa, in the South of France. The arrival of Anne, a poised fashion designer and friend of Cécile’s late mother, disrupts their idyllic holiday, sparking jealousy, romance, and self-discovery. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 5, 2024, in the Discovery section, the film is set for a theatrical release in Canada on May 2, 2025, distributed by Elevation Pictures.
Bonjour Tristesse Filming Location (2024)
The 2024 adaptation of Bonjour Tristesse, directed by Durga Chew-Bose, was filmed entirely in the enchanting coastal town of Cassis, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France. This stunning location, known for its crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs, provides a captivating backdrop that perfectly complements the film’s emotional narrative. NetFilming explores the key filming locations that bring this modern retelling of Françoise Sagan’s novel to life, offering readers a glimpse into the scenic beauty of the French Riviera.
Cassis, France
Cassis is the cornerstone of Bonjour Tristesse’s visual charm, embodying the French Riviera’s allure as described in Sagan’s 1954 novel. The town’s quaint streets, sun-soaked beaches, and elegant villas create an authentic setting that mirrors the story’s themes of youth, romance, and inner conflict. A pivotal location was a distinctive villa handpicked by Chew-Bose, noted for its “rough and mysterious” character. This seafront villa, with its open terraces and breathtaking views, serves as the primary setting for Cécile, Raymond, and their guests, grounding the film’s emotional core.
The Baie de Cassis, with its shimmering blue waters, plays a starring role in many scenes, evoking the carefree yet complex atmosphere of the characters’ summer. Cinematographer Maximilian Pittner captures the town’s vibrant markets, winding coastal paths, and serene waterfronts, blending 1950s nostalgia with a fresh, contemporary feel. Unlike the 1958 film, which spanned multiple Riviera locations like Saint-Tropez, this adaptation focuses solely on Cassis, ensuring a unified and immersive aesthetic that draws viewers into Cécile’s transformative journey.
Marseille, France
To add subtle variety to the film’s coastal settings, some scenes were filmed in nearby Marseille, a bustling port city just a short drive from Cassis. Marseille’s dynamic energy and scenic waterfront complement Cassis’s quieter charm, enriching the film’s portrayal of the South of France. These locations, used sparingly, enhance the story’s sense of place without overshadowing Cassis’s central role. The production’s commitment to shooting entirely on location, rather than in studios, allowed the natural light of May and June 2023 to infuse every frame with warmth and authenticity.
Bonjour Tristesse Behind The Scenes
The production of Bonjour Tristesse (2024) was a labor of love, bringing Françoise Sagan’s novel to life with authenticity and passion. Filming took place in Cassis, France, from May to June 2023, over 30 days of on-location shooting. Director Durga Chew-Bose, in her feature debut, emphasized the importance of the setting, stating in a TIFF interview, “Cassis felt alive, its roughness and beauty shaped the story’s heart.”
Producers Katie Bird Nolan and Lindsay Tapscott, of Babe Nation Films, spent nearly eight years developing the project, ensuring every detail honored the novel’s spirit. Actor Lily McInerny, who plays Cécile, shared, “The villa’s energy made every scene feel real.” The team’s commitment to natural light and real locations, guided by cinematographer Maximilian Pittner, created a vibrant, nostalgic aesthetic that elevates this modern adaptation.
Bonjour Tristesse Official Trailer
Plan a visit to Cassis to experience its beauty firsthand, and catch the film in theaters to see how this coastal gem brings a classic story to life.
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