Are you excited about the new French-language historical drama Carême on Apple TV+? At NetFilming, we just can’t wait to get the scoop on these stunning filming locations that bring this series to life. Released on April 30, 2025, Carême is the extraordinary story of Antonin Carême, the world’s first celebrity chef— against the extravagant backdrop of Napoleonic France. Directed by Martin Bourboulon and starring Benjamin Voisin, Jérémie Renier, and Lyna Khoudri, this eight-episode series blends culinary artistry, political intrigue, and romance. To create its authentic and visually captivating world, the production team carefully selected historic sites in and around Paris, France. Let’s explore these iconic locations and why they make Carême a must-watch historical drama.
A Glimpse into Carême’s World
Carême is adapted from Ian Kelly’s book Cooking for Kings: The Life of Antonin Carême, the First Celebrity Chef. The story follows Antonin Carême’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned chef, serving as a culinary star for influential figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte and Talleyrand. The show, created by Ian Kelly and Davide Serino, brings the elegance and decadence of 19th-century France to life with sumptuous sets, period costumes and locations that have been just right.
The series, which follows the world’s first celebrity chef, is directed by Martin Bourboulon (The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan, Eiffel), and the cast includes Benjamin Voisin as Antonin Carême, Jérémie Renier, Lyna Khoudri, and Alice Da Luz. The show takes some creative liberties, favoring a lively, modern feel over strict historical accuracy, and has been likened to The Bear and Downton Abbey in terms of its kitchen intensity and period drama vibes.
Filming began in 2024, and the production team’s commitment to authenticity shines through in every frame. From grand palaces to historical pavilions, these are the sites that transport viewers back to an era of culinary invention and political intrigue.
Where Was Carême Filmed?
The series primarily shot in Paris and its surrounding areas, utilizing its rich architectural history to portray the era of Napoleon. Here, we showcase the filming locations for Carême, which add to its visual splendor.
Paris, France
Filming for Carême takes place predominantly in the vigorous French capital, Paris. Famed for its history and landmarks, Paris is the ideal backdrop for a story set in the city of love with a focus on French culture and food. The city’s cobblestone streets, stunning buildings and cultural relevance made it possible for the production crew to re-create the opulent yet tumultuous world of the early 19th century. Showcasing their frenzied kitchens and grandiose dinners, we are never in doubt that we are in Paris in a Carême story.
Palais Garnier
One of Paris’s most recognizable landmarks, the Palais Garnier, features prominently in Carême. This 19th-century opera house with its sumptuous architecture – intricate chandeliers, gilded interiors and grand staircase — is legendary. Its ostentatious appearance was perfect for scenes portraying the luxury of Napoleonic society. The Palais Garnier is a breathtakingly beautiful and realistic world that places viewers within the halls of French royalty and culinary greatness.
Château de Fontainebleau
A short drive from Paris, Château de Fontainebleau is a historic palace that for centuries was home to French kings, most notably including Napoleon Bonaparte. Decorated rooms, grand staircases, and polished gardens capture the majestic height of the time at this UNESCO World Heritage-listed palace. The château’s past and stately surroundings are well suited to representing the seat of political unrest and high society life in Carême. Its appearance in the series reflects the show’s dedication to historical correctness.
Château de Champs-sur-Marne
One of the gems in Île-de-France, the palace Château de Champs-sur-Marne is a beautiful 18th-century palace and it’s best known for its classical French architecture. Its opulent interiors, furnished in the style of Carême, and its verdant gardens all evoke the Carême world. This place is a filmmaker’s dream and has featured as the backdrop to many a period drama. Like, for Carême, it would probably be the dinner table, where there are dinner parties with meals that tend to get—or feel like—people die for!
Pavillon de l’Aurore
The Pavillon de l’Aurore in the Domaine de Sceaux near Paris provides a touch of delicate beauty to Carême. An unparalleled example of eighteenth-century French design, this historical pavilion is decorated with gardens in the classic French style of the day. The calm tranquil luxury of La Bouissounette lends itself beautifully to scenes of the debauched French way of life of its wealthy elite. The series’ inclusion of La Bouissounette enhances the visual storytelling, allowing us to delve into the mysterious world Antonin Carême navigated.
Additional Historic Sites
Beyond these key locations, Carême also filmed at other notable sites, such as the Château de Vincennes, a medieval fortress with a storied past, and the Château de Champlâtreux, a picturesque estate north of Paris.These are the locations that give the series some depth and highlight the diversity in France’s architectural heritage. The production team’s eye for detail — from re-creating 19th-century kitchens down to staging elaborate banquets — makes every location in the film feel real and lived-in.
Carême Behind the Scenes
The creation of Carême on Apple TV+ was a meticulous process that combined culinary expertise with historical authenticity. Filming began in 2024 across Paris and its surrounding châteaux, with director Martin Bourboulon aiming to capture the vibrancy of Napoleonic France. “We wanted to show Antonin Carême’s world as both gritty and glamorous, balancing the chaos of the kitchen with the elegance of the elite,” Bourboulon said in an Apple TV+ press release.
Production designer Arnaud Roth recreated 19th-century kitchens, stocking them with period-accurate props like cheeses and hams, while chef Jerome Raffaelli crafted edible feasts for authenticity. Actor Benjamin Voisin, who plays Carême, shared, “It was intense—learning to move like a chef while embodying Carême’s ambition.” The team’s dedication to detail, from costumes to set design, ensures Carême is a visual and emotional feast.
Watch the Carême Official Trailer
Carême is ready to stream on Apple TV+.
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