France is one of the world’s most sought-after filming destinations — and one of the most regulated. This page answers the questions international producers, directors and agencies ask us most often. Every answer draws on 30 years of managing commercial, TV and film productions across France for clients including Netflix, Mercedes, Chanel and Gucci.
Do I need a permit to film commercially in France?
Yes — commercial filming in France always requires authorisation, and in most cases several overlapping permits.
The baseline requirement is a Standard Filming Authorisation, required for any commercial activity. On top of this, you will need location-specific permits for public spaces (streets, squares, parks), historical monuments, government buildings, and private property. Special permits are also required for drone footage, night shooting, special effects or pyrotechnics, and anything involving traffic management.
Permit management is one of the core services Orangefilms provides. We handle the full application process — identifying which permits are needed for your specific locations, submitting applications, chasing approvals, and coordinating with the relevant local authorities.
How early should I apply for filming permits in France?
Allow a minimum of 2–3 months for most locations. For iconic or sensitive locations — around the Eiffel Tower, at Versailles, the Louvre, or major historic sites — allow longer, and always prepare backup options. Some high-profile locations have strict quotas or can be refused entirely.
A typical permit application requires: a detailed shooting schedule, specific location plans, comprehensive insurance documentation, technical equipment specifications, and safety and security protocols. We prepare all of this on your behalf and maintain the follow-up throughout the approval process.
What insurance is required for filming in France?
A minimum of €1.5 million public liability coverage is a legal requirement for commercial filming in France. You will also need valid production company registration, a security deposit (the amount varies by location), and formal risk assessment documentation.
International productions that do not have existing French coverage can usually arrange it through their home-country broker or a specialist production insurer. We can recommend providers who work regularly with international shoots in France.
How does hiring film crew work in France?
French labour law applies to all crew working in France, regardless of the nationality of the production. Key requirements include a maximum 48-hour working week, mandatory rest periods between shooting days, overtime compensation at set rates, social security contributions for all crew members, and work permits for any non-EU nationals.
French shoots operate within a well-defined regulatory framework, and experienced local crews work within it efficiently every day. Orangefilms has an established crew network built over 30 years, covering all key positions: line producers, location managers, production coordinators, camera departments, art departments, hair and makeup, safety officers and more. We can staff a shoot at any scale.
Does France offer a tax rebate for international productions?
Yes. International productions can qualify for a tax rebate of up to 30% on qualifying French expenditure. The minimum spend threshold is €250,000 and the maximum rebate per project is €30 million.
Beyond the national rebate, individual French regions offer additional incentives — in-kind support such as free permits and police assistance, local government grants, and co-production opportunities. The rebate application has specific requirements and is best managed by a specialist consultant. We can connect you with the right advisors as part of the overall production service.
What are the best filming locations in France?
France offers genuinely exceptional range — it is one of the few countries where you can shoot a glacier, a medieval village, a luxury harbour and a working Haussmann street within the same production, often within a few hours of each other.
Paris Region — Iconic architecture, historic landmarks, Haussmann boulevards, the Seine, modern urban spaces and industrial locations. Permitting in Paris requires strong local relationships, which we have built over decades of working with the main Paris permitting authorities.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur — Mediterranean coastline, hilltop villages, lavender fields, the Camargue and the Alps. Cannes and Monaco fall within this region and are consistently in demand for luxury brand productions.
Loire Valley — Châteaux, formal French gardens, vineyards, medieval towns and river landscapes. Widely used for period productions and high-end brand content.
Other notable regions include Brittany’s Atlantic coastline, the Basque Country, Corsica for Mediterranean atmosphere with fewer logistical complications, and Alsace for a distinctly Central European character. We provide location scouting as part of our production service and maintain working relationships with private estates, public bodies and location agencies across France.
What does a production service company actually do for shoots in France?
A production service company — sometimes called a fixer — handles everything required on the ground so that visiting directors, producers and agencies can focus entirely on the creative work.
For a shoot in France, Orangefilms typically provides: location scouting and recces, permit applications and approvals, local crew sourcing and management, equipment rental, transportation and logistics, accommodation, catering coordination, insurance liaison, and full on-set production management.
The scope scales with the production. A two-day TVC needs a focused crew and tight logistics. A Netflix series filming across multiple French regions over several months needs a deeper infrastructure with more moving parts. We have worked at both ends of that spectrum — and at every point in between.
What are the most common problems when filming in France, and how do you avoid them?
Language barrier — France is more thoroughly French-speaking than many international producers anticipate. Official correspondence, permit applications, supplier agreements and on-set communication will regularly be in French. We provide bilingual production coordinators as standard, and can arrange professional translators for formal documentation when required.
Administrative delays — French administrative processes need to be built into your schedule. The most common mistake is applying for permits too late. We apply as early as possible and maintain regular follow-up with the authorities — significantly more effective when conducted in French with an established relationship in place.
Weather unpredictability — France has highly variable weather, particularly in spring and autumn. We plan backup locations for all weather-sensitive shoots, ensure weather coverage is included in your insurance brief, and build contingency days into longer schedules wherever the budget allows.
On-the-day surprises — No shoot is without unexpected developments. Having a production partner with 30 years of established local relationships — with permit offices, police, private location owners, specialist suppliers and experienced crew — makes the difference between a minor delay and a lost shooting day.
Let’s talk about your shoot in France
Orangefilms offers a complete production service covering everything from the first location recce to the final wrap. With over 30 years of experience and credits including Netflix, Mercedes, Chanel, Gucci, Samsung and Hilton, we are well placed to support productions of any scale across France.
Contact us to discuss your project — we respond to all enquiries within one business day.