France is Orangefilms’ primary base, but Monaco is a production in its own right. This page covers the questions we are asked most often about filming in Monaco and across the French Riviera — a region we have worked in for decades for clients including Mercedes, Gucci, Hilton, Ray-Ban and Cartier.
Is Monaco part of France — do French filming permits apply?
No. Monaco is an independent principality, not part of France. French filming permits do not cover Monaco, and the two jurisdictions have completely separate permit authorities, filming regulations and administrative processes.
If your production requires filming in both France and Monaco — which is common for productions working along the Riviera — you will need permits from both countries independently. Orangefilms handles both, which is one of the practical advantages of working with a production service company with presence across the full region.
Do I need a special permit to film commercially in Monaco?
Yes. All commercial filming in Monaco requires official authorisation. Applications are typically submitted through Monaco’s Direction des Affaires Culturelles, though specific requirements vary by location type — public spaces, private venues and government-adjacent areas each have their own processes.
We manage all Monaco permit applications as part of our production service, drawing on well-established relationships with the relevant Monégasque authorities.
Can I film at Casino Square, the Grand Prix circuit or Monaco harbour?
Yes to all — but each requires specific permissions and advance planning. Casino Square involves coordination with Monaco’s municipal administration. The Grand Prix circuit is managed by the Automobile Club de Monaco, which has its own access protocols. The harbour involves the Port Authority of Monaco.
These are among the most requested locations for international productions, and we have direct experience coordinating these permissions. Lead times vary — contact us early with your specific requirements and we will advise on realistic timelines.
Does Monaco offer a film tax rebate or incentive?
No. Unlike France (which offers up to 30% tax rebate) or Belgium (which offers the Tax Shelter scheme), Monaco currently has no film production tax incentive programme for international productions.
This is worth factoring into your budget planning. Productions requiring a significant financial incentive should consider structuring the shoot with France as the primary base, where the 30% rebate applies, and treating Monaco as a supplementary location. We can help you model this.
Is filming in Monaco more expensive than filming in France?
Generally yes. Monaco carries a premium across most production line items — location fees, transport, accommodation and some crew costs are higher than equivalent work in France. The principality’s geography is compact and high-demand locations have pricing to match.
That said, for the right brief — luxury brands, automotive, fashion, finance — Monaco’s visual language and prestige associations make it worth the additional cost. We can help you build a realistic budget before you commit.
What are the best filming locations in Monaco and the French Riviera?
Monaco itself offers Casino Square, the Grand Prix circuit, the harbour and port, the Prince’s Palace and the Rock of Monaco with its panoramic views. The principality is compact but visually distinctive — almost every angle is usable for the right production.
The wider French Riviera significantly expands the palette. Cannes offers the Croisette, the festival venues, the old port and the hills above the city. Nice has the Promenade des Anglais, Vieux-Nice and excellent urban locations. Antibes and Juan-les-Pins offer a more intimate character. Saint-Tropez is a natural choice for summer lifestyle content.
We provide full location scouting across the region and maintain working relationships with private estate owners, hotel groups and public location managers along the entire Riviera.
What does a production service company do for shoots in Monaco?
Everything required on the ground. For Monaco and Riviera productions, Orangefilms typically provides: permit applications across Monaco and France, local crew experienced in working in both jurisdictions, equipment, transport and logistics (including the specific challenges of Monaco’s compact street network), luxury accommodation coordination, and full on-set production management.
Having one production partner who knows both the French and Monégasque systems is a significant practical advantage for productions working across the region. Our Riviera credits include Mercedes, Gucci, Hilton, Ray-Ban, Cartier and Jacquemus.
What languages are spoken on set in Monaco?
Monaco has four official languages — French, Monégasque, Italian and English — though French is the primary working language for most commercial and official purposes. International productions typically work in English with French-speaking local crew, which is the standard we operate to.
The Riviera’s proximity to Italy means bilingual French-Italian speakers are more readily available here than in Paris, which can be useful for productions with Italian-speaking talent or client representatives.
Let’s talk about your shoot in Monaco
Orangefilms covers Monaco, the French Riviera and France as a single, integrated production service. Contact us to discuss your project — we respond to all enquiries within one business day.