best movies to watch to prepare for FRANCE

[whtdog]

:D Greetings everyone, when we plan for our trips we love to watch a few old movies that include the locations, the atmosphere, the history of where we will visit. Any ideas? Would love some book ideas too...:rolleyes:

 

PARIS

VERSAILLES

GIVERNY

NORMANDY

OMAHA BEACH

AVRANCHES

ST. MONT MICHEAL

ST. MALO

AMBOISE

LOIRE VALLEY

[CruiserBruce]

The tour guides at Normandy will suggest Saving Private Ryan and the Band of Brother's episode relating to D-Day, as well as the The Longest Day.

 

There are many books about D Day. One I found the guides used was D-Day, by Anthony Beevor. Very in depth, long and thorough. I would say read the first third to half before you go.

[cruisemom42]

Not necessarily old, but....

 

Midnight in Paris (Paris)

Moulin Rouge (Paris)

Marie Antoinette (Versailles)

[Mrs Booboo]

For Normandy/Omaha Beach, my sister recommended Ken Burns The War series. We haven't watched it yet, but plan to before we travel in June.

[whtdog]

great ideas...We love the old classics too

 

thanks again,

 

Sunny

[dogs4fun]

In addition to the above movies:

Forget Paris - (has some great shots of Paris)

French Kiss - (Paris, Cannes, French countryside)

Julie and Julia (Paris)

Charade (Paris - oldie but goodie)

Dangerous Liaisons (Versailles)

[cberge]

I would say just go and enjoy,and be surprised what you see.Anyway, The Da Vinci Code is ok.One that would give an over all view and you can goet on Amazon is Visions of France.

[AngloinProvence]

If you are going on a Mediterranean cruise, you might be interested in these movies set in Provence: http://www.marseille-provence.info/arts-and-culture/cinema-film-movies/108-provence-the-ten-best-films.html

[Mikey22]

Taken

Ronin

The French Connection

Frantic

Last Tango in Paris

 

:)

[lamchops]

:D Greetings everyone, when we plan for our trips we love to watch a few old movies that include the locations, the atmosphere, the history of where we will visit. Any ideas? Would love some book ideas too...:rolleyes:

 

PARIS

VERSAILLES

GIVERNY

NORMANDY

OMAHA BEACH

AVRANCHES

ST. MONT MICHEAL

ST. MALO

AMBOISE

LOIRE VALLEY

 

 

Watch "The Longest Day" before visiting Normandy.

[Chloe1500]

For Normandy/Omaha Beach, my sister recommended Ken Burns The War series. We haven't watched it yet, but plan to before we travel in June.

 

It's outstanding. And very sad. Have the tissues handy.

[whtdog]

can't believe how many there are... Just ordered net flix and found the iron mask movie.... I am always up for suggestions. The longest Day is next on the list...

 

Thank you all!

Sunny

[dolittle]

Gigi while not made in Paris it still gives you the fell of old Paris and of course An American in Paris both are musicals with Leslie Caron you cant get anymore french than that.

[hubofhockey]

Amelie is a good one. Bourne Identity is also actually fun to watch. Midnight in Paris is decent, but conventional. The more recent Hugo is a good take as well. If you like Adam Goldberg and all of his quirks and insecurities, 2 Days in Paris is good. Saving Private Ryan probably gets you there for any D Day tour.

[Colorado Kat]

For a general, entertaining movie set in France, look for Chocolat. Very sensual.

[Turtles06]

Watch "The Longest Day" before visiting Normandy.

 

I totally agree with this suggestion. The film is corny and dated, but great prep for the D-Day sites. We did exactly this before our visit last May (had seen the movie when we were kids, but re-watched it) and were very glad we did. In fact, our guide made a number of references to it along the way...

[Langoustine]

For Normandy/Omaha Beach, my sister recommended Ken Burns The War series.

 

It's a fascinating series, but it's really more about the effect of the war on several small towns in the U.S., rather than anything you're going to see in France.

[whtdog]

So i had one day off from work....and watched a few movies :)

even the old black and white huntchback of Notre Dame. Really liked to paris with love for an old movie.

 

Having a lot of fun planning this trip!

 

Thanks for the ideas

 

sunny:D

[Bet & Peg]

The already mention "Midnight in Paris" is fantastic and led to us going there last October!

 

DH is really "into" old movies and "The Man in the Eiffel Tower" proved very interesting since it was shot in the late 40s in Paris and really provided a great contrast between then and now!

[24butterfly]

The already mention "Midnight in Paris" is fantastic and led to us going there last October!

 

DH is really "into" old movies and "The Man in the Eiffel Tower" proved very interesting since it was shot in the late 40s in Paris and really provided a great contrast between then and now!

 

I 3rd and 4th MIDNIGHT IN PARIS. My husband and I saw the movie when it came out, we had been to Paris some years back---the movie made me change my plans and have a stop-over in Paris--(but the airlines wouldn't cooperate....)

[Vancouver Volleyballers]

Here is a great video resource file on the beautiful French Riviera. Our son is a professional videographer and filmed/produced 19 short films for the "Avid Cruiser" last summer. Sit back and join Chris and Ralph as they spend one month exploring this wonderful area of the world!

 

http://amberpacificstudios.com/2012/...-monster-post/

[Sinppu]

French film called L'Arnacoeur (Heartbreaker).

It features Vanessa Paradis and it's a light, but fun romcom.

[jdvmd]

A Good Year with Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard. When we were in Provence, we got to see where it was filmed.

[slidergirl]

For something totally different, get on the web and watch the shows Anthony Bourdain did for Paris in No Reservations and The Layover. A little R rated (for language), but pretty entertaining. If you're going to Barcelona and Rome, look at his shows on these, too.

[MarkBearSF]

(For Paris)

Charade

Midnight in Paris

Amelie

Diva

Sunday in the Park With George (DVD of stage musical)