Behind the scenes of the series ‘Emily in Paris’ in Megève 

Season 4 – Part 2 is set to be streamed on NETFLIX from 12 September 

One of the episodes of “Emily in Paris” was filmed last March in the Haute Savoie village of Megève. The three-day shoot was organised in the utmost secrecy and is set to come to life when Part two (the final season) is released on Netflix from 12 September 2024. Episode six of Season four will feature a mountain getaway, allowing subscribers worldwide to follow the adventures of the most French of Americans at altitude. Megève, renowned for its art of Art de Vivre (French living) and prestige, caught the production team’s eye. 

This is an experience the village will long remember: keep reading to discover exclusive details and behind the scenes insights 

Photos from the shoot can be found here  

Following in Emily’s Footsteps

It seemed only natural that this French winter sports escape would take place in Megève, a symbol of French elegance. The cameras were set up around the village’s iconic spots. Fans, take note: here are the filming locations that will be easily recognisable when the episode airs. The must-see places to add to your winter to-do list when visiting Megève: 

• Megève village square 

• The Mont d’Arbois ski area 

• Idéal 1850 restaurant (Edmond de Rothschild Heritage/Four Seasons Megève Collection*****) 

• Chalet des Fermes de Marie***** (Maisons & Hôtels Sibuet) 

Behind the scenes of the shoot  

During the three days of filming, the schedule was meticulously planned: one day filming on the slopes, one day in a chalet, and another in the village. The Film crew was made up of more than 120 people, representing many different professions. Numerous local shopkeepers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and activity providers in Megève took part in this experience. The entire local ecosystem was mobilised, including the Four Seasons Hotel Megève*****, the ski lifts, the ESF (French Ski School), Les Fermes de Marie*****, L’Idéal 1850, L’Epicerie Noémie, and the horse-drawn carriages of Megève. 

A total of 116 extras (including stand-ins) participated in this experience. 

Filming anecdote: To ensure the lead actress’s safety, Lily Collins had a double for the ski scenes. It seems that there were four doubles on standby for Emily! 

Emilie Pignol, Sales and Marketing Director, Four Seasons Megève Collection***:** 

“The director of the series was looking for one of the most beautiful views of Megève. The Idéal 1850 restaurant, with its panoramic view of the entire Megève valley and Mont Blanc, was an obvious choice. We were able to provide a private room for the extras and crew to settle in during the filming of the slope scenes. The two main actors of the series also enjoyed the Idéal Suite, a secluded suite perched upstairs in the restaurant, where they could rest between scenes. 

Our establishment was kept exactly as it is for our clients during filming. The building, acquired in the 1960s, has retained the soul of an authentic mountain pasture with a touch of modernity. It took about ten takes to film the scene”.  

My best memory: “Meeting the director Darren Star and all the actors and experiencing the very positive energy of everyone involved in the shoot. What stands out the most is the beautiful snowfall that arrived just in time, making the landscape even more magical…” 

Christopher, 37, volunteered as an extra:  

Living in Megève and passionate about sport, he follows the series Emily in Paris: 

“With little knowledge of the film world, I was curious to discover the workings of a shoot and its organisation. The production was looking for people with a good level of skiing for certain sequences, as well as people who had elegant and chic clothing that matched the universe of Emily and Megève. I was selected to participate in the ski and restaurant scenes on the slopes (L’Idéal). I was lucky enough to be chosen for a scene playing a couple inside the Mont d’Arbois gondola—a great highlight for me”.  

My best memory: “Despite the long waits, sometimes over two hours, shooting seven or eight sequences with the need to redo the same ones over three or four times, and the takes averaging 10 minutes. I will remember the restaurant experience, where we had some delicious dishes with a magnificent view as a bonus. Not to mention the ski descent after the ski area closed at sunset, a unique and special moment!” 

Megève: a film location for many films  

As a reminder, several French films have already been shot in the village. The natural setting and unspoilt pedestrian village centre have inspired many a film director.  

– 1960: Shooting of Roger Vadim’s film Liaisons dangereuses 

– 1963: Charade, film by Stanley Donen 

– 1966: Tendre voyou, a Franco-Italian film directed by Jean Becker  

– 1977: Les Fougères bleues, film directed by Françoise Sagan  

– 2005: Le Cactus, film directed by Gérard Bitton and Michel Munz

Go There:        

Megève is only one hour from Geneva Airport, which benefits from direct, low-cost flight access from London, Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. Return flights from London Gatwick to Geneva with easyJet are priced from just £49 pp during the 2024/25 winter season.