White Lotus Season Four Filming in Cannes

HBO Series Lands in Southern France

The acclaimed HBO series, The White Lotus, has chosen the south of France as its setting for the upcoming season. Reports indicate that filming is underway in the picturesque regions of Cannes and Saint-Tropez.

For the production, the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, a central venue for the Cannes Film Festival, has been transformed into the fictional “The White Lotus Cannes.” Additionally, the luxurious Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez is serving as another primary filming location for the crew.

Economic Boost for Cannes Tourism

Hôtel Martinez, a landmark in Cannes, is renowned for its Art Deco architecture and its role as a key gathering point during the annual film festival, hosting global celebrities and exclusive events.

While nightly rates at the hotel can exceed 2,500 euros during the festival, this year it is experiencing heightened activity not only from the festival but also from the White Lotus production. The presence of the film crew is expected to significantly increase both tourist traffic and economic prospects for the area.

Sources suggest that the approximately 50-day filming schedule will generate around 17,000 overnight hotel stays for the production team alone. David Lisnard, the Mayor of Cannes, noted that such international series can boost tourism by over 30% in featured locations, raising expectations for the city.

Television's Growing Cultural Influence

David Bernad, the series creator, revealed that the new season will explore themes of “the loneliness and agony of being an artist.” Bernad described Cannes as a significant stage that highlights who holds influence and power.

The presence of The White Lotus in Cannes underscores the increasing prominence of television in the cultural and entertainment landscape. Once considered less prestigious than cinema, television productions now command substantial budgets and exert global influence.

The fourth season’s budget is reportedly around $120 million, surpassing that of many films screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Cast members like Alexander Ludwig and AJ Michalka have been seen filming in festival areas, with Laura Dern, Steve Coogan, and Kumail Nanjiani also joining the new season.

Future Outlook and Potential Challenges

Previous seasons filmed in locations such as Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand experienced significant surges in tourism. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, head of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, cautioned southern France to prepare for a similar influx of visitors.

Kiatphaibool highlighted the anticipated increase in tourists from India, the Middle East, and the United States, urging local authorities to invest in security, cleanliness, and infrastructure. While the filming may temporarily create accommodation challenges for VIP guests, it is expected to provide substantial long-term benefits to regional tourism.

The arrival of The White Lotus in Cannes also highlights the evolving dynamic between the cinema-centric identity of the Cannes Film Festival and the growing power of television. Thierry Frémaux, the festival director for 25 years, stated he has not watched any episodes of the series, yet the filming has undeniably brought the HBO production into the festival's cultural discourse.