If you consider yourself French at heart, it’s essential to occasionally indulge in a bit of French bohemia and experience la vie en rose. One of the easiest ways to do this (apart from packing your bags and spontaneously hopping on a plane) is to put on a film and immerse yourself in the atmosphere. So pour yourself a glass of wine, prepare a platter of French cheeses, or treat yourself to some colorful macarons, and allow yourself to dream: I’ve selected 10 films with a French flair, ready to feed your passion for France and its culture.

#1. A good year (2006)

Adapted from the book of the same name by Peter Mayle, Ridley Scott's film offers the same feel-good vibes every time you watch it. And you'll want to watch it again because, although it didn’t land on Oscar lists, it has all the ingredients to transport you to Provence, where the entire story unfolds: a slightly snobbish British broker, too busy making money, learns that his distant uncle has passed away and left him his property in southern France. Reluctantly, Max must travel there to claim his inheritance and deal with all the administrative matters. What seems like a mundane trip ends up changing his life. With delightful humor, the eternal cultural competition between the French and the British—masterfully illustrated—stunning landscapes that spark your holiday spirit, memorable soundtracks, and performances by Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard, A Good Year keeps you smiling from start to finish. Definitely best enjoyed with a glass of wine—you'll understand why!

#2. Perfume: The story of a murderer (2006)

If you're in the mood for a film that immerses you in the olfactory world of France, watch Perfume, which tells the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, an unwanted child gifted with an extraordinary sense of smell. Despite his lack of education, Grenouille can discern aromas with remarkable sensitivity. His apprenticeship under the renowned perfumer Baldini helps him recognize his talent and find his ultimate goal: to create the perfect perfume—one that captures the essence of femininity, innocence, and delicacy. This adaptation is based on the novel by German author Patrick Süskind.

#3. Coco avant Chanel (2009)

Coco Before Chanel illustrates, as the title suggests, the story of the famous fashion designer before she gained her fame: from her unhappy childhood to her youth singing in bars with her sister, how she breaks into the high society of Paris, and all the experiences and emotions that shape Gabrielle, who would become Coco, the fashion icon. The lead role is played by Audrey Tautou, who portrays Coco Chanel's transformation from a hopeless romantic young woman to a strong woman who not only overcomes obstacles but also writes history through her vision.

#4. La vie en rose (La môme – 2007)

A story similar to that of Coco Chanel, focusing on another iconic figure of France: artist Edith Piaf, portrayed this time by Marion Cotillard, who won an Oscar for this role. The film explores the astounding life story of Edith Piaf, the queen of French song who captivated the world.

#5. Amélie (2001)

A dose of positivity and optimism, Amélie (Audrey Tautou) can feel like a warm embrace when you need one: it’s not just about the destiny of a character who dedicates her life to making others happy; it’s a vision of life, a principle: the way you choose to behave and the gestures you make return to you, and you find in your pursuit exactly what you sent out into the world. In the end, Amélie finds love and five Oscar nominations—she will surely find her way into your French-loving heart if she hasn’t already.

#6. Paris, je t’aime (2006)

Twenty different directors, each with unique backgrounds, styles, and visions, have five minutes each to tell a story about one place: the fascinating Paris, the City of Lights, poetry, and love. The result? Twenty charming love stories, all contained within a larger one: the eternal love story with Paris, which you will fall in love with all over again when you see Paris, je t’aime. A superb cinematic tribute by different directors to the most beautiful city in the world.

#7. Midnight în Paris (2011)

A twisted story à la Woody Allen, which earned the American director an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 2012. And for good reason: the story somehow manages to unite contemporary and modern Paris, the Paris of the Roaring Twenties—Les Années Folles—and the glorious Paris of the pre-World War I years—La Belle Époque, all seen through the eyes of American writer Gil Pender, who is transported through time by a strange occurrence, leading to encounters with his favorite artists and writers, an ill-fated love story, and… many suspicions from his future father-in-law. Definitely a film to watch late at night—you’ll drift off dreaming sweetly of Paris. You can also find a detailed review of the film here.

#8. Julie & Julia (2009)

A charming French village, Juliette Binoche, and Johnny Depp. An extraordinary way to produce chocolate. Five Oscar nominations and a captivating story. Do I need to mention that you should stock up on quality chocolate before watching this film?

#9. Chocolat (2000)

The City of Light has likely witnessed many such stories: a poet comes to Paris and falls in love with a courtesan (Nicole Kidman) from the legendary Moulin Rouge, leading to a complicated turn of events. A musical dedicated to an iconic place that has fascinated many throughout history and brought the film team two Academy Awards.

#10. Moulin Rouge (2001)

Orașul Luminilor a fost, probabil, martorul multor astfel de povești: un poet vine la Paris și se îndrăgostește de o curtezană (Nicole Kidman) de la legendarul Moulin Rouge, iar de aici, lucrurile nu pot lua decât o turnură complicată. Un musical dedicat unui loc emblematic, care i-a fascinat pe mulți de-a lungul istoriei și care a adus echipei filmului 2 premii Oscar.