The White Lotus Comes to the South of France

As conversations and speculation continue around future filming locations, many see the South of France — particularly the Côte d’Azur and St Tropez — as a natural setting for the White Lotus universe. With its timeless glamour, Mediterranean beauty and discreet luxury, the region embodies everything that defines the show’s distinctive atmosphere.

Filming in the South of France is now well underway, with the upcoming season featuring an acclaimed cast including Vincent Cassel, Steve Coogan, Chris Messina and Nadia Tereszkiewicz. These high‑profile performances are set to serve as key inspiration for The White Lotus writer, creator and showrunner Mike White.

The creative team had envisioned the French Riviera as a setting as early as Season Two, coming close before ultimately choosing Italy. This long‑standing ambition has finally come to fruition, with the new season built around what producers describe as a “really intentional” theme.

“We’ve always known this season would explore the worlds of art and fame — celebrity, creativity and the spiritual journey of being an artist,” explains one of the show’s producers. “We focused on countries with a deep, historical relationship with the arts.”

Fashion also plays a central role in shaping the season’s visual language. “Dior permeates the entire season,” the producer reveals, noting that French designers and artists have contributed bespoke pieces. These creative elements lean into what he describes as “the painful, existential journey of what it means to be an artist,” adding a layered, introspective dimension to the story.

While The White Lotus is a work of fiction, its influence on the way people travel is very real. Today’s luxury travellers are no longer seeking hotels alone, but immersive experiences defined by beautiful locations.

Through Rentals St Tropez, guests gain access to an exclusive collection of luxury villas across the South of France, each offering the kind of setting that feels straight out of a White Lotus storyline. These private residences provide space, discretion and refined design — from expansive living areas and manicured gardens to infinity pools, panoramic sea views and sun‑drenched terraces ideal for long Mediterranean days. These are not simply holiday homes, but private retreats where every detail is designed around comfort, elegance and privacy.

What truly elevates the experience is Rentals St Tropez’s bespoke concierge service, transforming a luxury stay into a fully curated lifestyle. Much like the carefully orchestrated world portrayed on screen, every element of the holiday can be tailored to the guest — from private chefs and in‑villa dining to yacht charters along the Côte d’Azur, chauffeur services, wellness experiences and exclusive reservations.

It is this balance of discretion, indulgence and personalisation that defines the White Lotus lifestyle — and why the Côte d’Azur, experienced through Rentals St Tropez, continues to captivate those seeking something truly exceptional.

The arrival of The White Lotus has sparked plenty of conversation in Saint‑Tropez, a destination already accustomed to fame, film crews and global attention. Rather than surprise, the prevailing mood among locals is one of measured acceptance — and quiet curiosity.

For many residents, Saint‑Tropez has long lived with the rhythms of international glamour. Luxury travellers, yachts and high‑profile guests are part of everyday life, so a major television production feels like a natural extension of the town’s identity. Some locals welcome the cultural spotlight, recognising the positive impact it can bring to the local economy, particularly outside peak summer months.

That said, there is also a strong awareness of balance. Residents value the village’s quieter side — its traditions, local businesses and sense of community — and hope that renewed global interest remains respectful rather than overwhelming. The consensus is clear: Saint‑Tropez doesn’t need reinvention, only thoughtful storytelling.

In many ways, the town’s confidence lies in its discretion. While The White Lotus may capture certain elements of Riviera life on screen, locals remain grounded in the reality that Saint‑Tropez has always been more than a setting — it is a lived‑in place, shaped as much by its people as by its reputation.