These documentaries about France show a country renowned for its captivating history, rich culture, and stunning landscapes.
From the glittering streets of Paris to the picturesque countryside, and from its iconic monuments to its profound impact on global history, France’s diverse and multifaceted character has inspired a wide range of documentaries.
Documentaries About France
Whether you seek to uncover the secrets of the Louvre, witness the events of the French Revolution, or simply bask in the beauty of the French Alps, these documentaries about France are a captivating journey.
Paris: The Luminous Years (2010)
Paris: The Luminous Years focuses on the artistic and intellectual flourishing that occurred in Paris during the early 20th century, particularly between the years 1905 and 1930.
This period is often referred to as “Les Années Folles” or “The Roaring Twenties” in France.
The documentary explores the lives and works of various artists, writers, and intellectuals who were part of this vibrant cultural scene, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, and James Joyce, among others.
It delves into their creative processes, the cross-pollination of ideas, and the ways in which they influenced and inspired one another.
Paris: The Luminous Years provides insights into the development of modern art, literature, and thought during this period and the role that Paris played as a hub for innovation and creativity.
It’s a fascinating exploration of a pivotal moment in cultural history and the individuals who shaped it.
Faces Places (2017)
Faces Places is directed by Agnès Varda and the street artist JR. The film is also known as “Visages Villages” in French.
It is a charming and visually engaging documentary that follows Agnès Varda and JR as they travel through rural France, creating large-scale photographic portraits of the people they meet along the way.
The film captures their interactions with ordinary people, farmers, and villagers, and it explores themes of art, community, and the passing of time.
Faces Places received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2018.
Agnès Varda, a celebrated figure in the world of French cinema, and JR, known for his large-scale street art installations, form an unlikely and heartwarming partnership in this documentary, which blends elements of art, photography, and storytelling to create a unique and memorable cinematic experience.
Rick Steves France (2014 onwards)
Rick Steves is a well-known American travel writer, author, and television personality known for his travel guidebooks and television series focused on European destinations.
He has covered a wide range of European countries, including France, in his travel programs.
In these France episodes, Rick Steves explores various regions and cities in France, providing you with travel tips, cultural insights, and recommendations for places to visit, eat, and explore.
The specific episodes and content related to France in Rick Steves’ series can vary depending on the season and year, as he continuously updates and produces new material.
This is one of the best documentaries about France in a travelogue format.
You can find all the episodes for free on YouTube. Start with this one about the highlights of Paris:
The Gleaners and I (2000)
Another French documentary film directed by Agnès Varda, The Gleaners and I, also known as “Les Glaneurs et la Glaneuse” in French explores the concept of gleaning, which is the act of collecting leftover crops from fields or other sources after the primary harvest.
In the film, Agnès Varda examines modern-day gleaners in France, including people who collect food, discarded objects, and other items for various reasons. The documentary provides a thought-provoking and often intimate look at the lives of these gleaners and their motivations.
Agnès Varda’s documentary combines elements of social commentary, art, and personal storytelling as she meets and interacts with the gleaners she encounters during her journey.
Speak Up (2017)
Speak Up (original title: À Voix Haute) focuses on an annual public speaking competition for students from various universities in France, particularly the University of Saint-Denis.
This competition encourages young participants to overcome their fear of public speaking and express themselves on various topics.
The film follows a diverse group of students as they prepare for and participate in the competition, exploring their personal stories, backgrounds, and the challenges they face.
Speak Up delves into themes of identity, race, social issues, and the power of eloquence. It provides insight into the experiences of these young people as they develop their public speaking skills and gain confidence in their ability to convey their thoughts and beliefs.
Speak Up has been praised for its inspiring and thought-provoking portrayal of these students and their journeys in the context of contemporary French society.
Out of all these documentaries about France, this is a good one to watch to get a glimpse into part of the education system.
Chef’s Table: France (2016)
Chef’s Table: France” is a documentary series that is part of the larger “Chef’s Table” series on Netflix. It specifically focuses on French chefs and their culinary creations.
The series delves into the lives, philosophies, and unique styles of some of the most celebrated chefs in France. Each episode features a different French chef and their journey in the world of gastronomy.
Here are the featured chefs and the episodes in “Chef’s Table: France”:
Alain Passard – Episode 1: Alain Passard is known for his innovative approach to vegetables and his three-Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Arpège, in Paris.
Michel Troisgros – Episode 2: Michel Troisgros comes from a long line of renowned chefs and runs the legendary Maison Troisgros, which has held three Michelin stars for decades.
Adeline Grattard – Episode 3: Adeline Grattard is celebrated for her fusion of French and Chinese culinary traditions at her Paris restaurant, Yam’Tcha.
Alexandre Couillon – Episode 4: Alexandre Couillon is a chef from the island of Noirmoutier, and his restaurant, La Marine, focuses on seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
Dominique Crenn – Episode 5: Although not French by birth, Dominique Crenn, originally from Versailles, France, is featured for her achievements in the culinary world and her San Francisco-based restaurant, Atelier Crenn.
Chef’s Table: France offers an intimate and visually stunning look at these talented chefs, their creative processes, and the impact they have had on the world of fine dining. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in French cuisine.
Illustrious Yet Unknown (French: “Illustre et Inconnu”) (2019)
Illustrious Yet Unknown is a 2019 French documentary film directed by Benjamin Marquet.
The documentary explores the life and work of an extraordinary artist, Charles Cottet (1863-1925), who is relatively unknown to the wider public despite his significant contributions to the art world.
Charles Cottet was a French painter and a key figure in the Symbolist and post-Impressionist movements. The film delves into his artistic journey and showcases his work, offering you an opportunity to discover this “illustrious yet unknown” artist.
It provides insights into Cottet’s unique style, influences, and his connection to the Brittany region in France, which played a prominent role in his art.
Illustrious Yet Unknown serves as a tribute to Charles Cottet and aims to shed light on his artistic legacy.
It combines elements of art history, biography, and cultural exploration to introduce audiences to a painter who made a significant impact on the art world but has remained somewhat in the shadows.
History of France (2020)
This one is free to watch on YouTube and is a “made for YouTube” type of video but it is done great and if you want to get an overview of the history of France in 1 hour then out of all these documentaries about France, this one is for you.
“The French Revolution” (2005)
The French Revolution is a four-part documentary series that originally aired in 2005. It provides a comprehensive and detailed look at one of the most pivotal events in world history, the French Revolution.
The series is narrated by historian Peter Snow and features a combination of expert analysis, dramatic reenactments, and primary source materials to bring the historical events to life.
Each episode of the series covers a different aspect of the French Revolution, including the social and political conditions leading up to the revolution, key events like the storming of the Bastille, the Reign of Terror, and the rise and fall of key figures such as Robespierre and Napoleon Bonaparte.
The documentary also explores the broader impact of the French Revolution on the world and is well-regarded for its historical accuracy and engaging storytelling.
It offers a comprehensive overview of this complex and transformative period in history.
Napoleon
Napoleon is a 4 part documentary series about one of the most famous Frenchmen in history, Napoleon Bonaparte.
This is a great one to watch to learn about some of the most important historical times in France.
France
These documentaries about France offer a wide range of perspectives on the country, from its history and culture to its art and landscapes.
Whether you’re interested in French history, or art, or simply want to explore the beauty of the country, there’s likely a documentary that will pique your interest.
For more on France take a look at the 10 best movies about Paris to watch.
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