Few films capture the heart and soul of rural France as beautifully as My Summer in Provence (French title: Avis de mistral), a 2013 family drama directed by Rose Bosch. Set against the enchanting backdrop of the South of France, this film isn’t merely a coming-of-age story; it’s a love letter to Provence—its landscapes, traditions, and the healing power of family bonds.
A Story Rooted in Generational Gaps and Healing
The film introduces us to three Parisian siblings: Léa, Adrien, and their younger brother Théo, who was born deaf. Their summer plans are upended when, following their parents’ separation, they are sent to spend their vacation with their estranged grandfather, Paul Mazuret—a gruff olive farmer whom they’ve never met due to a longstanding family quarrel. Jean Reno delivers a nuanced performance as Paul, whose stormy past and traditional values stand in stark contrast to the tech-obsessed, city-raised teenagers thrust into his rustic world.
What ensues is a generational clash brimming with misunderstandings and silent battles, but also quiet moments of growth and reconciliation. The siblings struggle with homesickness and resentment, while Paul grapples with his own regrets and the challenge of winning over this new generation. Throughout the summer, humorous and touching experiences break down barriers—not only between old and young but also between urban and rural sensibilities.
Setting as a Character: The Beauty of Provence
One of the most remarkable features of My Summer in Provence is how the setting becomes an intrinsic part of the story. The sun-drenched fields, ancient villages, and rolling hills of Southern France aren’t just a backdrop but a living, breathing presence that shapes the characters’ transformations.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed in several iconic locations in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, chosen for their authenticity and irresistible charm. Audiences are treated to an array of breathtaking scenes captured in the following towns and landscapes:
- Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Famous for its Roman ruins and winding streets, this picturesque town encapsulates the rustic elegance of the region.
- Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer: A coastal village with a luminous atmosphere, situated in the Camargue, known for its white horses, flamingos, and gypsy traditions.
- Eygalières (Bouches-du-Rhône): A quintessential Provençal village surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, epitomizing the slow, sensuous rhythms of country life.
- Les Paluds de Noves (Noves): A smaller commune offering sweeping views and historic stone houses.
- Mouriès (Bouches-du-Rhône): Another beautiful village nestled amidst olive orchards, serving as the heart of Paul’s character and his treasured olive farm.
The Allure of the Alpilles
The narrative repeatedly returns to the low mountain range of the Alpilles, an area celebrated for its wild landscapes and golden light. In the movie, the hills not only serve as a symbol of endurance and history but also act as the physical space where the family reconnects. Early morning mists drift over ancient olive trees, crickets sing in the lavender fields, and the mistral wind shapes both nature and local temperament.
Provençal Details: From Olive Groves to Stone Villages
From the sun-bleached stone facades of Saint-Rémy to the shimmering olive groves around Mouriès, every frame is suffused with Provençal atmosphere. The film’s cinematography lingers on:
- Stretching fields of lavender and sunflowers.
- Olive harvesting sequences, where generations connect over shared work.
- Village squares bustling with summer markets, echoing with laughter and voices.
- Shady courtyards and cobblestone streets, showcasing the easy pace of life.
- Sweeping shots of the countryside at sunset, where the sky burns orange and pink—a sight few viewers will forget.
Atmosphere and Cinematic Language
The director, Rose Bosch, uses these locations to reinforce the film’s themes. The brightness and openness of Provence offer a striking contrast to the emotional closedness of the characters at the start of the story. The environment helps the family confront old wounds, embrace vulnerability, and rediscover joy.
The film’s score, paired with the chirr of cicadas and soft breezes, envelops viewers in the region’s languid summer heat. The visual richness underscores the film’s gentle humor and moments of poignancy—a sensory treat and a form of vicarious travel.
Why Provence? A Land of Memory and Modernity
Provence has long fascinated artists and filmmakers. Its landscapes, painted by the likes of Van Gogh and Cézanne, evoke a sense of timelessness and quiet grandeur. In My Summer in Provence, this allure becomes a driving force in the characters’ journeys. The grandparents—portrayed lovingly by Jean Reno and Anna Galiena—represent an era shaped by the counter-culture of the 1970s, adding depth and nostalgia to the setting.
The children’s initial discomfort with rural life—no Wi-Fi, no city noise, no instant gratification—slowly gives way to appreciation: picking fresh fruit, swimming in hidden rivers, discovering the joys of simple food, and forging new connections unmediated by screens. The director effectively invites viewers to slow down and savor the beauty of both the landscape and the moment.
Reception: A Comfort Flick in Beautiful Wrapping
While My Summer in Provence is, at heart, a family-friendly drama with universal themes, its reception has been colored by its stunning presentation. Critics have noted that the storyline might tread familiar territory—generational misunderstandings, urban versus rural divides—but the film distinguishes itself with luminous cinematography and an irresistible sense of place.
Audiences seeking a warm, uncomplicated comfort film often come away moved by the emotional arcs and the evocative, almost tangible depiction of Provençal life. The way the camera drinks in sunbeams on a vineyard or follows a family lunch beneath swaying plane trees imbues the movie with a genuine sense of escapism and peace.
Visiting the Real Provence
For those inspired by the film, the shooting locations are all accessible for leisurely exploration:
| Filming Location | Notable Features |
|---|---|
| Saint-Rémy-de-Provence | Roman ruins, Van Gogh history, classic village charm |
| Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer | Wild beaches, gypsy heritage, Mediterranean feel |
| Eygalières | Olive groves, stone houses, panoramic views |
| Les Paluds de Noves | Quaint, intimate, authentic Provençal experience |
| Mouriès | Heart of olive oil country, traditional markets |
Each site encapsulates a different side of Provence’s beauty, harmonizing stone and sunlight, tradition and time.
A Celebration of Place and Connection
My Summer in Provence isn’t just a movie—it is an invitation to witness the transformative power of landscape, tradition, and familial love. By transporting audiences to lavender fields, olive orchards, and golden hills, it offers not just a story, but a sensory memory of southern France. Whether you’re a lover of French cinema, a seeker of heartwarming tales, or simply drawn to the timeless beauty of Provence, this film is a journey into sunlight, forgiveness, and rediscovery.