Filming in France right now
Every month, what a foreign production should know before shooting in France: strikes and protests, border rules, light, busy places and what is coming. Written by the two producers who are on the ground this month.
This month in one minute
November 202601Strikes and protestsA wave of social mobilisation over wages and public services: union days of action on 17, 24 and 31 October, then a cross-sector strike on Thursday 5 November, with further calls on 6 and 7 November. Expect disruption to trains and public transport on strike days, and marches in Paris and the big cities.Plan around
02BordersThe EU Entry/Exit System has been fully running at Schengen borders since April 2026: fingerprints and a photo on first entry for non-EU travellers. Allow extra time at the airport. ETIAS has no confirmed start date yet.Allow time
03LightShort days: sunset in Paris around 5 pm through November and early December. Golden hour is early, night shoots start early too.Short days
04Busy placesChristmas lights and markets fill central Paris and big city centres from late November. Iconic locations get busier and permits take longer. Ask early.Book early
05Election seasonCandidates are declaring for April 2027. Political interviews are easier to book now than once the official campaign starts.Book now
What a strike day means for a shoot
On a national strike day, the main risks are transport (trains, metro, some flights), road closures along march routes and police perimeters near demonstrations. Most locations still work. We plan crew transport by car, move exteriors away from march routes, keep a backup interior and check the prefecture's announcements the day before. If the strike is your story, see covering protests in France.
Coming up
Next three months01December 2026Festive season: decorated streets are great for exteriors, but central Paris is crowded and hotels fill up. Many French offices slow down from mid December.Season
02January 2027Paris Fashion Week Men (19 to 24 January) and Haute Couture (25 to 28 January): hotels, crews and venues in high demand.Fashion
03February 2027The decree convening voters for the presidential election is due. Campaign rallies intensify.Election
Full year ahead: our 2027 filming calendar for France. Something specific about your dates? Send a brief or WhatsApp +33 6 68 08 61 02: we answer within three hours with what is possible.
Can you film in France during a strike?
Yes. Most locations, permits and crews still work on strike days. The main impact is on public transport and on streets along march routes. Plan crew transport by car, keep exteriors away from the routes and have a backup interior.
What is the Entry/Exit System (EES) for travellers to France?
The EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU travellers at the Schengen border with fingerprints and a photo on first entry. It has been fully running since April 2026. Allow extra time at airports and train terminals.
Do I need ETIAS to travel to France?
Not yet. ETIAS, the EU travel authorisation for visa-free travellers, had no confirmed start date in November 2026. We will update this page when it launches.
How often is this briefing updated?
Every month, by the founders of FixersInParis, with what they see on shoots across France.
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The France Production Brief
Four times a year, what changes for foreign productions in France: permits, tax rebate, border rules, strikes, the events calendar and what we see on set. Written by the two founders.
Shooting in France this month? Send us your dates.
Locations, dates and crew size. We tell you what the strikes, permits and busy weeks mean for your shoot.
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