I’ve been watching Monsieur Spade. It’s supposedly set in Bozouls, France. Of course it looks nice. Has anyone been there recently?
Just went on my list for this fall when the weather cools. I had never heard of it or Monsieur Spade, which is on Canal+ in France. Where does it show in the US?
Monsieur Spade is on Acorn TV here in the US.
Another show situated in Brittany is Agathe Koltes, on PBS.
And a favorite of mine on Acorn TV is Candice Renoir.
Love them all, especially Candice Renoir.
The local press had published articles about the filming, but only a small portion was shot in Bozouls. Many scenes were filmed in the neighboring regions of Gard and Hérault. I watched the first episode and gave up. As is often the case with American series filmed in France, it's rather stereotypical, so don't expect to find the same atmosphere if you go there, especially since the action of the series takes place 60 years ago.
I used to go to this area from time to time a few years ago. The impressive Bozouls Hole (also called a canyon) is a geological formation worth seeing. This whole very "harsh" and rural region of Aveyron and Aubrac is little known to international tourists but can be interesting depending on what you're looking for. I would say it's basically the opposite of the Riviera in terms of vibe.
A car is essential to visit it. The towns of Rodez and Albi are nearby.
https://www.tourisme-aveyron.com/en/home
https://www.tourisme-en-aubrac.com/en/
If you go there, try the local specialty: Aligot, a melted cheese dish, and eat it in a "buron" (shepherd's hut).
https://www.restaurant-buron-aubrac.com/
The Roquefort cheese cellars, an hour's drive from Bozouls, are also a unique place in the world.
It is a beautiful corner of the world. I only ever made a brief stop in Bozouls, but the Lot valley immediately to the north is very pretty as well (Estaing, Entraygues), and the Aubrac plateau has beautiful high meadows.
When I looked on a map, it didn't look too far from Conques either. Love that part of the country: Conques, Rodez, Villefranche de Rouergue