Paris and Côte d’Azur transform into Los Angeles in this sharp critique of Hollywood culture.
With its September debut, The Substance quickly gained commercial success, evolving into a cultural phenomenon quite representative of the niche body horror genre. Directed by Coralie Fargeat and starring Demi Moore alongside Margaret Qualley, the film successfully earned five Golden Globe nominations for 2025, including Best Motion Picture–Comedy or Musical, where it competes with Wicked and Emilia Perez.
The Substance portrays Elizabeth Sparkle, a former fitness star condemned to oblivion due to ageism in the television industry. Desperate to reclaim her youth and status, she turns to an experimental drug which temporarily transforms her into Sue, a younger and more socially accepted version of herself. The promise of eternal youth inexorably sets Elizabeth on a destructive path, a race against time as she battles her fear of failure and irrelevance.
As a biting critique of Hollywood’s toxic atmosphere, the main backdrop is fittingly dazzling Los Angeles. Filming, nevertheless, took place entirely in France, with scenes shot in Paris and along the alluring Côte d’Azur.
TSF’s Epinay Studio, Paris
Photo by @trythesubstanceLike fellow nominee Emilia Perez, The Substance relied on Parisian film studios for the recording of its indoor scenes, thus stepping away from the prototypical Californian ambiance. France’s leadership in sustainable production infrastructure has kept it vital to the cinematic industry for decades, situating its studios among the favorites of directors.
TSF’s Epinay Studio, in particular, is a true emblem of the Golden Age of French cinema, having contributed to spectacular titles such as Napoleón (1927,) La Règle du Jeu (1939,) and Les Enfants du Paradis (1945.) Its facilities, nonetheless, are continually updated, enabling the studio to handle about 200 projects annually, including numerous international productions.
Maison du Caviar, Paris
Photo by @trythesubstanceElizabeth stars in a scene at the prestigious Parisian restaurant, Maison du Caviar, founded in 1956 by an exclusive importer of Caspian Sea caviars, under the patronage of the Shah of Iran. Just a few steps from Champs-Élysées, it offers an unparalleled delight for the senses in one of the most opulent districts of Paris. Maison du Caviar specializes in the finest caviar from various origins, including Beluga, Osciètre, and French Baeri. Its menu also features some classic dishes in Russian cuisine, such as: borscht, pirozhki, and beef Stroganoff; pairing them alongside personal suggestions like the Avocado Surprise and Gambas with Caviar.
Antibes, Côte d’Azur
Photo by @trythesubstanceTo recreate the iconic Californian scenery, The Substance’s team relocated filming to southeastern France, one of the most sumptuous and coveted areas in the country: the French Riviera. Splendid cities, like: Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo, and Saint-Tropez have elevated the Mediterranean region and created a legend of timeless brilliance and allure. Its golden light and iconic palm trees made it easy to replicate the essence of Los Angeles’ most famous avenues.
One of the chosen cities was Antibes, a picturesque town with a charming historical center by the sea, known as Vieil Antibes. Among its narrow, cobblestone streets, traditional local markets like the Marché Provençal offer fresh and artisanal products. The evocative beauty of Antibes has often inspired and provided refuge to artists such as Pablo Picasso, who lived there for a while, leaving behind a legacy in the Picasso Museum, located in Château Grimaldi.
