Where Was Movie Me Before You Filmed
Oh, Me Before You! Just the title alone can make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, right? It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to snuggle up on the sofa with a giant mug of something hot and maybe a box of tissues (just in case!). And while we’re all busy swooning over Will Traynor’s ridiculously charming smile and Louisa Clark’s wonderfully quirky outfits, there’s a whole other character in this film that deserves a standing ovation: the locations!
Seriously, if you ever watched Me Before You and thought, "Wow, I could totally live in a place like that," then you're not alone. The movie is practically a love letter to some seriously stunning scenery, and it’s not just some Hollywood backlot magic. Nope, they actually went out and found real, breathtaking spots to bring Louisa and Will’s story to life. Get ready to pack your imaginary bags, because we're about to take a little tour of where all that cinematic swoon-fest happened!
So, where did all this magic unfold? Well, the heart and soul of the film, the place where Louisa's life took its delightful detour into Will's world, is largely set in a charming little corner of England. Picture this: rolling hills, impossibly quaint villages, and houses that look like they’ve stepped right out of a fairy tale. Sounds about right for a story that's all about finding joy in the everyday, doesn't it?
The main setting for Louisa's home and her generally… well, everything in her life before she meets Will, is the picturesque county of Hertfordshire. Think of it as the quintessential English countryside. It’s the kind of place where you can imagine your nan baking scones and the local pub is the social hub of the universe. Specifically, a lot of the exterior shots of Louisa's family home and the surrounding village were filmed in and around the absolutely adorable village of Long Melford. Yes, Long Melford! It’s so charming, it practically oozes charm. If you’ve ever dreamt of a place where you could wander through cobblestone streets, past ivy-covered cottages and maybe even bump into a talking squirrel (okay, maybe not the squirrel, but you get the idea!), then Long Melford is your jam.
Now, when it comes to Will’s incredibly swanky and, let’s be honest, jaw-droppingly gorgeous abode, that wasn’t exactly filmed in a shoebox, either. His palatial residence, the place where all those life-changing conversations and surprisingly fun adventures took place, is actually a real-life stately home. And not just any stately home, oh no. We’re talking about Pemberley House. Wait, Pemberley? Ring any bells? For those of you who are Jane Austen fans (and let’s be real, who isn’t a little bit a fan of a good swoon-worthy romance?), Pemberley is famously Mr. Darcy’s magnificent estate in Pride and Prejudice! Talk about a literary crossover! The real-life location is actually called Ditchley Park, and it’s located in Oxfordshire. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a history book, but with way better Wi-Fi. Imagine the sheer scale of it! The manicured gardens, the grand architecture… it’s enough to make you feel like you should be attending a royal ball, even if you’re just wearing your comfiest sweatpants. Ditchley Park is just… wow. It’s the kind of place that whispers stories of old money and impeccable taste, which is precisely what you’d expect for Will Traynor’s world.
But the beauty doesn't stop at the estates, oh no. The film also takes us on a delightful journey to some truly iconic spots. Remember that incredibly romantic scene where Lou and Will go to Paris? Well, that wasn't some green-screen fantasy. They actually filmed those Parisian scenes in the actual, bustling, romantic city of Paris! Can you imagine? Strolling along the Seine, gazing at the Eiffel Tower… it’s the stuff of dreams, and they brought it to our screens! They specifically captured some magical moments around the Pont des Arts bridge, which is famous for being the "love lock" bridge. While they might have taken those locks off for the film (responsibly, of course!), the romance is definitely still there. And yes, that iconic scene with the chocolate éclairs? Filmed in the heart of Parisian deliciousness!
And then there’s the unforgettable trip to the Gstaad, Switzerland. Remember those breathtaking mountain views? That exhilarating ski scene? That was also filmed in a real, stunning location. The snowy paradise they escape to is none other than Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in France. Yes, the very same Chamonix that legends of the ski world flock to. Talk about setting the bar high for romantic getaways! The sheer majesty of the Alps, the crisp, clean air… it's enough to make you want to book a flight then and there, even if your idea of a winter sport is navigating the treacherous terrain of your duvet.
It's these real-life locations that really help to ground the story, making it feel both aspirational and relatable. You can almost feel the chill in the air at Chamonix, smell the freshly baked bread in Long Melford, and hear the distant hum of traffic in Paris. The filmmakers didn’t just pick pretty backdrops; they chose places that evoked a specific feeling, a certain je ne sais quoi that perfectly complemented the emotional journey of Louisa and Will. It’s like the locations themselves became characters in the story, adding layers of depth and beauty to every scene. So next time you’re rewatching Me Before You (and let’s face it, you will be!), take a moment to appreciate the incredible places that brought this heartwarming tale to life. They’re as much a part of the magic as the unforgettable performances on screen.