Nice hosts the filming of the series “The Summer of ’36”, a historical tapestry set against the background of women’s emancipation and the first paid vacations. Between a police investigation and a tribute to local heritage, the city enhances its cultural influence.
Under the dazzling sun of the French Riviera, Nice transforms once again into a filming set. The series “The Summer of ’36”, co-produced by Quad Drama and TF1, sets up in the city for a historical tapestry in six 52-minute episodes. Through a thrilling investigation led by four women, the story takes us back to a pivotal summer: that of the first paid vacations won under the Popular Front.
The series, conceived by Iris Bucher, written by Marie Deshaires and Catherine Touzet, and directed by Fred Garson, addresses powerful themes such as women’s emancipation in a context where the police tentatively opens its doors to women through the creation of the police auxiliary status. The plot begins with a mysterious murder committed at the Hôtel Riviera, bringing together the intertwined destinies of four heroines who come to the French Riviera to savor this first summer of freedom.
Nice, natural backdrop and cinematic heritage
The Masséna High School, a symbol of Niçoise elegance, will serve as the backdrop for the famous Jetée-Promenade casino in Nice. The other outdoor scenes will be filmed in Grasse and in several iconic locations in Nice, while the interiors will be recreated in Paris. This wealth of scenery illustrates the producers’ aim to make the works travel and highlight local cultural treasures.
The series also showcases what Nice represented in 1936, faithfully recreating the atmosphere of this pivotal time. For Christian Estrosi, the Mayor of Nice, “cinema is part of the city’s history“, and this production fully aligns with the goal of enhancing the cultural influence of Nice on a national and international scale.
An increasingly attractive city for filming
Nice confirms its status as the Côte d’Azur cinema capital, with a 50% increase in filming days since 2019. In 2024, there were 619 filming days recorded in the area, attracting cameras from around the world. More than 5,000 applications were received to be extras in the series, demonstrating local enthusiasm.
The premiere is scheduled in Nice in the course of 2026, and the series will be broadcast during three event evenings. The cast includes: Julie de Bona, Sofia Essaïdi, Miou-Miou, François-Xavier Demaison, as well as Nolwenn Leroy and Constance Gay, who attended the press visit on set.
“The Summer of ’36” is a journey into the past that resonates with the present, a series that views history through a feminist and sensitive lens, while showcasing the beauty of the Riviera.