The comedy _L’Heureuse élue_, which aired on Sunday, September 27, at 9:10 PM on TF1, takes viewers on an enchanting adventure with Camille Lellouche and a family in a remarkably impressive hotel. This captivating backdrop is not a mere studio creation; it is a real hotel situated in the heart of Marrakech, Morocco.
The Filming Location: Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
The primary scenes set in the hotel were filmed at the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech, a luxurious resort located in the Marrakech region, specifically along the route to the Lalla Takerkoust dam. The establishment has confirmed its involvement in the filming of Frank Bellocq’s movie. This expansive property, characterized by its lush gardens, stunning pools, and exquisite Moroccan architecture, serves as the backdrop for the family’s stay, which is central to the film's plot. The choice of this location works exceptionally well, not only providing aesthetic beauty but also creating an intimate and luxurious environment that isolates the characters, making it increasingly challenging for Benoît, the protagonist, to conceal his lies.
A Change in Filming Plans: From Greece to Morocco
Interestingly, Morocco was not the original choice for the production team. Initially, Frank Bellocq and his crew planned to film at a luxury hotel in the Peloponnese, Greece. However, scheduling conflicts arose as they intended to shoot during the peak tourist season, which made it impractical to have the hotel available for their exclusive use. Consequently, the production shifted its focus to Morocco, where the filming would take place during the off-peak season, allowing for greater availability and flexibility. This strategic change not only facilitated a more efficient shooting schedule but also infused the film with a distinctive visual identity. Bellocq mentioned that the vibrant colors reminiscent of the “Thousand and One Nights” would be more pronounced than those initially envisioned for the Greek setting.
Despite the picturesque and dreamy landscape, the filming in Marrakech came with its own set of challenges, particularly the intense heat. The director noted that temperatures soared to a staggering 62 degrees during certain scenes, making the filming of the hot air balloon sequence particularly difficult. Since the hot air balloons could only be used early in the morning, the crew had to work swiftly between 5:30 AM and 8:30 AM. Scenes featuring children were also filmed during the cooler hours to prevent prolonged exposure to the heat. Refrigerated spaces were set up for the equipment and crew, supplemented with mineral salts to mitigate dehydration risks. Thus, behind the idyllic vacation imagery, the shooting experience was far from relaxing.
Without giving too much away, _L’Heureuse élue_ follows the story of Benoît, played by Lionel Erdogan, who finds himself in financial trouble after a failed cryptocurrency venture. In a bid to secure financial support from his family, he fabricates a story about being on the verge of marriage. When the actress slated to play his fake fiancée backs out, he turns to Fiona, a charming chauffeur portrayed by the delightful Camille Lellouche, who disrupts the family getaway with her candid personality. The film features a stellar cast, including Michèle Laroque and Gérard Darmon as Benoît's parents, alongside Amaury de Crayencour and Clémence Bretécher. Tune in to watch the film this Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 9:10 PM on TF1, and immerse yourself in the stunning hotel setting that adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
As reported by kingofgeek.com.
