My Favourite Films for Armchair Travel

I’ve been thinking a lot about movies lately, probably because it’s awards season. And the cold winter weather makes we want to curl up on the couch and escape, preferably to someplace warm. My DVD collection satisfies my wanderlust with sunny scenes from the south of France and intrigue in the shadowy alleyways of Venice. Here are my top picks from the last ten years with links to the movie trailers.

French Riviera

– 2014 –

The Hundred-Foot Journey

(Comedy-Drama)

Starring: Helen Mirren

Setting: Southern France

The Hundred-Foot Journey Trailer

- 2013 –

Before Midnight

(Romantic Drama)

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy

Setting:  Greece

Before Midnight Trailer

– 2012 –

Love is All You Need

(Romantic Comedy)

Starring: Pierce Brosnan

Setting:  Southern Italy

Love is All You Need Trailer

– 2011 –

Midnight in Paris

(Romantic Comedy)

Starring:  Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams

Setting:  Paris

Midnight in Paris Trailer

– 2010 –

The Tourist

(Romantic Comedy)

Starring:  Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie

Setting:  Venice

The Tourist Trailer

Grand Canal, Venice

– 2009 –

Angels and Demons

(Mystery Thriller)

Starring: Tom Hanks

Setting:  Rome

Angels and Demons Trailer

– 2008 –

Last Chance Harvey

(Romantic Drama)

Starring:  Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson

Setting: London

Last Chance Harvey Trailer

– 2007 –

Mr. Bean’s Holiday

(Comedy)

Starring:  Roland Atkinson

Setting:  France

Mr. Bean’s Holiday Trailer

– 2006 –

The Da Vinci Code

(Mystery Thriller)

Starring:  Tom Hanks

Setting:  Paris, London

The Da Vinci Code Trailer

– 2005 –

Casanova

Starring: Heath Ledger

(Historical Romance)

Setting: Venice

Casanova Trailer

– Honourable Mention –

The Bucket List

Starring: Morgan Freeman, Jack Nicholson

(2007 Comedy-Drama)

The Bucket List Trailer

My Bucket List: Ferrari Ride in Monte Carlo

The Bucket List first introduced me to the concept of listing my travel dreams on paper. This film prompted me to have Champagne Afternoon Tea at the Ritz Hotel in London, speed along the Corniche roads of the French Riviera in a Ferrari, and celebrate Festa del Redentore in Venice. And my list of travel dreams keeps growing. Next on my radar is a return to London with side trips to Downton Abbey's Highclere Castle and the scenic region of Cornwall.

Tower Bridge, London

The next time I talk movies I’ll share my favourite classic films of the 1950s and 60s. Enjoy the Oscars on Sunday!

Related Posts:

5 Film Remedies for Holiday Burnout
Classic Films for Armchair Travellers