Where was Ad Vitam filmed? A complete guide to the filming locations of Netflix thriller

Ad Vitam is a new crime thriller on Netflix that follows a man looking for his kidnapped wife after he evades a murder attempt. The script follows his investigation into the people who abducted her. It leads him into some troublesome situations that make him confront his past.

Rodolphe Lauga has directed this brooding thriller based on a script written by Guillaume Canet and Rodolphe Lauga in collaboration with David Corona. The film debuted on Netflix on January 10, 2025. It stars Canet in the central role of Franck Lazareff. Besides him, Stéphane Caillard, Zita Hanrot, Nassim Lyes, and Alexis Manenti star in other prominent roles. The official logline for the film reads:

"After escaping an attempted murder, Franck Lazareff must find his wife Leo, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious group of armed men. He is caught up by his past and plunged into a state affair that is beyond him."

According to the reports, Ad Vitam was shot in the city of Paris, where the narrative is set, in its suburbs, and Versailles.

Let's find out the locations used specifically while filming this Netflix thriller.

Where was Ad Vitam filmed? Shooting locations explored

A still from Ad Vitam (Image via Instagram/@netflixfr)

Ad Vitam, the new thriller on Netflix, is set in Paris. It revolves around a couple, Franck (Guillaume Canet) and his wife, Léo (Stéphane Caillard). They were once a part of GIGN (National Gendarmerie Intervention Group), the French special forces. That's where they met and bonded with each other. Eventually, they decided to part ways and start a new life.

Things seem to be going well for this couple, as they are expecting their first child. However, they suddenly face trouble as a group of masked men harass them. They hurt Franck and kidnap Léo. After briefly evading their murder attempt, Franck looks for his missing wife.

During this journey, he must face his troubling past, which involves his close friend's unfortunate death. Suffice it to say the film is filled with pathos and adrenaline-inducing action scenes.

According to Deadline, Ad Vitam was filmed between April 8 and June 20, 2024, in and around France's capital, Paris.

Here are the specific locations used to shoot this new nail-biter:

1) Paris, France

Ad Vitam was shot across this gorgeous French city, which is a point of attraction for tourists across the globe. However, the two locations that leave a lasting impression are Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, Montmartre, and the Seine River.

An important chase scene in this Netflix thriller was shot around the architectural beauty of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. On the other hand, the Seine River and its bridges served as a perfect spot for the compelling thriller to offer an authentically Parisian vibe.

2) Versailles

Palace of Versailles (Chateau de Versailles), situated near Paris, shows the grandness of European architectural beauty. So, it makes sense that the filmmakers behind Ad Vitam used it for its critical scenes.

The Gardens of Versailles were used for a chase sequence as Franck gets pursued around the hedges and fountains in these exquisite gardens.

Besides, the Trianon Palace serves as an important location at the film's beginning. Its immaculate interior serves as the hotel that Franck enters during a major shootout.

3) The Suburbs of Paris

Besides the glamorous parts in and around Paris, Ad Vitam also uses the rustic surroundings of warehouses and industrial locations. They offer tonal contrast, making the film more gritty and realistic.

Similarly, the film uses a few locations to help elevate the tension in its dramatic scenes. The background adds so much to the film's DNA and gives it a naturalistic look.