White lotus sets up shop on the french riviera for season 4
Forget the Cannes Film Festival – the real drama is unfolding behind the scenes. HBO’s The White Lotus is descending upon the French Riviera, transforming iconic hotels and leveraging the Palais des Festivals itself for its fourth season, promising a fresh wave of sun-soaked scandals and luxurious intrigue.
Production to commence immediately after the 2026 festival
The buzz began with the announcement that production will kick off just days after the 2026 Cannes Film Festival concludes. Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed the show will utilize the famed Palais des Festivals steps, the red carpet, and several of the Riviera’s most prestigious hotels, effectively recreating the festival atmosphere for the cameras. But it’s the choice of hotels that truly elevates the anticipation – and hints at the potential storylines.
A tale of two hotels: du cap jarry and hôtel martinez
The series, revolving around two rival film teams competing in the festival, will pit its characters against each other in distinctly different settings. One team will luxuriate in the heart of Cannes, while the other will retreat to a chateau nestled amidst the rolling oceanside hills. This geographical divide, and the contrasting atmospheres of the chosen hotels, are poised to fuel the season’s central conflict.
Airelles Château de la Messardière, dubbed “White Lotus du Cap” for the show, offers a glimpse into a world of old-world glamour. Just over an hour from Cannes, the property boasts villas surrounding a main château with four towers. Guests, potentially shelling out between $3,000 and $8,000 a night, are whisked around in Rolls-Royces and catered to with impeccable service. The chateau’s history is as rich as its décor; originally built in the 19th century as a wedding gift, it evolved into a haven for the wealthy and famous during the roaring twenties, hosting lavish parties and attracting French high society. A significant restoration in 1989 ensured its continued status as a bastion of luxury.
Contrast this with Hôtel Martinez, which serves as the White Lotus’s Cannes headquarters. This Art Deco landmark, located directly on the Croisette and a stone’s throw from the Palais des Festivals, is practically synonymous with the Cannes Film Festival. It’s a perennial favorite for stars seeking a prime location and a touch of timeless elegance. The hotel’s iconic white and blue velvet staircase has become a backdrop for countless pre-red carpet photoshoots, and its Palme d’Or restaurant, with its dark wood and golden hues, promises a setting ripe for whispered secrets and high-stakes deals.
While the show may require some creative license to reconcile the geographical distances between the two properties, the inherent allure and storied past of both Airelles Château de la Messardière and Hôtel Martinez are undeniable. The White Lotus has a knack for exposing the cracks beneath the veneer of luxury, and with these locations, the stage is set for another season of captivating drama and unforgettable characters. The French Riviera, it seems, is about to become even more captivating.