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Ever After: A Cinderella Story movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Ever After: A Cinderella Story filmed?

1998

City Locations

Dordogne (France)

Location Types

Mansion, Riverside

Location Styles

Castle/Chateau, French, Greek/Neoclassical

About Ever After: A Cinderella Story

While it might seem challenging to enhance a timeless fairy tale, this delightful and somewhat lengthy reinterpretation of the Cinderella story surprisingly provides a fresh perspective, even for those well-acquainted with its classic narrative.

Ever After: A Cinderella Story is a 1998 film directed by Andy Tennant. The film stars Drew Barrymore as Danielle, Dougray Scott as Prince Henry, and Anjelica Huston as the wicked stepmother, Rodmilla. Set against the backdrop of 16th-century France, the romantic period drama offers a unique and engaging take on the classic Cinderella tale.

The story unravels when the Brothers Grimm visit the residence of a prosperous Grande Dame (Jeanne Moreau), who reveals the authentic tale of Cinderella, passed down through her ancestors. The narrative then shifts to a flashback of eight-year-old Danielle, the daughter of a wealthy widower and landowner. After her father remarries and dies of a heart attack, Danielle stays with her cruel stepmother and two daughters, who treat her as a servant.

A decade later, Danielle's life turns when she encounters Prince Henry, who is trying to escape an arranged marriage. Her fortunes change further when she successfully poses as a Lady, capturing the Prince's interest. The presence of inventor-artist Leonardo da Vinci, portrayed by Patrick Godfrey, who becomes an advisor to Prince Henry on matters of love, further enriches the timeless story. George Fenton's beautiful music score perfectly accompanies this lush period romance.

The film received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. Barrymore's performance earned her a Best Actress Award at the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA. In addition, the movie received Teen Choice Award nominations.

Ever After: A Cinderella Story Locations

Ever After: A Cinderella Story is a 1998 film that showcases French landscapes. The majority of scenes were shot across various regions of France, with cinematography by Andrew Dunn, known for his work in films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower and What a Girl Wants.

The majestic Château de Hautefort in the Dordogne region served as the castle in the film, providing an enchanting backdrop that perfectly complements the fairy tale narrative. Other notable locations featured in the film include the historic châteaux de Fénelon, de Lanquais, de Losse, de Beynac, and the charming city of Sarlat-la-Canéda. The portrayal of Danielle takes inspiration from Leonardo Da Vinci's renowned artwork, Head of a Woman (La Scapigliata).

Two more locations worth mentioning are Château de Fénélon and Château de la Russie, which depicted Danielle’s house. Château de Fénélon, with its stunning medieval structure, was the primary location for exterior shots of the Barbarac house. Today, it stands as a national heritage site visited by tourists from all around the world.

A trip to these filming locations would be worthwhile for Ever After: A Cinderella Story fans. These regions offer a chance to relive memorable scenes from the film and provide an opportunity to explore the rich French history and spectacular architecture.

The death of Auguste de Barbarac scene in Ever After: A Cinderella Story

Château de Fénelon 982, route de Fénelon, 24370 Sainte-Mondane, France

Ever After is set in the 16th century, opening with a young Danielle de Barbarac (Drew Barrymore) welcoming her new stepmother, Rodmilla de Ghent (Anjelica Huston), and two sisters into their family home.

Tragically, her father, Auguste de Barbarac (Jeroen Krabbé), a wealthy French landowner, dies of a heart attack soon after. The narrative then leaps forward ten years, revealing that Danielle becomes a servant in her home.

The historic Château de Fénélon provided the backdrop for this scene and others showcasing the exterior. This beautiful medieval structure in France is now a national heritage site open to tourists.

The Château holds historical significance as the birthplace of the renowned archbishop François Fénélon. It has hosted several notable film productions, including The Last Duel (2021) and Vice and Virtue (1963).

To visit Château de Fénélon, travel to the Dordogne region in southwestern France. The Château is a 2-hour drive from the nearby Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport. For those coming from Toulouse, it is also a pleasant 2-hour drive by car.

Danielle and Prince Henry’s second meeting at the castle scene in Ever After: A Cinderella Story

Château de Hautefort, Le Bourg d'Hautefort, 24390 Hautefort, France

Danielle (Drew Barrymore) assumes the guise of a courtier and employs her wealth to redeem Maurice (Walter Sparrow), a former servant traded away by her stepmother. During this act of bravery, she reencounters Prince Henry (Dougray Scott), but this time, she's dressed as a Lady and delivers a passionate defense for the servants. Prince Henry finds himself drawn not just to her beauty but also to her intelligence and spirit. She introduces herself as Nicole de Lancret, Comtesse, borrowing her mother's name.

The enchanting Château de Hautefort in the Dordogne district of France served as the setting for this pivotal scene. This medieval fortress, constructed in the 17th century, is a fitting backdrop for the fairytale-inspired film. In the movie, the Château serves as the residence of King Francis, Queen Marie, and their son, Prince Henry. Many of the film's dialogue scenes take place within its walls.

Château de Hautefort is a marvel inside and out. The interior boasts lavish salons and bedrooms adorned with 17th-century paintings, tapestries, and antique furniture. The exterior is equally impressive, with meticulously maintained 'French style' gardens and carefully landscaped parkland surrounding it, making it look like a scene from a fairytale book.

Travel to the Dordogne district in France to visit this iconic filming location. The Château is open to the public daily, allowing fans to explore its grandeur anytime. There is only one way to reach here from Bordeaux, and that is by private car.

Marguerite tries on Danielle's dress scene in Ever After: A Cinderella Story

Chateau de la Roussie, 24200 Proissans, France

Marguerite (Megan Dodds), Danielle's stepsister, tries on a dress that once belonged to her mother. This dress is now part of her dowry. When Danielle (Drew Barrymore) discovers them, the Baroness (Anjelica Huston) quickly permits her to attend the ball to divert attention from their actions. Caught between the lies, Jacqueline (Melanie Lynskey), the other stepsister, walks out in disgust.

Château de la Roussie in Proissans, France, provided the backdrop for the scenes depicting the interiors. This stunning 19th-century chateau, built on the ruins of an old castle from the latter half of the 16th century, provides an authentic and picturesque setting for the film. Its exterior is freely accessible to the public, and guided tours are available for groups by appointment. Today, Château de la Roussie is also home to luxury guest rooms.

To visit this iconic filming location, travel to Proissans, a commune in the Dordogne department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France. From the nearest airport, Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport, it is about a one-hour drive to Château de la Roussie.

Rodmilla and Marguerite are called to the royal court scene in Ever After: A Cinderella Story

Château de Losse, All. du Château de Losse, 24290 Thonac, France

The pivotal moment unfolds as Rodmilla (Anjelica Huston) appears before the esteemed royal court on a summon. The Queen (Judy Parfitt) confronts her for lying about Danielle (Drew Barrymore) and, as a result, is stripped of her title and threatened with exile unless someone speaks in her defense. Now a princess, Danielle asks for "kindness" towards Rodmilla, like she once experienced from her stepmother.

Like several others in the film, this scene came to life at the historic Château de Losse in France. The Renaissance architecture made it an ideal filming location for the period drama. Listed as a monument in 1928, Château de Losse is part of the Dordogne collection of historical castles. It has hosted productions such as Looking for a Thrill and The First Musketeer.

Château de Losse overlooks the Vézère River and is a stunning 16th-century residence built on the foundation of a medieval fortress. Visitors can explore the large dwelling filled with period furniture, stroll through the Renaissance-style gardens, and discover the defense towers, moats, underground passages, parks, and many other unusual or grandiose places. Seasonal activities and tours are available for all ages, including treasure hunts for children.

To visit Château de Losse, travel to the Dordogne region in southwestern France. For enthusiasts, it is advisable to plan visits to multiple Châteaux since they are close to one another. The most favorable choices would be renting a private car and commencing the journey from Bordeaux or Toulouse.

Conclusion

Ever After is a skillfully crafted Cinderella story that reinvents the beloved fairy tale with an unexpected mix of romance, humor, and spirited dynamism. Set in the captivating setting of 16th-century Europe, this film isn't just another children's picture but a delightful revelation for viewers. Get ready to be swept off your feet as most scenes transport you through the stunning vistas of France, immersing you in an enchanting journey beyond the ordinary.

Drew Barrymore's performance as Danielle is a standout, demonstrating her ability to hold the screen and draw viewers into her character's world. She delivers on the promise she showed as a young actress, efficiently handling comedic and romantic elements. Her interaction with notable characters like Prince Henry of France and Leonardo da Vinci, who serves as a fairy godfather, adds a unique twist to the storyline.

The script brilliantly brings a human dimension to the story, starting with Danielle's happy life with her father, portrayed by Jeroen Krabbe. Though more akin to a theme park than historical Europe, the film's setting allows for an engaging narrative filled with encounters with the rich and famous.

Regarding its contribution to the movie industry, Ever After: A Cinderella Story has breathed new life into a familiar tale. This film is certainly worth watching. Whether you're a fan of fairy tales, a Drew Barrymore enthusiast, or enjoy a good romantic comedy, Ever After: A Cinderella Story promises to entertain and inspire.

It should also inspire your travel itinerary on a vacation inspired by the Ever After filming locations.