HBO’s Hit Anthology Series Checks Into French Five-Star Luxury
Fans of Mike White’s critically acclaimed anthology series, The White Lotus, finally have confirmation on the next destination for the jet-setting drama. While HBO has yet to issue an official press release, industry sources confirm that Season 4 will be filmed in France, utilizing the contrasting yet equally opulent settings of Paris and the French Riviera.
This marks the first time the series will split its primary location between a major European capital and a coastal resort area, promising a fresh dynamic for the show’s signature blend of social satire, wealth critique, and dark comedy. Production is set to utilize several five-star luxury hotels across both regions, maintaining the show’s tradition of using exclusive, high-end properties as the central stage for its narrative.
Thematic Significance of the French Setting
For an anthology series that relies heavily on location to drive its thematic critique, the choice of France—a global symbol of romance, high fashion, and historical aristocracy—is particularly potent. Creator Mike White has consistently used the backdrop of paradise to expose the rot beneath extreme wealth, and the French locations offer rich new territory.
Paris: Urban Wealth and Cultural Critique
Filming in Paris will allow the series to delve into themes distinct from the secluded resort settings of previous seasons. Paris represents concentrated urban wealth, cultural snobbery, and the intersection of global finance and high art. The narrative could explore the dynamics of American wealth colliding with European legacy and tradition, perhaps focusing on fashion, media, or the art world.
The French Riviera: Coastal Opulence and Old Money
Conversely, the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur), encompassing iconic locales like Cannes, Nice, and Monaco, provides the familiar coastal opulence seen in Sicily and Hawaii, but with a distinct European flavor. This region is synonymous with film festivals, superyachts, and centuries of inherited wealth. The contrast between the hustle of Parisian high society and the sun-drenched, perhaps more decadent, leisure of the Riviera offers a compelling structural framework for the season.
This dual setting is a departure from the single-resort format, suggesting a possible narrative structure where characters either move between the two locations or where the action is split to highlight different facets of French elite life.
Following the Luxury Blueprint: The Five-Star Requirement
Since its debut, The White Lotus has used real, operating luxury hotels as key characters in the series. The production’s ability to secure these exclusive locations is a testament to the show’s prestige and cultural impact. The choice of five-star hotels in France confirms that the production will once again require significant logistical coordination and likely involve shutting down parts of these highly sought-after properties during filming.
Previous Exotic Destinations
The French locations follow a pattern of utilizing stunning, high-profile international resorts:
- Season 1: The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Hawaii (Critique of colonialism and privilege).
- Season 2: The San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel in Taormina, Sicily, Italy (Exploration of sexual politics and Italian history).
- Season 3: Set in Thailand (Focusing on Eastern mysticism, death, and Western exploitation).
The shift to France maintains the European connection established in Season 2 but introduces the complexities of a major metropolitan environment alongside the coastal retreat.
Production Timeline and What to Expect
While the location is confirmed, details regarding the cast and specific plot points remain tightly guarded secrets, as is typical for the series.
Casting and Returning Characters
Creator Mike White has a history of bringing back fan-favorite actors, though usually in new roles (like Jon Gries and Natasha Rothwell, who are confirmed to return for Season 3). The casting process for Season 4 is expected to ramp up now that the location logistics have been finalized. Given the French setting, it is highly likely the cast will include prominent French actors to anchor the local narrative.
When Will Season 4 Air?
Given that Season 3 is expected to premiere in 2025, Season 4 will likely enter production shortly thereafter. Based on the typical production cycle of the series, filming in France would place the premiere of Season 4 sometime in late 2026 or early 2027. However, HBO’s production schedules are subject to change.
“The locations are always the first character in the show,” a source close to the production noted, highlighting the crucial role the five-star French settings will play in shaping the season’s themes and atmosphere.
Key Takeaways for Fans
For viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment of high-stakes vacation drama, the move to France provides exciting prospects for new themes and visual splendor:
- Location Confirmed: Season 4 will film in France, specifically Paris and the French Riviera.
- Setting Type: The show will utilize multiple five-star luxury hotels, departing from the single-resort format.
- Thematic Potential: Expect narratives focusing on European aristocracy, high fashion, urban vs. coastal wealth disparity, and cultural clashes.
- Production Status: Location scouting and logistics are finalized; official casting announcements are expected soon.
- Timeline: The season is anticipated to air in late 2026 or early 2027, following the Season 3 premiere.
Conclusion: A New Chapter of Elite Satire
The selection of France for The White Lotus Season 4 is a strategic move that promises to refresh the series’ formula while maintaining its core appeal. By contrasting the sophisticated, historic luxury of Paris with the sun-drenched decadence of the French Riviera, Mike White has secured a backdrop capable of supporting complex narratives about modern privilege and the enduring allure of European wealth. This dual setting ensures that the next chapter in the anthology will offer both the familiar high-stakes drama and a compelling new cultural lens through which to view the lives of the ultra-rich.
Original author: Elsa Keslassy
Originally published: October 29, 2025
Editorial note: Our team reviewed and enhanced this coverage with AI-assisted tools and human editing to add helpful context while preserving verified facts and quotations from the original source.
We encourage you to consult the publisher above for the complete report and to reach out if you spot inaccuracies or compliance concerns.
