The romantic drama Me Before You has surged back into the public consciousness, becoming one of Netflix's most-watched films as the new year begins. Starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin, the 2016 adaptation of Jojo Moyes's bestselling 2012 novel has viewers captivated not just by the story, but by its stunning backdrops.
The Picturesque Heart of the Story: Wales and Oxfordshire
While the film is set in the fictional English town of Stokebridge, the primary filming took place in the scenic landscapes of Pembrokeshire, Wales. This area beautifully stands in for the hometown of Lou Clark, played by Emilia Clarke.
A central location is the grand Traynor Estate. The exterior grounds were filmed at the historic Pembroke Castle, a site dating back to 1093 and famously the birthplace of King Henry VII. However, the Traynor family home itself, Grantchester House, is not part of the castle. It is portrayed by Wytham Abbey, a private manor house located in Oxfordshire.
In stark contrast, the Clark family's more modest home had its exterior shots filmed in Harrow, north London, with interior scenes likely completed in a studio.
International Backdrops: Surrey, Spain, and Paris
The film's production team showcased clever location work for its international scenes. The emotionally charged sequences set at a Dignitas clinic in Switzerland were actually filmed much closer to home, at a private residence in Esher, Surrey.
Similarly, the characters' idyllic holiday to Mauritius was not filmed on the Indian Ocean island. Instead, the production travelled to Mallorca, Spain, using the luxurious Barceló Formentor Hotel and its surrounding areas to create the tropical paradise.
One location where the cast and crew did genuinely travel to was Paris, France. The poignant final scene, where Lou reads Will's letter, was shot at the terrace cafe Restaurant Paul on 15 Place Dauphine, near the iconic Pont Neuf.
A Lasting Legacy on Streaming
The film's journey to Netflix's top ranks has reignited interest in these beautiful locations. Me Before You quickly secured the position of the streamer's third most-watched film after its addition, proving the enduring appeal of its heartfelt story and the memorable settings that helped bring it to life. Fans can now revisit the movie and spot the real-world landmarks that formed the backdrop to Lou and Will's transformative relationship.
