The BBC series Death in Paradise is set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, but the real filming location is the French overseas region of Guadeloupe. The show's idyllic beaches, such as La Perle Beach where the detective's shack is situated, are genuine, but the tropical paradise comes with its own challenges.
The detective's shack has become so popular with tourists that it must be dismantled and reassembled each year. Executive producer Tim Keys told Radio Times that partygoers were using the shack at weekends, prompting the production team to secure it with fencing during filming.
The town of Honoré in the series is actually Deshaies, and the police station is a church hall where the priest's office doubles as the incident room. Catherine's Bar, a real establishment in Deshaies, attracts fans who want to drink like the characters.
Despite the sunny reputation, the weather can be unpredictable. Actor Ralf Little, who plays DI Neville Parker, shared a behind-the-scenes video showing heavy rain flooding the set. He joked that the route to the filming location was treacherous after a downpour, and co-star Tahj Miles complained of getting water in his shoes.
The cast and crew stay at the Langley Fort Royal Hotel, with some core cast members living in local villas for up to six months a year. Filming also takes place at local botanical gardens and zoos, while the farmers market is constructed as needed.
