© Showtime
Cumberbatch's 'Patrick Melrose' set in Provence
Critically acclaimed miniseries shot in the Vaucluse region
Based on Edward St. Aubyn's autobiographical novels of the same name, the five-part drama limited series 'Patrick Melrose' was partly filmed in the Provencal region of the Vaucluse, where Avignon, Orange and Carpentras reside.
The show tells the story of Patrick Melrose, an aristocratic Englishman haunted by childhood abuse and his quest to overcome his addictions. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, the miniseries has received extensive praise, especially regarding his performance, and was recently nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards. The actor himself had revealed a few years before how the role of Melrose was on his bucket list, so this was a dream come true for him.
'Patrick Melrose' was shot in the Vaucluse department of Provence in September 2017 for 30 days. The main character spends his childhood in this French region in the 1960s. Chateau Unang, an extensive estate and vineyard dominated by a beautiful 18-century mansion just outside the village of Malemort-du-Comtat, plays the role of the Melrose family home.
Other Provencal locations include the Sainte-Foy Chapel in Méthamys, a 15th-century temple near the Gorges de la Nesque, the hospital in the artsy town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the Avignon Provence airport and the picturesque country road between Sault and Lioux (D943-D28).
The limited series was broadcast on Sky Atlantic in the UK and Showtime in the US. A great one to watch if you want to relish in some of the most beautiful Provencal landscapes on the small screen with a gripping, deep script and fabulous performances.
