Despite its French setting, The Madame Blanc Mysteries is actually filmed on the stunning island of Gozo, Malta’s hidden gem. The show’s fictional village of Sainte Victoire comes to life in real Gozitan locations: season one was filmed in the charming village of Sannat, while seasons two onwards moved to Għarb, with Victoria, Marsalforn, and other scenic spots also making appearances. Gozo’s picturesque squares, historic streets, and Mediterranean landscapes have made it the perfect stand-in for the south of France-so fans can walk in Jean White’s footsteps right here on the island.
Below you’ll find a village-by-village breakdown that highlights the stunning Gozo and Malta locations that bring the fictional French village of Sainte Victoire to life. Whether you’re a fan retracing Jean White’s sleuthing steps or a traveller seeking Gozo’s hidden gems, this is your ultimate resource for exploring the iconic settings and memorable moments from the series.
Sannat: The Original Heart of Sainte Victoire
The village square is the beating heart of Sainte Victoire, with Sannat initially providing the perfect backdrop for key locations such as the police station and the village bar, La Couronne. Its quaint charm and picturesque setting were instrumental in recreating the fictional French village.
Key Locations in Sannat
Sannat Square: The village square serves as Sainte Victoire’s bustling hub. French shop signs, cars, and strategic camera angles transformed it into the perfect French setting. Notably, the bar La Couronne and the exterior of the police station were both here, making it a cornerstone of the series’ early episodes.
Sannat Church: Gozo is blessed with many striking churches, and several have featured in the show. However, Sannat Church is the only one to have witnessed a murder so far. It also provided a stunning backdrop to Jean’s first experience of a ‘vide-grenier’ at the end of Season 1.
L-Iskoll Restaurant: Sadly no longer open, L-Iskoll was brought back to life twice in Season 3. The first time as L’Ocean, the best fish restaurant in town, Alec Auclair’s father’s restaurant in “Ocean,” the first episode of the season. Then for a second time as the very exclusive La Somptueux, where Judith’s birthday celebrations went awry in “Kidnap.”
Ta’ Cenc Cliffs: While not heavily featured, these cliffs provided one of the key moments of the very first episode as we see Dom and Jean riding along on Fleur while Madeleine is temporarily off the road.
Where to Stay in Sannat
Għarb: The New Sainte Victoire (Season Two Onwards)
Between Season 1 and 2, Sannat Square underwent much-needed renovations. From the second season onwards, Għarb became the primary filming location for Sainte Victoire. Known for its traditional stone architecture and serene atmosphere, Għarb provides an idyllic backdrop that perfectly captures the charm of the fictional French village.
Key Locations in Għarb
The Church of the Visitation: This iconic structure often appears in shots as the characters sit outside La Couronne or walk across the square from the police station. The church has also been witness to key moments in Jean and Dom’s relationship, including their first row and a momentous decision at the end of Season 3.
La Couronne: Always a key location, the local bar has become even more prominently featured as the series has gone on. In the last episode of Season 3, it was revealed as the scene of a double murder and the key to solving a centuries-old secret.
The Village Square: Għarb’s main square became the heart of Sainte Victoire. The exterior of the police station can be found here, complete with French signage and a French flag that can be seen on Google Street View. Fans can also find the village bus stop here. The one where we first met Uncle Patrick (Tony Robinson) and Jean’s antique dealer friend David (Les Dennis) as he started his ill-fated honeymoon. The square has also seen some of the most dramatic moments in the show, with a shooting and a hit-and-run taking place here.
Top Tip: You can visit the outside of La Couronne year-round; it’s marked as a fictional bar on Google Maps!
Victoria: The Village Heart.
Victoria, the capital of Gozo, features prominently in the series. Its narrow lanes and quaint shop fronts providing the locations for several Sainte Victoire merchants. Visitors to Victoria will also find some of the key municipal buildings, including Sainte Victoire’s museum, theatre, and library. Ever versatile, Victoria also doubled as Lourdes in Series 1.
Key Locations in Victoria
Palm Street: A wander down Triq Palma will lead fans past Vivienne Dumonet and Karen’s Lourdes antique shops, the Lloyd Gelan Art Gallery, the Ozanne Parfumery, plus Brodeur & White Antiques.
Independence Square: One of two vibrant squares in the centre of Victoria, it has doubled as the stalls of Lourdes and features the exterior of Sainte Victoire’s museum.
Top Tip: Once you’ve had your fill of seeing the sights of Victoria/Sainte Victoire, head to the Castle Bar, halfway up the hill between Independence Square and the Citadel. Not only does it do excellent toasties, but the owner and several regulars have appeared in Madame Blanc as extras.
Where to Stay in Victoria
Xlendi: Night clubs and Boats
The tranquil seaside village of Xlendi offers breathtaking views and a romantic atmosphere. However, in Madame Blanc Season 2, Episode 2, it’s the scene of yet another grisly discovery after we’ve watched Jeremy stagger out of a nightclub and head to spend the night aboard Rita, his cabin cruiser.
Għasri: Glorious Gloria’s Garage
The smallest village on Gozo, with a population of just a few hundred, this quiet village is where you’ll find Glorious Gloria’s Garage.
Kerċem: Murder Mystery Party
Another small Gozo village, not that many are huge. Kerċem is close to Victoria and holds the location of Hotel Sanguinet, the location of the murder mystery party in Season 3’s Christmas Special. The location is actually a holiday rental called Ghar Ilma IV and is available to stay in. Be careful, maybe you’ll see a ghost, just like Jean did!
Malta: The Chateau, Boat Club and Prison
While most of the filming takes place on Gozo, the bigger island of Malta hosts several key locations for the series:
Key Locations in Malta
Villa Francia, Lija: Possibly the most versatile location in the series, Villa Francia has hosted numerous events and dramatic moments. It’s the chateau owned by Jeremy and Judith Lloyd-James and has been the site of photo shoots, fashion shows, and a reality TV casting. It has also witnessed two deaths, a near-fatal fall, and a kidnapping.
The Royal Navy Prison: Built in 1866, this former naval prison now houses a sports club and bar. It has also appeared as a key location in the series, hosting one of the regular characters after their crimes caught up with them.
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands: Season 4 of The Madame Blanc Mysteries kicks off in style, with ‘two 75 year-old hotties’ hurtling across the Mediterranean Sea on Jet Skis. The hotties in question are obviously Jeremy and Judith who are having a mini break at Sainte Victoire’s beach club, Miroir De L’Ocean, which is actually a 5 star hotel to the north of Malta. This family friendly resort is next to one of Malta’s largest sandy beaches, and as. you can see from the episode, ‘Inheritance’, has some great amenities!
Nadur: Saint Victoire’s Cop Shop
While you can find the exterior of the Sainte Victoire Police Station in Għarb, the interior which has seen so many interviews and baddies sitting in the cells is found in Nadur. You’ll also find the church where Jean hunts for a window without a view, from episode 6, Season 3 here, although Għarb Parish Church provided the exterior shots. If you wander away from the church and the square and head south, you’ll find yourself at the edge of the village, with a gorgeous view across the Gozo channel. You should also recognise the location of the Christmas Market from Season 4’s Christmas Special. Finally, head towards the coast from Nadur, down to one of the several beaches accessible from this village, and you’ll find a little cove with boathouses carved into the rock. One of which was where Dom and Jean found some key evidence for Season 3’s “Ocean” episode.
Xagħra: Where it All Began
Xagħra is one of the oldest inhabited parts of Gozo, with the neolithic Ġgantija Temples pre-dating both Stone Henge and the pyramids. It’s also where you’ll find Jean’s cottage where so many moments of detecting inspiration have struck. It’s also where you’ll find the country home that Jeremy bought in Season 2, the rapid renovation of which caused such trouble between Dom and Jean.
This village, which has a vibrant square full of bars and restaurants, is also where we are first introduced to Sainte Victoire, and Gozo. In the very first scene of the first episode, we follow Rory White as he drives away from the village and towards his fate. Kickstarting a chain of events that leads Jean to Sante Victoire and a whole new life of adventure.
About The Madame Blanc Mysteries
Fans of the show have followed Jean White’s journey since its debut in 2021. Written by Sally Lindsay, who takes the title role of Madame Blanc, and Sue Vincent, who plays everyone’s favourite music-mad mechanic, Gloria Beaushaw, the series combines mystery, charm, and a stunning Mediterranean setting that has attracted fans from around the world.
We first meet Jean White, an antiques dealer from Cheshire, as her world is turned upside down when her husband Rory dies suddenly in the south of France. She discovers that he has left her virtually penniless, with her sole remaining asset being their cottage in Sainte Victoire. Jean, a self-confessed poor traveller, makes her first trip to the village since she and Rory married to get the cottage ready to sell. Once there, she becomes suspicious that Rory’s death wasn’t accidental and works on unraveling the mystery surrounding her husband’s death, all while using her expertise in antiques to assist the local police in solving a variety of crimes.
Behind the Scenes: How Gozo Became Sainte Victoire
Originally planned to be filmed in France, the production faced challenges due to the pandemic. Channel 5 suggested Gozo, and the team quickly realised the potential of these islands to stand in for the South of France.
Sally Lindsay, the show’s creator and leading actress, admitted she was initially sceptical. However, after a short ferry ride to Gozo, she fell in love with the island’s charm, likening it to “1960s France” and describing it as “magical.” Producer Andy Morgan noted how locations like Sannat and Gharb, with some clever additions like French cars and shop signs, transformed effortlessly into Sainte Victoire.
Fun Fact: Even the French actors on set were convinced by Gozo’s resemblance to the South of France!
Plan Your Gozo Adventure
Gozo isn’t just a beautiful filming location, although if you read our guide to filming locations on Gozo, we think you’ll be surprised at just which movies and TV shows have been shot here. It’s also a great place for a holiday at pretty much any time of the year. If watching the gorgeous scenery of The Madame Blanc Mysteries hasn’t persuaded you to visit, then maybe our guide to is Gozo is worth visiting will do the trick you.
If you’re already in planning mode, then our Ultimate Travel Guide to Gozo 2025 will help with when to visit, where to stay and what to do. If we’ve missed anything, or you have any questions, then please get in touch, either by email or via one of the social accounts you can find below – we’ll be glad to help!
FAQ
Where is The Madame Blanc Mysteries Actually Filmed?
While set in the fictional French village of Sainte Victoire, The Madame Blanc Mysteries is primarily filmed on the island of Gozo, Malta. Key locations include Victoria (Rabat), Sannat and Għarb.
Can I Visit the Filming Locations of The Madame Blanc Mysteries?
Yes, many of the filming locations are accessible to the public. Popular spots include the village squares of Sannat and Għarb, where you can find the exteriors of La Couronne and the Sainte Victoire Police Station. Several of the shops featured in the series are actual shops that can be found in Victoria, including Brodeur & White Antiques. However, some private properties may not be open for visits
Will There Be a Season 5 of The Madame Blanc Mysteries
Season 4 of The Madame Blanc Mysteries aired on Channel 5 in the UK during March and April 2025. The season is rumoured to be airing on Acorn TV for the rest of world at some point soon. Currently there has been no announcement about a fifth season. However, it is rumoured that the cast and crew will be filming in Malta between May and July 2025. It is also rumoured that there will be a Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas Special and that it will be feature length!
What Time of Year is The Madame Blanc Mysteries Filmed?
It's difficult to give an exact answer as the filming schedule for each season has been different. We assume this is to try and make the most of the Maltese sunshine while trying to avoid the extreme heat that July and August bring.
Where is the Chateau from The Madame Blanc Mysteries?
Jeremy and Judith's Chateau is one of the few Madame Blanc locations that can be found on Malta instead of Gozo. It is actually Villa Francia in Lija, and is an official residence of the Prime Minister of Malta.
Are There Any Guided Tours Available of the Madame Blanc Mysteries Locations?
There are currently no official tours of the Madame Blanc filming locations. We have created a map which details what locations from The Madame Blanc Mysteries you can spot in each village. We are also working on a downloadable map with more detailed information. Sign-up to our newsletter to be the first to find out when it launches.
Is Saint Victorie a real Place?
No, Sainte Victoire is a fictional French village created for the show. While not a real location, it's inspired by the charming villages of Gozo, particularly Sannat and Għarb, which have both portrayed the village's scenic centre.
Has the Chateau in The Madame Blanc Mysteries Changed?
The eagle-eyed viewers amongst you might have spotted that Jeremy and Judith's opulent home looks a little different in Season 4 of The Madame Blanc Mysteries., or at least the interior shots do. We've yet to identify the new location but will be sure to update this page once we do!
When's the Best Time for Fans of The Madame Blanc Mysteries to Visit Gozo
The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (April-June or September-October) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.
Why isn't The Madame Blanc Mysteries Filmed in France ?
The original plan for the production was to film in the South of France but it was going to be too expensive. Gozo was then suggested as its architectural and landscape similarities to rural France make it an ideal filming location. The production team carefully selected locations that mirror the French countryside, while the prop department added some Gaelic touches.
