Exploring the Filming Locations of European Vacation

Introduction

The 1985 comedy European Vacation is an American classic. Directed by Amy Heckerling, this cult favorite follows the Griswold family as they embark on their first family vacation abroad. Starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo, the film became a box office success and remains a beloved comedy today.

This article will explore the filming locations of European Vacation. We’ll take a look at where the movie was filmed, examine the behind-the-scenes elements, and provide a guide to the destinations used in the film. Finally, we’ll discuss how you can revisit the filming locations to recreate some of the most iconic scenes.

Exploring the Locations of European Vacation

European Vacation was extensively filmed across Europe. The movie features many iconic sights from London, England; Paris, France; and Heidelberg, Germany. Let’s take a closer look at each location:

London, England

The Griswolds arrive in London at the start of the movie. While there, they visit the Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Parliament Square, Trafalgar Square, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. They also spend time in the city’s famous pubs and go on a wild ride in a red double-decker bus.

Paris, France

The Griswolds travel to Paris next, taking in the sights of the Eiffel Tower, the Pont Neuf bridge, and the Louvre Museum. They also enjoy a romantic picnic in front of the Notre Dame cathedral and take a wild ride down the Champs-Elysees in a horse-drawn carriage.

Heidelberg, Germany

The final destination for the Griswolds is Heidelberg, Germany. Here, they visit the Heidelberg Castle and explore the town’s cobblestone streets. They also take a boat ride down the Neckar River and find themselves in the middle of a traditional German celebration.

Behind the Scenes: Filming European Vacation

Filming for European Vacation took place over several months in 1984. The majority of the movie was shot in Europe, with additional scenes filmed in Los Angeles. The production team worked tirelessly to capture the beauty of the destinations while staying true to the movie’s comedic tone.

Filming Locations

The majority of European Vacation was filmed on location in Europe. The movie’s production team spent several weeks in London, Paris, and Heidelberg scouting for the perfect filming locations. In addition to these cities, the team also traveled to other locations such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Munich.

Cast and Crew

The cast and crew of European Vacation were made up of over 100 people. This included the director, producers, writers, actors, and technicians. The cast featured Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Dana Hill, Jason Lively, and John Candy in supporting roles. The crew worked hard to ensure that the film was a success.

A Tour of the Sites Used for European Vacation

Let’s take a tour of the sites used for European Vacation. Each location played a crucial role in the movie and helped bring the story to life.

Tower Bridge in London

One of the most iconic scenes from European Vacation takes place at Tower Bridge in London. The bridge plays a central role in the movie, as it is the site of the Griswolds’ first stop in London. The scene features the family crossing the bridge in a red double-decker bus.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Paris. In the movie, the Griswolds take a trip to the top of the tower, where they get a stunning view of the city. The scene captures the beauty and romance of Paris.

Heidelberg Castle in Germany

Heidelberg Castle is a stunning medieval fortress located in Heidelberg, Germany. In the movie, the Griswolds visit the castle and explore the grounds. The scene features a lively traditional German celebration, complete with music and dancing.

A Guide to the European Destinations Used in the Film

If you’re looking to recreate the Griswolds’ European vacation, here’s a guide to the destinations used in the movie:

London

London is a bustling metropolis that is home to some of the world’s most iconic sights. From the Tower Bridge to Big Ben, there are plenty of attractions to explore. Be sure to check out the pubs, markets, and museums as well.

Paris

Paris is a city of romance and beauty. Take a stroll along the Champs-Elysees, have a picnic in front of Notre Dame, and don’t forget to visit the Eiffel Tower. There’s plenty to see and do in this enchanting city.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a small town in Germany known for its picturesque views and historic sites. Explore the cobblestone streets, take a boat ride down the Neckar River, and be sure to visit the Heidelberg Castle. You won’t want to miss out on all the attractions this charming town has to offer.

Revisiting the Filming Locations of European Vacation

Now that you know where the movie was filmed, why not plan a trip to revisit the filming locations? Here are some tips for recreating the iconic scenes from European Vacation:

Recreate Iconic Scenes

One of the best ways to relive the movie is to recreate some of the iconic scenes. Visit Tower Bridge in London, take a ride down the Champs-Elysees in Paris, and explore the Heidelberg Castle in Germany. These sights will make you feel like you’ve stepped right into the movie.

Visit Off-Screen Attractions

In addition to the filming locations, there are plenty of off-screen attractions to explore. Visit the pubs in London, explore the Louvre Museum in Paris, and take a boat ride down the Neckar River in Heidelberg. You’ll be sure to have a memorable experience.

Conclusion

European Vacation is a classic comedy that has become a beloved part of pop culture. By exploring the filming locations, we can get a behind-the-scenes look at the movie and gain a better understanding of the destinations used in the film.