Feel-Good French Films on France Channel

There is nothing like watching feel-good French films in the summer, and these two really fit the bill!

Feel-Good Films for Summer Streaming

France Channel provides an extensive library of French movies, travel features and binge-worthy series.

First, a reflective personal journey through the stunning landscapes of France, and next a light romantic comedy that made me smile.

Sur les chemins noirs: A Quiet, Powerful Journey

Sur les chemins noirs isn’t just a film—it’s a journey that stirred something deep in me. After a near-fatal fall, famed writer Pierre wakes from a coma unable to walk. But instead of giving in, he sets off on a solo trek across France—nearly 1,300 kilometers from the Mercantour Mountains (just outside our home base in Nice!) to the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, following the forgotten chemins noirs.

It instantly brought me back to my own walk along the St. Jean de Compostelle. There’s something so humbling—and healing—about moving slowly through the landscape, alone with your thoughts. I got actual goosebumps when Pierre stopped in Séguret, a village I know and love. Seeing it on screen felt like a quiet nod from the universe.

Jean Dujardin is brilliant here—he says little, but expresses everything. And the cinematography? Breathtaking. It truly feels like you’re walking beside him.

This film is a quiet, powerful meditation on healing, loss, and the beauty of taking the long way. For someone like me—who dreams of walking across as much of France as possible—it was both inspiration and affirmation: every step matters.

Love at Second Sight: A feel-good French film to Brighten Your Day

Love at Second Sight is the perfect French rom-com. Predictable? Maybe. But it’s light, charming, and you can’t help but fall for this couple.

The story follows Raphaël, a young author who wakes up in a parallel version of his life—his wife Olivia, once his biggest fan, doesn’t even know who he is. In this new world, she’s thriving as a pianist… and he’s completely adrift.

It’s like a reverse It’s a Wonderful Life, with a modern French twist. Watching him try to win her back—while she has no memory of loving him—is sweet, funny, and quietly thought-provoking. You can’t help but wonder: What would I do if life gave me a second chance?

As someone who believes in detours—both literal and emotional—this film hit home. It’s a reminder that love isn’t always about grand gestures, but about showing up when it counts.

Romantic, a little magical, and full of heart—this one’s worth the detour.

Where to find feel-good French Films this Summer

While there are a smattering of French films on various platforms, I have subscribed to the France Channel for a few years now, and find their selection to be quite comprehensive. There are popular series, travel shows that take me to fairytale destinations, and also French films – everything from comedies to suspense, classics and some uplifting, feel-good movies, which pair perfectly with summer!

Of course, each streaming platform comes with a price, but you can get a free trial AND a discount for the year, with our special DETOURS20 promo code! Let me know your favorite feel-good films!

(Regular plans: $8.99/m or $79.99/y (plus applicable state taxes).