Fans of HBO’s The White Lotus can finally rejoice — the next chapter of the critically acclaimed anthology is officially moving to France. Following its previous seasons set in Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand, Season 4 will unfold in two of the most glamorous destinations in the world: Paris and the French Riviera.
According to Variety, production teams have already scouted luxury hotels across both regions, including Le Lutetia and The Ritz Paris, for potential filming sites. Unlike the previous seasons, this instalment won’t be filmed at a Four Seasons property — marking the end of the franchise’s long-standing partnership with the hotel chain.
“For the fourth season, I want to get a little bit out of the crashing waves on rocks vernacular,” creator Mike White teased. “But there’s always more room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels.”
Series Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Show Title | The White Lotus |
| Platform | HBO / Max |
| Creator | Mike White |
| Genre | Drama, Satire, Mystery |
| Confirmed Setting for Season 4 | Paris & the French Riviera, France |
| Filming Start | Expected Mid-2026 |
| Episodes | 6–8 (TBA) |
| Status | Pre-Production |
| Expected Release | Late 2026 or Early 2027 |
France: A Perfect Setting for The White Lotus
With Paris known for its indulgent elegance and the French Riviera for its sun-soaked decadence, France feels like the natural next step in The White Lotus’ globe-trotting narrative.
The series has always blended luxury travel with biting social critique, and Season 4 seems poised to explore European excess, class tension, and morality — this time against the backdrop of art, haute cuisine, and Riviera opulence.
Entertainment critic Louise Bernard notes:
“France offers a rich mix of old money, modern wealth, and political irony. Expect Mike White to skewer Parisian pretension just as savagely as he did Sicilian aristocracy and Thai spirituality.”
Filming Locations and Hotel Possibilities
Unlike the previous three seasons — all filmed at Four Seasons resorts — Season 4 will branch out creatively. The show’s producers are considering several five-star properties as potential sites.
| Potential Hotel Locations | Region | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Le Lutetia | Paris | Art Deco masterpiece in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, rich in literary history. |
| The Ritz Paris | Paris | Iconic hotel synonymous with luxury and secrecy; a perfect backdrop for intrigue. |
| Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat | Côte d’Azur | A glamorous Riviera estate, surrounded by cliffs and Mediterranean views. |
| Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc | Antibes | Legendary celebrity retreat, ideal for a decadent White Lotus story. |
Insiders have revealed that while the main “White Lotus” resort will likely be based in the South of France, certain episodes will feature characters travelling between Paris and the Riviera, echoing Season 3’s Thailand–Bangkok split.
The End of the Four Seasons Partnership
For the first three seasons, HBO collaborated with the Four Seasons hotel chain to use its global resorts as settings. That partnership now appears to have ended.
Industry analyst Thomas Grier explained:
“Ending the Four Seasons deal opens creative flexibility. It lets the show redefine what a ‘White Lotus’ location can be — not just a resort, but an entire culture.”
This shift could introduce new textures and aesthetics, from Parisian architecture to Riviera glamour, giving cinematographer Xavier Grobet (who worked on previous seasons) a chance to experiment with tone and color.
Season 4 Themes and What to Expect?
While plot details remain tightly under wraps, The White Lotus creator Mike White has hinted that Season 4 will explore the intersection of power, art, and international wealth.
Season 3’s finale in Thailand left fans craving answers — and wondering which characters could return. HBO executive Casey Bloys confirmed that Mike White first pitched Season 4’s concept while filming Season 3, describing it as “sharp, funny, and unsettling in the best possible way.”
What Could Season 4 Explore?
- Old Money vs. New Money: France’s aristocratic legacy could clash with modern billionaires and influencers.
- Cultural Contrast: Expect exploration of European elitism, American tourism, and political undertones.
- Art and Deception: With Paris as a backdrop, themes around art forgery, morality, and authenticity may emerge.
- Romance and Betrayal: Each season thrives on volatile relationships, and this one will likely be no different.
- Murder Mystery: True to form, expect another shocking death set against pristine luxury.
Media scholar Dr. Helen Park noted:
“Each season of The White Lotus reflects its setting’s cultural anxiety — Hawaii’s colonization, Sicily’s patriarchy, Thailand’s spirituality. France will likely explore the tension between beauty and corruption.”
Cast Updates
As of now, HBO has not confirmed any returning or new cast members for Season 4. However, Mike White has teased that Jennifer Coolidge’s Tanya McQuoid may continue to influence future storylines — possibly through flashbacks or spiritual echoes after her character’s dramatic Season 2 exit.
Fans are speculating about returns for characters like Belinda Lindsey (Natasha Rothwell) or Daphne Sullivan (Meghann Fahy), given their popularity and narrative potential.
| Status | Actor / Character | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Likely Returning | Natasha Rothwell as Belinda | Last seen in Season 1; hinted comeback for Season 4. |
| Rumored | Meghann Fahy as Daphne | Fan-favorite, fits the European elite theme. |
| Unconfirmed | New ensemble cast | Casting expected in early 2026. |
Production and Release Schedule
| Stage | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Production | Ongoing (late 2025 – mid 2026) | Location scouting, casting, script revisions. |
| Filming | Mid to late 2026 | Filming expected across Paris and the French Riviera. |
| Post-Production | Late 2026 – early 2027 | Editing, sound, and scoring. |
| Expected Premiere | Late 2027 | On HBO and Max globally. |
Given HBO’s current production schedule, The White Lotus Season 4 is unlikely to air before late 2027, though a mid-2027 teaser announcement is expected.
Why The White Lotus Continues to Captivate Audiences?
Since its 2021 debut, The White Lotus has evolved from a limited summer miniseries into a global television phenomenon. Its blend of social satire, mystery, and stunning cinematography has earned the series 23 Emmy nominations and widespread acclaim.
Cultural critic Martin Sloane described it as:
“A brilliant dissection of privilege — Mike White’s show manages to be both hilarious and horrifying, exposing how money corrodes morality in paradise.”
Season 4’s French setting promises to maintain this tone, offering a mix of romanticism and decay that only The White Lotus can deliver.
FAQs
The fourth season will take place across Paris and the French Riviera, marking the show’s first European dual-location season.
No. The network has opted not to renew the deal, allowing producers to explore new luxury properties.
Casting has not been confirmed, though Natasha Rothwell and Meghann Fahy are rumored to return.
The series is expected to debut on HBO and Max in late 2027 following a mid-2026 filming window.
Creator Mike White has hinted at exploring European wealth, art, and corruption, promising another murder mystery with satirical bite.
