Did They Actually Go to Paris in the Nanny?

By Alice Nichols

The Nanny is a classic sitcom from the 90s that follows Fran Fine, a fashionista from Queens who becomes the nanny of three children for a wealthy British widower, Maxwell Sheffield. One of the recurring themes throughout the series is the romantic tension between Fran and Maxwell.

However, another aspect that fans are curious about is whether or not Fran and the Sheffield family actually went to Paris.

The Paris Episode

In Season 4, Episode 1 titled “The Tart with Heart,” Fran convinces Maxwell to take her to Paris on a business trip. The episode is filled with comedic mishaps and misunderstandings as they navigate through the city of love.

Fran’s mother, Sylvia Fine, also joins them on their adventure.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to shots of iconic Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The trio is seen shopping at designer stores like Chanel and dining at fancy French restaurants.

It’s a dream come true for Fran who has always imagined herself in this romantic city.

The Reality

So did they actually go to Paris The answer is both yes and no.

While it may seem like they filmed in Paris due to all the iconic landmarks shown in the episode, it was actually filmed entirely in California.

The production crew did an excellent job of creating sets that resembled iconic locations in Paris. For example, they built a replica of Notre-Dame Cathedral on a soundstage in California.

They also used green screens to add in shots of famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower during post-production.

The Budget Issue

Many fans wonder why they didn’t just film on location in Paris. The answer is simple: budget constraints.

It’s no secret that television shows have a limited budget, and it’s often cheaper to film on a soundstage than to travel to another country.

Additionally, filming on location can be logistically challenging. The crew would have had to deal with language barriers, permits, and other logistical issues that could have potentially delayed production.

Conclusion

In summary, while it may seem like Fran and the Sheffield family actually went to Paris in The Nanny, it was all a cleverly crafted illusion. The production team did an excellent job of creating sets and using green screens to make it seem like they were in Paris.

While some fans may be disappointed that it wasn’t filmed on location, the end result still provided viewers with an entertaining and humorous take on the city of love.