If you’re a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation series, you may have wondered if the 1985 film European Vacation was actually filmed in Europe. The answer is yes and no. While some scenes were filmed on location in Europe, most of the filming actually took place in California.
The European Locations Used in the Film
The filmmakers did travel to Europe to film various scenes for the movie. Some of the locations include:
- London: The Griswold family visits Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and other iconic London landmarks.
- Paris: The family also visits Paris and sees the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Rome: The Colosseum and Trevi Fountain are among the famous sights seen in Rome.
Filming in California
While some scenes were filmed on location in Europe, many were actually filmed in California. For example:
- The Griswolds’ car trip through England was actually filmed on roads around Los Angeles.
- The “German” village that they visit is actually a set built on a Universal Studios lot.
- The family’s tour bus driving through France was also filmed in California.
Why Not Film Entirely on Location?
One reason for not filming entirely on location was cost. It can be expensive to transport an entire film crew to different countries and pay for accommodations and equipment rentals. Additionally, there may be logistical challenges such as language barriers or permits needed for filming at certain locations.
Another reason is control over the environment. Filming on location can be unpredictable with changes in weather or unexpected crowds that could disrupt filming. By building sets and filming in controlled environments, filmmakers can ensure they get the shots they need without any surprises.
In Conclusion
While European Vacation does feature some scenes that were filmed on location in Europe, the majority of the filming took place in California. This decision was likely made for budgetary and logistical reasons as well as to have more control over the filming environment. Despite this, the film still manages to capture the charm and essence of a European vacation through its use of iconic landmarks and scenery.