The film adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' novel was shot on real locations in historical places. Only the underwater scenes were filmed at the Lites Water Stages studio in Brussels.
Most of the filming took place in France. The exteriors of the Count of Monte Cristo's residence were shot on the grounds of the Château d'Aubiry in the Eastern Pyrenees. Some interiors were filmed at the Palais Brongniart in Paris.
For the opening scene with the ship and the port, the film crew went to Malta. The island's architecture perfectly suited the atmosphere of the early 17th century. The ancient buildings and picturesque coastlines of Malta became ideal sets for the film.
Some scenes were filmed in Cyprus. The ancient ruins and unique beaches of the island added authenticity to the film's setting.

Filming Locations:

Picnic on the Ship

In the Movie

The scene where Edmond, Fernand, and Mercédès celebrate the hero's new appointment. Fernand is happy for his friend and notes that he will have a new salary. Edmond declares that he intends to marry. Fernand is stunned, not understanding who his friend's beloved is. Then Edmond and Mercédès perform a little skit, ending with the announcement of their engagement.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the Giens Peninsula, which is located in France. This peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea is famous for its sandy beaches with clear water and pine forests. Filming on the water near the peninsula became a beautiful addition to the film.

Château de Morcerf

In the Movie

The scene where Fernand arrives on horseback at Mercédès' house. The girl hears the hoofbeats and rushes through the house to meet her cousin. The worried heroine asks where her fiancé is. Fernand announces that he could do nothing and Dantès has been captured. Mercédès weeps in grief in Fernand's arms.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Château de l'Engarran, located in the Hérault region of Southern France. The castle was built around 1750. It is surrounded by vineyards and gardens. The castle belonged to the same family for five generations. In 1926, the estate became a historical monument.

Prison

In the Movie

The scene where Two prison guards carry a body bag through the prison. Edmond is hiding inside the bag. Meanwhile, the prison warden discovers the substitution and raises the alarm. The guards attach a weight to the bag and throw it into the sea. Upon hitting the water, Edmond escapes from the bag and swims away.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Château d'If, located on the small island of Île d'If near Marseille. This castle is a 16th-century fort built to defend the city under King Francis I. It was later used as a prison for 200 years. Currently, the fort is a museum.