Andre Le Notre designed the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Kate Winslet's daughter, Mia Threapleton, appears briefly in a non-speaking role in a scene at the Louvre. She is sitting on a chair alone when Sabine (played by Winslet) walks into the room before a crowd of people follow and they start staring at each other as Sabine walks by her at minute 33:17. This was Threapleton's film debut at the age of 13, she later became an actress like her mother.
Alison Deegan's script was sent to Alan Rickman so that he might consider playing the part of André Le Notre. Rickman said he wasn't sure about that, but that he would like to direct it. Alison had seen and admired The Winter Guest (1997), so they started collaborating with his directing it in mind. Producer Gail Egan asked Rickman to wear a third hat on the project by taking the role of the King because he was best for the part. Rickman eventually acquiesced, because of "the fact that if you are playing Louis XIV, you don't have to move very much-and it's not too far-fetched to say that, as Louis, you keep the same watchful expression on your face as you do when you are directing!" he said.
Some of the costumes from the television show Die Tudors (2007) were altered and reused in this film. Costume designer Joan Bergin was involved in both projects.
The film is set in France but was shot entirely in London and the home counties.