Selena Gomez and Leighton Meester soaked up the sun in the South of France today – but it was for business, not pleasure.

The were spotted strolling around the foreshore in swimming costumes while shooting scenes for their upcoming movie, Monte Carlo.

Disney darling Selena, 17, wore a turquoise two-piece while Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester, 23, was decked out in a deep purple one piece.

Baby blue and deep purple: Selena and Leighton stroll along the shores in the south of France while filming their new movie Monte Carlo

They were also joined by their bikini-clad co-star Katie Cassidy, 23 from the TV show Melrose Place.

Selena and Leighton were seen boarding a private plane to Monte Carlo yesterday, having just finished filming scenes in the romantic city of Paris.

Selena was snapped shopping at the Guerlain counter at Galeries Lafayette yesterday in Paris, but carried a bag of Laudree macaroons onto her flight.

Leighton opted to bring her guitar along, perhaps for a sing-a-long.

Leading lady: Selena replaced Nicole Kidman for the part after bosses decided to target a younger audience

All three actresses certainly appeared to be enjoying some female bonding time as they soaked up the sun in Monte Carlo.

Co-star Corey Monteith who plays Finn in the hit TV series Glee was in Paris to film scenes with Selena, but did not appear to be on set in the south of France.

Taking the lead role in Monte Carlo is a major step forward for Selena. 

Snack time: The actresses refuelled between takes

The Wizards of Waverly Place star replaced Nicole Kidman, 43, when the film makers decided they wanted to gear the movie to a younger audience.

However, Nicole is still on board as a producer and the film is set to be released on February 11, 2011.

Monte Carlo is loosely based on the novel Headhunters by Jules Bass.

The three actresses play friends who pose as socialites in Monaco after Selena’s character is mistaken as a wealthy British heiress.

Girls on film: Katie Cassidy joined Selena and Leighton for a poolside scene

Take five: Selena and Katie are all smiles as they enjoy the sunshine

Selena’s foray into motion pictures could help her shed her Disney image.

It could also help expand her fan base even further.

Yesterday, Selena sent out a message to her two million plusTwitter followers.

The popular performer shared the news that she now has over five million friends on Facebook.

Selena is also currently enjoying a major publicity blitz.

It’s a wrap: Selena and Katie covered up after they finished filming