Sand dunes by Erfoud in the Moroccan Sahara. Image: DeAgostini/Getty Images

The James Bond films have long been known for their exotic locations, with action scenes taking place in all corners of the globe from Jamaica (Dr No) to Shanghai (Skyfall). So when director Sam Mendes announced the title and cast of the forthcoming Bond film Spectre this week, it was no surprise that filming would be happening around the world.

The film is set to be made in London; Mexico City; Rome; Tangier and Erfoud in Morocco; Sölden, Obertilliach and Lake Altaussee in Austria; and of course Pinewood. "All of them are amazing places," Mendes told the BBC after the announcement. "I'm very excited to be going to these locations over seven months, which is how long we'll be shooting."

Here's a look at some of the stunning locations set to be used in the coming months.

Obertilliach, Austria

A tiny part of the Austrian Tyrol, Obertilliach is popular with cross-country skiers during the winter and hikers in the summer. Christoph Waltz has been announced to play a character called Oberhauser, which is the name of Bond's former ski instructor, suggesting he'll appear in these scenes. However, there is speculation that Waltz is playing nemesis Blofeld instead.

Lake Altaussee, Austria

The stunning Lake Altaussee area also offers skiing opportunities, but it could be the perfect place for a water chase too, and it boasts several miles of winding roads perfect for fast cars.

Sölden, Austria

Sölden is also a popular ski resort and often hosts the first World Cup races of the season.

Mexico City

Quite how Spectre will incorporate the bustling Mexico City remains to be seen, but with cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema on board it should be spectacular. His credits include work on Christopher Nolan's Interstellar and David O. Russell's The Fighter as well as Her and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Erfoud, Morocco

Erfoud, in Morocco's Sahara, is no stranger to film crews. The Mummy and Prince of Persia were both shot nearby.

Tangier, Morocco

Tangier, in northern Morocco, has featured in a Bond film already; Timothy Dalton heads there in The Living Daylights.

Rome, Italy

Spectre is set to feature some high speed car chases through Rome, according to reports. The scenes will see vehicles screaming down the city's famous Corso Vittorio Emanuele II thoroughfare, with one crashing into the Tiber river and another crushed by the Vatican. Daniel Craig parachuting from a helicopter onto the 15th-century pedestrian bridge, Ponte Sisto, is also thought to feature.