The French Riviera has long captivated well-known figures with its charm. Icons like Charlie Chaplin, Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Tina Turner, and Karl Lagerfeld have all called this stunning region home at some point. Today, many celebrities and stars still choose this picturesque area as their permanent residence or holiday retreat. Find out who you might bump into during your stay on the Côte d’Azur!
Elton John
British singer Elton John has owned Castel Mont Alban, a summer residence with a pool in Nice, for many years. Valued at over €15 million, the historic villa from the 1920s is located in Mont Boron, a prestigious district in the southern part of the city, close to Villefranche. The impressive property, with its lavishly decorated interiors, is nestled in the heart of the hilltop park du Mont Boron and lies just a few hundred metres from the majestic Fort du Mont Alban. With the coastline only a few minutes away, this luxury residence in France seems like a paradise on earth, doesn’t it?
Bernard Arnault
Bernard Arnault, the billionaire CEO of LVMH, owns a residence in Les Parcs, one of the most exclusive private estates in Saint-Tropez. Surrounded by lush greenery, this luxurious property is only a short distance from the idyllic beaches and the heart of Saint-Tropez, including its yacht-filled port. The villa, owned by one of the world’s wealthiest men, is estimated to be worth around €40 million. On the estate, amenities such as a private beach and a tennis court are available for its owner’s leisure.
Brigitte Bardot
For over 60 years, Les Parcs has been one of Brigitte Bardot’s favourite places on earth. The iconic French actress played a pivotal role in popularising Saint-Tropez through the film “And God Created Woman”, which was shot in what was then a quiet village. In the late 1950s, Bardot purchased an old fisherman’s cottage, fulfilling her dream of a home by the sea. Villa La Madrague quickly became as famous as its owner, hosting unforgettable parties with numerous notable guests. Today, Brigitte Bardot resides there permanently, spending her later years peacefully with her beloved pets.
Max Verstappen
If you’re staying in luxury holiday rentals in Monaco, especially around the time of the famous Grand Prix, you might run into Formula 1 star Max Verstappen. Like many other high-profile racing drivers, he has been living in Monaco since 2015. His penthouse, worth over €22 million, is located in a building reserved exclusively for the elite. This lavish residence boasts breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and Port de Fontvieille, and naturally includes a fully equipped gym!
Bono
Are you considering renting a villa in Èze? If you choose a property near Èze Beach, you might catch a glimpse of Bono, the lead singer of the legendary band U2. The Irish musician purchased a grand estate overlooking this beach back in 1993. Villa Les Roses, a charming blend of Mediterranean architecture and Art Deco style, has hosted numerous stars and celebrities over the years. That’s not all – Bono created a professional recording studio in his French home, where many U2 hits were recorded. Additionally, he chose the villa as the location for several scenes in the music video for “Electrical Storm.”
Joan Collins
British actress and writer Joan Collins has owned a luxury villa in Saint-Tropez for over 30 years, a town she fell in love with in the 1970s. Every year, Collins makes it a priority to spend at least 3-4 summer months in her picturesque residence with six bedrooms. Enjoying the delights of the Mediterranean summer, the star takes sea dips, escapes the hustle and bustle of big cities, savours French cuisine, and finds inspiration for her next books. Notably, her villa has hosted numerous well-known guests, including Liza Minnelli.
Rod Stewart
British singer Rod Stewart is also a fan of relaxing in luxurious villas in the south of France. In 2005, he purchased an opulent estate in the charming village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, located east of Nice. The beauty of this place has been appreciated by famous figures in the past, including Pablo Picasso, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Marc Chagall, whose grave is now one of the main attractions of this peaceful village. Rod Stewart’s luxurious French villa with a pool and four bedrooms, is situated on the outskirts of the village, offering him privacy and a serene retreat surrounded by nature, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
