George Clooney's decision to seek French citizenship and relocate his family from Hollywood to a Provence estate has been widely attributed to Donald Trump's re-election. However, several other factors, including a UK government warning about his wife Amal Clooney's potential US sanctions, have played a significant role.
The Clooneys' 170-hectare property includes a 20-acre vineyard planted by agronomist Laurence Berlemont, who has worked with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at nearby Château Miraval. Clooney has joined Berlemont for blending sessions, and she praised his "good palate" and humility. There were rumours of a Clooney rosé and white wine debut in 2025, though this has not materialised. Clooney previously sold his Casamigos tequila brand for $1bn in 2017.
France's stringent privacy laws were a key attraction. In an October interview with Esquire, Clooney said he was worried about raising his children in Los Angeles amid paparazzi culture. French rules on publishing photos without consent are stricter than those in Italy, where Clooney owns a Lake Como villa. The secluded location of his French estate further deters photographers.
Despite his long association with Italy—where he married Amal in 2014 and is a popular figure—the couple chose France for citizenship. The UK government's warning that Amal could face US sanctions over her role in seeking an arrest warrant for the Israeli prime minister was also a factor. The Clooneys' Provence estate, with its 18th-century chateau, swimming pool, and olive grove, offers a secure retreat away from Hollywood.
