From Hollywood to Haut-Provence: Why George Clooney – and so many others – are flocking to the South of France
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The exodus from Hollywood to shores not presided over by Donald Trump has been busy and loud. Ellen DeGeneres,Robin Wright and Courtney Love moved to England; Rosie O’Donnell opted for Ireland; Eva Longoria,Spain. Other Trump critics, including Richard Gere, Lena Dunham and Ryan Gosling, have upped sticks without citing the re-election as a motivating factor.
In the case of Clooney, however, there has appeared little doubt that his decision to gain French citizenship was primarily because of Trump, whose re-election he energetically campaigned against. Yet amid the heat and headlines generated by the pair’s war of words, some of the actor’s reasons for relocating may have flown under the radar.
‘He’ll become an ambassador for the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée’
The Clooneys’ 170-hectare (420-acre) Provence estate, capped by an 18th-century chateau, encompasses a swimming pool, ornamental lake, lavender garden, boules pitch and olive grove. It also includes a 20-acre vineyard, planted 25 years ago by agronomist Laurence Berlemont, whose previous clients include Brad pitt and Angelina Jolie at Château Miraval, just 30 minutes away. Under Berlemont’s steering,the wines of Miraval have become lucrative and celebrated,with healthy international sales and rosettes from Le Guide Hachette des Vins.
[Image of Brignoles in the Var, France, where the Clooney’s Domain du Canadel is located. Photograph: Laurent Laurent Vu/Sipa/Shutterstock]
Even closer to the Clooneys is George Lucas’s Château Margüi – AKA Skywalker Vineyards – a substantial wine and olive oil making enterprise (plus high-end holiday lets). Also nearby is Le Plan-de-la-Tour, the estate formerly owned by Johnny Depp, featuring vineyards, olive groves, and a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed wine cave. The estates of celebrity vintners such as Kylie Minogue, John Malkovich and Jon Bon Jovi are also in the area.
Historically, the fruits of the vine
Could George Clooney Be Seeking Italian Citizenship?
Recent comments by actor George Clooney regarding privacy laws in France have sparked speculation about his potential interest in obtaining Italian citizenship. Clooney, a long-time resident of Lake como, Italy, praised france’s stricter privacy regulations in a recent interview, leading observers to suggest he might be exploring options for greater personal and family security through citizenship in Italy.
Clooney’s Connection to Italy
george Clooney and his wife,Amal Clooney,have a strong connection to Italy. They own a villa in Laglio, a small town on Lake Como, and have spent notable time there, even welcoming their twins, Ella and Alexander, in 2017 [People magazine]. The couple reportedly enjoys the slower pace of life and the relative privacy offered by the region.
The Privacy Concerns
In an October interview with Esquire, Clooney expressed concerns about raising his children in Los Angeles, citing the lack of privacy [Esquire]. He specifically highlighted his admiration for France’s robust privacy laws, stating they offer a level of protection not readily available in the United States.This statement has led to speculation that he might be considering citizenship in a country with similar protections, and Italy is a natural candidate given his existing ties.
Italian Privacy Laws
Italy has a strong legal framework protecting personal data and privacy. The Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante per la protezione dei dati personali) enforces regulations aligned with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). this provides significant safeguards for individuals against the unauthorized collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information.Compared to the United States, Italy offers a more extensive and stringent approach to data privacy.
Italian Citizenship Requirements
obtaining Italian citizenship isn’t automatic,even with significant ties to the country. Several pathways exist, including:
- Citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis): If you can prove Italian ancestry, you may be eligible for citizenship, nonetheless of where you were born.
- Citizenship by Marriage (Jure matrimonii): Foreign spouses of Italian citizens can apply after a certain period of legal residency.
- Citizenship by Residency (Naturalization): Individuals who have legally resided in italy for a specified period (typically 10 years, but reduced in some cases) can apply for citizenship.
It is indeed currently unknown which, if any, path Clooney might be pursuing. However,his established residency and potential legal resources would likely make the naturalization process a viable option if he chooses to pursue it.
Key Takeaways
- George Clooney has a long-standing connection to Italy, notably Lake Como.
- He has expressed concerns about privacy,specifically praising France’s privacy laws.
- Italy offers robust privacy protections through its data protection authority and adherence to GDPR.
- Multiple pathways to Italian citizenship exist, including residency, descent, and marriage.
While it remains speculation, George Clooney’s comments and existing ties to Italy suggest a potential interest in securing Italian citizenship, likely driven by a desire for greater privacy for his family. Further developments will reveal whether he formally pursues this option.