Why George Clooney moved his family to France — and took French citizenship

Clooney had earlier spoken about his plans to move to France, saying he wanted his children to grow up in a more normal environment away from Hollywood.

According to reports, the family’s farm in Brignoles, in southern France, will serve as their primary residence. The property was purchased in 2021.

Didier Brémond, the mayor of Brignoles, told local media that the family’s decision to become French citizens was a testament to Clooney’s “love for our country,” reported the BBC.

In an interview with Esquire, Clooney said living in France had given his children a healthier upbringing.

“We live on a farm in France. A good portion of my life growing up was on a farm, and as a kid I hated the whole idea of it. But now, for them, it’s like—they’re not on their iPads, you know?” he said.

“They have dinner with grown-ups and have to take their dishes in. They have a much better life. I was worried about raising our kids in L.A., in the culture of Hollywood. I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life,” Clooney added.

Highlighting the contrast, the actor said France offers a greater sense of privacy. “They kind of don’t give a shit about fame. I don’t want them to be walking around worried about paparazzi. I don’t want them being compared to somebody else’s famous kids,” he said.

George and Amal Clooney were married in 2014 and welcomed their twins in 2017.