George Clooney and his international human rights barrister wife, Amal Clooney, have relocated their family to French shores in pursuit of a quieter life on a farm with their eight-year-old twins.
The 64-year-old Hollywood icon and his 48-year-old spouse were drawn to France's way of living, in particular, its lack of paparazzi on the streets and the gates of schools, which is something the famous family grapple with in the US.
Previously, George has shared details of his French property, noting its 100 acres of grapes, and 1, 200 olive trees and vegetable garden. It is presumed the Ticket to Paradise actor will use this home in the small town of Brignoles as his new family base after being granted French citizenship.
Alongside his wife and twins, Ella and Alexander, the star was sent documents from the French Ministry of Justice, outlining their orders of naturalisation. Kentucky native George will be allowed to retain his US citizenship alongside his new French status.
The star has praised the French culture in the past for its emphasis on respecting privacy and told local broadcaster RTL: "Here, they don’t take photos of kids. There aren’t any paparazzi hidden at the school gates. That’s number one for us."
It was during that chat that he revealed he had purchased a farmhouse. The actor explained: "We also have a house in the United States, but our happiest place is on this farm where the kids can have fun."
© Getty ImagesA 'values-led' parenting approach
George and Amal's decision to extract their pre-teen children from Hollywood's glare revealed an insight into their parenting style as they navigate how to balance public careers with rearing their young ones.
HCPC-registered Senior Education and Child Psychologist Dr Sasha Hall, who has over 15 years of experience in the field, suggested it indicated a "very intentional and values-led approach to parenting".
As children develop, it is important for parents to consider that their child is not simply an extension of them but an individual in their own right. Creating distance from the spotlight may be one way of giving children genuine freedom and choice about who they want to become.
She explained: "A move like this feels proactive rather than reactive, and indicates they may be thinking ahead about the kind of childhood they want to create rather than waiting for challenges linked to fame and visibility to arise.
"Choosing a quieter and more private environment can be about strengthening the parent-child bond and protecting emotional safety. As children grow, having space to make mistakes, explore who they are and build confidence can be incredibly valuable."
© Getty Images"A rural setting, with greater access to nature and slower rhythms, can support presence, connection and simpler shared experiences which often make it easier for families to spend time together without performance or pressure," the expert added.
Dr Sasha further revealed: "As children develop, it is important for parents to consider that their child is not simply an extension of them but an individual in their own right. Creating distance from the spotlight may be one way of giving children genuine freedom and choice about who they want to become.
It may also reflect a wish to teach their children that fame is a job, not an identity.
"It can allow space for their interests, strengths and skills to emerge naturally rather than feeling shaped by public expectation or family reputation. It may also reflect a wish to teach their children that fame is a job, not an identity.
"Creating a clear boundary between public work and private family life can be psychologically protective, and helps children understand that who they are is separate from what their parents do."
What have the locals said about their new famous residents?
Taking up residence in the tiny town that is situated in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France, the family caused quite the stir with the arrival of their star power.
Mayor of Brignoles, Didier Brémond, revealed why he felt George and Amal chose his quiet corner of the world to bring up their children and said it was probably due to the fact that the "French press respects the right to one's image".
He added: "They like to go have lunch in neighbouring towns, make trips back and forth to Paris. I believe they're fascinated by the French art of living", according to Paris Match.
