The tiny village being taken over by celebrities and selfie sticks (Image: Getty)
Named one of the “most beautiful” villages in France, the idyllic Provence getaway is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and almond orchards. You can walk through flower-lined streets between colourful houses, cafes and restaurants in the quaint village centre, or hike the 80-metre cliff that protects it.
Though it is home to just 2,000 people, the reputation of its light and delicate blush Roses travels far beyond. In fact, one of its award-winning family wine brands in the idyllic village, Maison Mirabeau, even has a partnership with the swanky Soho House, whose Cotswolds branch is a favourite of Meghan Markle.
The whole place sounds dreamy, and it is. Which is perhaps exactly why Hollywood actor George Clooney and his wife Amal plan to open a restaurant there. The stunning resort is no stranger to celebrities, who flock for privacy and a slower pace of life. Even David Bowie and Pink Floyd recorded albums in the Studio Miraval.
But locals fear their town will be flooded with selfie-stick-wielding influencers or VIPs, after witnessing similarly peaceful destinations ruined as tourists flocked in.
George and Amal Clooney plan to open a restaurant in Cotignac (Image: Getty)
Writing on a Cotignac Facebook page, local resident Veronique Luisetti wrote that the town was being “taken over”. A second pleaded: “Keep Cotignac as it is please.”
Responding to news outlet Var-Matin, which asked people in the village for their views, plenty believed the upscale restaurant will be too expensive for their budgets. Lili Jane said it will be “reserved for the VIPs and Georges’ friends”.
The couple are due to open the upscale Italian restaurant in Spring next year, not far from their family home. The previous eatery offered wood-fired pizzas and affordable meats, but the new menu is expected to be an elevated dining experience.
Joss Guid added: “It’s good to value a village, even though Cotignac doesn’t really need it, the downside is that it risks taking away part of its authenticity. Take St Tropez, which was a nice little fishing village…”
Jeany Cronk, who runs vineyard Maison Mirabeau, welcomed the job opportunities, but hoped the fishing village would retain its sense of calm.
“You can’t really escape the fact that people will want to come here to see George when his restaurant opens,” the 53-year-old told The Sun.
Cotignac is a historic village in southern France, about 90 minutes from St Tropez (Image: Getty)
“We are just hoping that everyone will be respectful and keep the spirit of our community alive. We are a former fishing village, we are not St Tropez. We don’t have a big Chanel villa or crowds of visitors.”
Some were more positive, stating: “The villages are dying out slowly, so I think it’s a good idea, it will bring people and traders, I hope, to take advantage of it.”
Mayor Jean-Pierre Véran told the newspaper Nice-Matin the restaurant will include a terrace and the option to reserve the dining room for private events when he hosts celebrities.
He continued: “We discussed their restaurant, and I told them I wasn’t opposed to this project, which can benefit everyone.”
