Angelina Jolie and George Clooney lead stars who have fled the US for France as Paris is dubbed ‘Frollywood’

For years, the city has been famous as a place where aspiring performers go to pursue their big break.

Recently, Hollywood’s popularity seems to be declining, as many celebrities are choosing to live and work in France. There’s been such a large increase in American stars moving there that the country is now jokingly called ‘Frollywood’.

Stars like Angelina Jolie, Pamela Anderson, and George Clooney have chosen to trade Los Angeles for Paris, embracing a more relaxed lifestyle in the French capital, which they all deeply love.

Oh my gosh, you won’t BELIEVE this! George and Amal – seriously, the dreamiest couple – actually applied for French citizenship! Apparently, ever since they moved with Ella and Alexander, their little twins are just thriving! They’ve said the kids are so much happier and have a better life over there, and honestly, it just makes me love them even MORE! It’s like, they found their perfect little family haven, and I’m living for it!

The actor Jay Kelly explained that his children are now living a better life. He had previously been concerned about raising them in Los Angeles, due to the influence of Hollywood culture.

I worried they wouldn’t have a fair chance in life. It seems like France doesn’t really prioritize or care much about celebrity status.

Beyond the appeal of a family-friendly lifestyle, more Americans are choosing to work in France, particularly Paris, due to favorable tax policies. Last year’s devastating wildfires in Los Angeles also prompted some celebrities to consider relocating.

As someone who keeps a close eye on cultural shifts, I’ve definitely noticed a trend of people looking for fresh starts elsewhere, and it’s hard to ignore the political climate as a driving force. Director Rebecca Zlotowski hit the nail on the head when she pointed out that the years under the Trump administration really seemed to spark a desire for many to seek a different life, a sort of cultural escape, if you will.

In an interview with Le Monde, she suggested that the current fascination with France in film might be linked to a weakening of Hollywood’s influence. She described the major Los Angeles fire of 2025 as a symbolic representation of this decline.

Rebecca finished by pointing to the recent Hollywood writers’ strike and the impact of Covid-19, stating that she believes the industry is currently undergoing a period of significant change and renewal. She also highlighted the vibrancy of European art house films, suggesting they are attracting investment as a result.

Director Olivier Assayas believes actors often choose to work in France because they find more interesting and challenging roles there, rather than getting stuck in big-money franchise films like prequels and sequels.

He thought to himself that here, people find a world free from the pressures of agents and public scrutiny. There’s less pressure and risk compared to Hollywood, where people are quick to criticize others publicly.

Prior to the film Clouds of Sils Maria (2014), Kristen Stewart hadn’t appeared in movies like that before. Collaborating with Juliette Binoche proved to be a turning point for her.

Juliette demonstrated a remarkably relaxed and open approach to filmmaking, showing her that actors weren’t expected to be rigidly controlled – French directors actually encouraged that kind of freedom. It made her realize that her previous experiences hadn’t given her a full understanding of what acting could be.

Another attraction to moving to France is its generous tax breaks.

Starting in February 2026, the TRIP program will cover ‘above-the-line’ expenses, meaning that salaries paid to actors from outside Europe can now qualify for a 30% tax refund.

It can increase to 40% if the production spends more than €2million on French visual effects (VFX).

The per-project rebate is capped at €30million (£26million) on qualifying spending.

In the last ten years, the rise of Netflix and similar streaming services has dramatically changed the French film and television industry.

This has led to a boom in major film and TV projects, with yearly spending increasing from €1.5 billion to €3 billion.

Gaëtan Bruel, head of the National Film Board (CNC), stated that the partnership has been successful, citing popular shows like Emily in Paris, Franklin, and The New Look as examples.

So who has decided to make the move to France?

George Clooney

One of the most famous names to wave au revoir to Hollywood is George Clooney and his wife Amal.

George and Amal Clooney have strong ties to Europe. In 2021, they bought a wine estate called Domaine du Canadel near Brignoles in the South of France, and in 2024, they added another property near Cannes for £6.7 million.

This wine estate spans 425 acres and features an olive grove, vineyard, tennis court, and a boules pitch. The owners clearly cherish the tranquility and privacy the property offers, considering it their favorite place on Earth.

George announced the birth of his children on French television, and later revealed that he, Amal, and their twins had all become French citizens after receiving their passports.

He shared with French radio how much he appreciates French culture and language, jokingly admitting he still struggles with it despite taking classes for over a year.

George has a good relationship with Brignoles’ mayor, Didier Bremond. In 2024, he even started a New Year’s message to the town’s residents with a friendly ‘Hello, Didier!’

I want to start by wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed a lovely holiday season.

We’re so grateful for the warm welcome and friendship we’ve received in the Var and Brignoles. We truly enjoy our time here, and we especially appreciate Didier’s kindness.

Angelina Jolie

I’ve been following Angelina Jolie for years, and she’s always talked about wanting to live outside the US – specifically in Europe or Cambodia. It’s so exciting to hear that she’s finally making those dreams happen!

The actress is seeking a more private life and wants to escape the current drama, according to a source who told Page Six that ‘getting out’ is the only way for her to truly disconnect.

Speaking to Le Monde last week, Angelina gushed over her love of France.

Being in France is incredibly fulfilling, both as an artist and as a person. I feel more authentic and expressive here, and I find the conversations I have are more meaningful and stimulating.

Angelina has spent several years living in France, as she previously co-owned a winery in the south of France with her former husband, Brad Pitt.

The pair are still engaged in a legal dispute over their Chateau Miraval estate in Provence.

After everything she’s experienced with Brad – years of public scrutiny and having their relationship constantly in the spotlight – leaving is the only way for her to find some peace, according to Benjamin, who spoke with Page Six.

He explained that it felt stifling living in a place where everyone knew everyone else, and you couldn’t look around without recognizing a face.

Aaron Paul

Aaron Paul has moved his family – wife Lauren and their two children – from Los Angeles to Paris, as he recently told the Daily Mail.

The Breaking Bad actor raved about Paris, but admitted he doesn’t speak much French, only knowing a few basic phrases like ‘hello’ (‘bonjour’).

The actor said they went primarily for their children, but also shared that he and Lauren had always wanted to spend a year living in another country.

‘We just always wanted to be around a completely different culture,’ he shared.

The wildfires that devastated California last year prompted the Pauls to pursue their plans to live abroad more quickly than they originally intended.

Aaron and Lauren were lucky to avoid the initial problem, but they didn’t want to risk facing it later, so they decided to be proactive.

After the wildfires in Los Angeles, Aaron and his family decided it was time to leave. They sold their house and moved to Paris, as Aaron explained.

Aaron shared with the Daily Mail that he’s having such a great time in Europe, he and his family might stay longer than a year.

Paris is a particularly meaningful city for Aaron and Lauren Paul, because Aaron proposed to Lauren there on New Year’s Eve in 2012.

A year after getting engaged, the couple got married in Malibu, California, with a fun wedding inspired by Parisian carnivals.

Natalie Portman

Oh my gosh, you won’t believe this, but Natalie Portman actually lived in Paris years ago! Back in 2015, when she and Benjamin Millepied were married, she totally moved there! It’s not like this France thing is new for her at all – she’s been connected to the City of Love for ages, even before all the recent news. I remember reading about it when they first got married! It’s so exciting to think about her potentially going back!

Natalie and her partner moved to Paris when their son, Aleph, was three years old. Even though they separated in 2024, Natalie still lives in Paris with Aleph, who is now 13, and their daughter Amalia, age eight.

In a recent interview with Net-a-Porter, she shared that she’s found people in the city to be surprisingly friendly. She explained that it just takes understanding how to approach them to avoid misunderstandings and seeming impolite.

Honestly, what I admire most about her is how incredibly private she is. It’s not just that she has privacy, it’s how effortlessly she maintains it. People say ‘elle est très discrète’ – she’s very discreet – and that’s the perfect way to put it. It’s the highest praise, really. It’s just…chef’s kiss! I’m obsessed with how well she guards her personal life.

There’s always something amazing going on here – a great show, a concert, a fun party, or a visiting author. Plus, the regular vacations are a lifesaver!

After her divorce, Natalie has started dating French music producer Tanguy Destable. They publicly confirmed their relationship last March.

Christina Milian

Christina Milian announced in 2024 that she’s been living in France since moving there in 2023.

Actress Niecy Nash-Betts, 44, shared why she made a certain choice while appearing on The Jennifer Hudson Show to discuss her new work.

Oh my gosh, you won’t BELIEVE this! So, my husband is French, and we’ve been together for ages – seven or eight years now, I think! But for the last three or four years, it’s been crazy. We were basically living on two continents, commuting back and forth every six months. It was exhausting, but totally worth it, you know?

‘And then we decided to commit to it last year because our kids were going to go to school.’

The Like Me artist shares sons Isaiah and Kenna with her husband, singer Matt Pokora, 40.

Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson has called Paris home for over 20 years, where he lives with his partner, Juman Malouf, and their daughter.

I’ve always been fascinated by how much of himself he puts into his work. When he’s not actively creating something new, he mostly keeps to himself in Paris. It’s no surprise, really, considering how often French culture and aesthetics show up in films like ‘The French Dispatch’ and ‘Hotel Chevalier’ – you can really feel that influence!

He once described walking down unfamiliar streets as being like watching a movie – simply enjoyable and interesting.

Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz has been living in his Paris home for over 20 years and is very familiar with French culture.

The musician lives in a large mansion in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, once owned by Countess Anne d’Ornano. He’s named it Hotel De Roxy in honor of his mother, who always dreamed of living in the city.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I nearly fainted when I read this! Lenny actually told Architectural Digest that he fell in love the INSTANT he walked into the house! Like, can you even imagine? The front door, and boom, head over heels! It’s just…everything I knew to be true! He’s so romantic, and the house clearly stole his heart just as much as it’s stolen mine. I’m officially obsessed.

A grand piano sits in the hallway, and he describes the home’s design as ‘soulful elegance’.

He described it as being refined and stylish, but also genuine and heartfelt – something that comes from within.

Just having stylish things isn’t enough; it needs to feel personal. But when your collections truly show who you are, your experiences, and your journey, that’s when it becomes truly meaningful and beautiful.

Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson lived in France for a short time in 2018 and again during the pandemic. She was dating French soccer player Adil Rami, who played for the Marseille team, at the time.

Pamela is back in the United States now, but she shared that she hopes to live in France again someday.

She shared with Net-a-Porter that she first fell in love with Saint-Tropez two decades ago while working on a Playboy photoshoot.

I always dreamed of moving here once the children were grown. It’s such a beautiful place – I think it’s the lovely, warm light that makes it so special.

While living there the actress said she felt ‘younger than ever’.

Oh my gosh, she told me all about her mornings! Apparently, she’s up at 7:30 every day for coffee, and then she goes for a walk, or even better, a swim in the ocean! It’s just… perfect. I wish I could join her!

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant purchased his property in the village of Eygalieres in early 2016.

He fell in love with the Alpilles and decided to buy a charming, traditional Provençal house made of old stone.

He spends time there with his wife, Swedish TV producer Anna Eberstein, and their children.

The actor described himself as a typical British person who loves everything French.

2026-03-15 16:18