Hollywood star George Clooney is reportedly preparing to open an Italian restaurant in spring 2027 in the picturesque Provençal village of Cotignac, officially recognised as One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France).
The two-time Oscar-winning actor is already a “local” in the Var. Clooney moved with his wife Amal and their children (nine-year-old twins Alexander and Ella) to Domaine du Canadel near Brignoles in 2021, not too far from his friend Brad Pitt’s villa at Miraval. The Clooney family have settled in well and in December 2025 became French citizens.
Clooney’s restaurant will reportedly be a collaboration with Canadian entrepreneur
Var Actu reports that George is planning an “upscale” restaurant in collaboration with Canadian entrepreneur Graham Porter who beautifully restored the Lou Calen hotel in Cotignac, a boutique hotel with terraced gardens, a Michelin Green Star restaurant and more. It’s Clooney’s kind of place. The hotel’s press kit reveals: “Lou Calen invites guests to lean into presence. To trade notifications for nature. To feel more human again.”
Both Lou Calen and the reported premises for the new restaurant are in the heart of Cotignac, in Cours Gambetta.
It’s believed that the new eatery will be where the former Italian Restaurant Les 3 Marches, known for its woodfire pizzas, used to be. It has an outdoor, shaded terrace.
Actu reports that there is construction being undertaken at the premises. Var-Matin reported that there is a municipal order posted at the site, granting authorisation for occupation of public space until 9 November 2026.
When asked for comment, management told the local papers that they would not be sharing any information for at least six months. So for now, the name of the restaurant, the chef and all other details are not publicly known.
It’s reported that Cotignac’s mayor, Jean-Pierre Véran, has confirmed discussions about the project.
From Lake Como to Provence
If the reports are true, it will be a wonderful way for Clooney to combine his love for Italy – where he’s owned Villa Oleandra on Lake Como for over 20 years – with his new passion for France.
He may not have owned a restaurant before, but Clooney famously loves pasta (especially homemade gnocchi with pesto, prepared by the family’s Italian chef, Frizzi, according to an interview he did with The Times.
On top of that, the film-maker has a successful track record in the drinks industry. In 2013, George co-founded Casamigos tequila with Cindy Crawford’s husband Rande Gerber and American businessman Mike Meldman. Just four years later, the company was acquired by Diageo in a deal allegedly worth up to $1 billion.
Where is Cotignac?
This gorgeous village in Provence lies between Aix-en-Provence (which is 85km away to the west) and Nice (120km further to the east). It’s less than a half-hour drive from Clooney’s home near Brignoles to Cotignac.
Home to just under 2,200 residents, it is celebrated for its extraordinary limestone cliff, historic houses (even caves!), winding streets and shaded café terraces like the one Clooney is reported to have purchased.
The village has long attracted an international community drawn to the relaxed Provençal lifestyle, surrounding vineyards and beautiful countryside.
Among those who have made Cotignac their home are entrepreneurs from London, Stephen and Jeany Cronk, founders of the internationally successful rosé brand Maison Mirabeau; as well as Monty Python actor Eric Idle who just last month launched a book about ‘his’ Provence at Hôtel Lou Calen.
What we know so far about George Clooney’s new restaurant:
- Opening: Spring 2027 is the reported target, although no precise date has been announced.
- Location: The former Restaurant Les 3 Marches premises, at 11 Cours Gambetta, in central Cotignac.
- Business partner: Canadian entrepreneur Graham Porter, who owns the nearby Lou Calen hotel.
- Concept: An upmarket Italian restaurant with an attractive, shaded terrace and the possibility of private dining for celebrity guests.
