Hollande now says 'yes' to presidential getaway

"Monsieur Normal" plans to reside in the fort after all this summer

Perched proudly on an island in the French commune of Bormes les Mimosas, exuding great charm and character, this historic site has now charmed the once reluctant President. It was previously reported that the impressive medieval Fort de Brégançon would stand quietly alone this summer, with no king residing within its walls.

However, the Socialist leader’s earlier desires for a more ordinary, and less luxurious, summer abode seem to have been blown away in the summer breeze, and it is presumed that one of Hollande’s holiday stays this month will include the magnificent holiday stronghold. This will be the president’s first stay in the Var, joined by his partner Valérie Trierweiler, who visited the fort in July to see how best to avoid paparazzi while residing there.

Meanwhile, it seems the president is not the only French politician to venture to the Côte d’Azur for a relaxing summer break. Former President, Jacques Chirac is enjoying the delights of Saint Tropez, while Nicolas Sarkozy is at cap Nègre. Current politicians reveling in the beauty of the Côte d'Azur include, Manuel Valls, France’s Interior Minister, will be soaking up the sun near Aix en Provence, Yamina Benguigui, Minister of Francophone countries, will venture to Cap Ferrat and finally Aurélie Filippetti, Minister of Culture, will take down time in the Pyrénées, in Aix en Provence and Auvergne.

Emma Hawcroft