Claude François Junior’s Project to Transform his Father’s Former Residence into a Luxury Hotel
Claude François, despite his success and love for celebrations, moved to the countryside with his partner Isabelle Forêt and their two sons, Claude Junior and Marc, in 1964. In this 12th-century mill, the family spent beautiful years, and the singer’s son cherishes fond memories, as he revealed to Paris Match on Saturday, April 4. After being sold following the star’s death to clear debts, the property changed hands. The Moulin de Dannemois is now owned by the Lescure family, who turned it into a museum.
But today, Claude François Junior hopes to take over and plans to buy back the property to turn it into a luxurious hotel. What is the status of his project? “It is well advanced. We have agreed on a price of 11 million euros with the owners. We must sign the preliminary sales agreement soon,” he reveals to our colleagues. For the music icon’s son, this acquisition is not just a real estate purchase. “Taking over the mill is a way to perpetuate my father’s memory by truly making it a place in his image,” he confides.
Today, Marc François’s brother plans to carry out extensive renovations. His budget: 4.5 million euros. The mill will be transformed into a hotel with 17 rooms, including two suites. For the ambiance, Coco wants to recreate the decoration that his father originally chose: “At the time, it was a quite refined blend of antiques, African art he bought in Brussels or London, and 1960s and 1970s design.” A Mediterranean restaurant and a wellness area will also be built: “We will have a spa-sauna area overlooking the river. My father, who lived with a Finnish woman, was one of the first in France to have a sauna at home.”
When does Claude François Junior plan to open his hotel at the Moulin de Dannemois? “A space that pays tribute to Claude François’s spirit,” explains his son. “Claude François is all about good humor and celebration. The idea is for people to experience my father’s hospitality, as if they were spending the weekend at his place.” Moreover, fans can still visit the museum dedicated to his father during the week, Coco points out. “In March, the mill will be reserved for them, with dedicated shows.” A significant renovation promising an opening in 2028, the year marking the fiftieth anniversary of the singer’s passing.
