Like François-Xavier Demaison, these celebrities have fallen for the charm of the Pyrénées

On Thursday, May 21, François-Xavier Demaison is featured in “Tellement proches,” airing on TMC. When he is not busy with work in Paris, the actor enjoys spending time in his refuge in the Pyrénées-Orientales. And it turns out, he is not the only one captivated by the Occitanie region!

After spending his younger years in New York and living in Paris, François-Xavier Demaison was looking for a quieter life. A few years ago, the actor, who stars in the film “Tellement proches” airing on TMC on May 21, bought a house in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Located in the charming medieval village of Thuir, between the Aspres mountain range and Perpignan, the actor and his wife Anaïs have settled there. “We have a house on the outskirts of Thuir and we are very happy there. We live with three horses, two dogs, two cats. We have some greenery around us and it feels good,” François-Xavier Demaison shared with France Bleu.

The decision to live in this area was not random, as his wife is from the Catalan Country. “I fell in love with my wife Anaïs, and at the same time, with this region. Anaïs is Catalan and very attached to her land. So I didn’t really have a choice,” he joked in an interview with Le Parisien in 2023. Between Paris and Thuir, the actor has found his balance: “We are incredibly lucky to live here in Thuir, with people who have nothing to do with my job. We share time with people who are comfortable in their skin, who have a beautiful philosophy of life based on simplicity. It creates a bipolar rhythm: intense activity in Paris with theater, movies, TV shows, and shows, and a life in Thuir where we slow down time and immerse ourselves in wonderfully daily issues. I really like it,” he said to the newspaper.

François-Xavier Demaison is not the only one drawn to the Pyrénées-Orientales. Mathilde Seigner and Denitsa Ikonomova are also among the personalities captivated by the region. Mathilde Seigner also decided to move to the south of France after many years in Paris, choosing to split her time between the two places. Denitsa Ikonomova has a foothold in the south of France with her partner François Alu, enjoying the beautiful surroundings in the region.

Another personality who has chosen to live in the Pyrénées-Orientales is Mathieu Madénian, who currently resides in Collioure, a village voted as the favorite of the French in 2024. For him, living in Collioure allows him to disconnect and live at a slower pace, reminiscing about his childhood in the village.

Living in the Pyrénées-Orientales seems to attract many personalities seeking a quieter and more picturesque lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of urban centers like Paris. The region’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere have charmed both locals and newcomers alike.