Before sharing his life with Laeticia, Johnny Hallyday had several great love stories, including one with Nathalie Baye in the early 1980s. The actress passed away at the age of 77 after a long illness on April 17, 2026. Together, they formed one of the most iconic couples of their time, united by passion, music, and cinema. From their relationship was born Laura Smet in 1983. During this time, the couple enjoyed getting away from the hustle and bustle of Paris to recharge in the countryside, in a charming house located in Vallière, a small village in the heart of Creuse.
This building, owned by Nathalie Baye for almost thirty years, was the scene of many family memories. It is where the two artists would retreat whenever they could, enjoying the peace and simplicity of country life. In 2008, the actress made the decision to sell the property, estimated at around 600,000 euros, to a couple from South Africa.
But since this transaction, the house has not had the same life. Today, the property is abandoned, a bitter realization for the villagers. Interrogated by Le Parisien, the mayor of Vallière, Valérie Bertin, said: “We have only had one contact with the new owners. It is now up to the municipality to ensure maintenance when the vegetation overflows onto the land. Its condition has deteriorated significantly over all these years.”
This situation saddens both the residents and fans of the singer, some even going as far as contacting the town hall to find out how to get there and pay tribute to the departed idol. A village marked by their presence in the 1980s, the couple’s time in Vallière had left a lasting impression. Johnny Hallyday and Nathalie Baye led a simple life, far from the glamour of sets and tours. “We used to see them shopping in the village,” recalls a resident, quoted by Le Parisien.
Persistent regret for Nathalie Baye
He continues: “Johnny always had a kind word, always a smile. Sometimes we would see him driving his luxury cars, one of which had his initials, JH, on the bodywork. A true star.” Nathalie Baye had confided several times that she would have liked to keep this house, as she was so attached to this place full of memories. “Of course, we would have liked a different fate for this beautiful house,” added the mayor, recalling that Vallière has often attracted artists, such as Claude Miller’s family or director Luc Béraud.
Even today, despite its abandonment, the Vallière residence remains a symbol of a bygone era, that of a free and sincere love between two French icons. A place frozen in time, still echoing a bit of the past of Johnny Hallyday and Nathalie Baye.
