Despite his success and love of parties, Claude François settled in the countryside in 1964 with his partner Isabelle Forêt and their two sons: Claude Junior and Marc. In this 12th-century mill, the family spent beautiful years, and the singer’s son holds fond memories, as he revealed in Paris Match on Saturday, April 4. After being sold off to cover debts following the star’s death, the estate changed hands several times. The Moulin de Dannemois is now owned by the Lescure family, who turned it into a museum.
Is Claude François Junior the owner of the Moulin de Dannemois?
Today, Claude François Junior hopes to take control and plans to buy back the property to transform it into a luxurious hotel. So, where does his project stand? “It’s well advanced. We agreed on a price of 11 million euros with the owners. We should sign the sales agreement shortly,” he reveals to our colleagues. For the son of the music icon, this acquisition is more than just a real estate purchase. “Taking back 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 major renovations, with a budget of 4.5 million euros. The mill will be transformed into a 17-room hotel, including two suites. For the atmosphere of the place, Coco wants to recreate the original décor chosen by his father: “At the time, it was a sophisticated blend of antiques, African art purchased 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 Finn, 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?
An area that pays tribute to Claude François’s spirit, explains his son. “Claude François is about good humor, 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 emphasizes. “In March, the mill will be reserved for them, with dedicated shows.” A major renovation promising an opening in 2028, the year of the singer’s 50th anniversary.
