-
New civic tests for foreigners in France launch amid criticism
Applicants for some types of residency cards must now take 45-minute test
-
Workers in France can take 17-day break using only eight days of leave in 2026
Favourable calendar for public holidays makes extended May break possible, with five guaranteed long weekends throughout year
-
David Hockney among France’s New Year honours list
Former Normandy resident awarded second grade of honour
See inside: Obama family’s luxury villa in France
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, has chosen the Gard (Occitanie) for a week’s family holiday this summer, and images of the €55,000-per-week luxury villa have now been revealed.
The seven-bedroom, 18th-century house is in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, and covers almost 1,200 square metres.
President Obama is staying at the property along with his wife Michelle, and daughters Sasha and Malia - along with their usual security staff.
Video embedded from Madame.LeFigaro.fr (may show outside publicity before playing).
Known as “Le Mas des Poiriers” the property has two extra bedrooms in an outbuilding, and also features 26 hectares (65 acres) of private gardens, sunflower fields, pear orchards, tennis courts, a boules pitch, a fitness room, and a swimming pool. On-site private chefs prepare all meals and snacks, using local ingredients.
The house even has its own successful Instagram account, showing many more photos and views of the site.
Hover over the photo below to click through a slideshow of more images
(Photos: Instagram.com/@provencepoiriers)
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

