French actor Gérard Depardieu, famously known for his work in French and International cinema, is currently embroiled in sexual assault and rape allegations. Settling in the quiet town of Mont-Saint-Aubert, Tournai, his life has taken a noticeable turn from splashy headlines to homebound privacy.
Depardieu now occupies a modest two-story brick house, complete with a black roof, leased from a friend. This is far removed from the bustling pulse of his former Parisian residence. His new abode offers an atmosphere of seclusion, a sharp departure from the public grandeur he enjoyed a decade prior in Néchin. At that time, the actor even received an honorary citizenship from the municipality of Estaimpuis.
The actor's current lifestyle is in stark contrast to his previous in-the-spotlight existence. Locals seldom catch a glimpse of the actor as he has now acclimated to a lifestyle of minimal social interaction. Opting for home deliveries for meals and groceries, the community rarely sees him. This is further evidenced by the remarks of local residents who note that the shutters of Depardieu's house are frequently activated, and the trash bins often filled – a clear indication of a person preferring to stay indoors.
Depardieu's move came after saying goodbye to his grand Parisian mansion located in the upscale Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, in the 6th arrondissement. The lavish property was a stone's throw away from the serene garden of the convent of the Little Sisters of the Visitation. The three-story building, consisting of several apartments, was listed for a remarkable 50 million euros.
The shift of Depardieu's lifestyle from public to private, and the move from an extravagant Parisian mansion to a quiet two-story house in Tournai, is seen as a stark contrast from his once high-profile, celebrated life. The change coincides with the grave accusations levelled against him, making it a compelling chapter in the actor's life.