Clooneys to Open Italian Restaurant in Cotignac
The upscale eatery planned for spring 2027 has drawn concern from residents of the small French village.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Dining Out
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Will Cotignac's character be preserved as celebrity tourism grows by 2028?
George and Amal Clooney plan to open an upscale Italian restaurant in Cotignac, France, in spring 2027. Residents of the village of about 2,000 people have voiced concern that celebrity visitors and tourists will overtake the community.
Why it matters
Cotignac is known for attracting celebrities seeking privacy and a slower pace of life, and the project has prompted local debate over how the village's character may change. Mayor Jean-Pierre Véran said he is not opposed to the restaurant project.
Cotignac has a population of approximately 2,000 people. The restaurant will include a terrace and an option to reserve the dining room for private events, replacing a previous eatery that offered wood-fired pizzas and affordable meats.
The players
George Clooney
American actor and filmmaker who, with his wife, plans to open the restaurant in Cotignac near the family's home.
Amal Clooney
Human rights lawyer and wife of George Clooney, who is co-planning the Italian restaurant in Cotignac.
Jean-Pierre Véran
Mayor of Cotignac who said he is not opposed to the restaurant project and discussed it with the Clooneys.
The details
The restaurant will be located not far from the Clooneys' family home, and Mayor Jean-Pierre Véran discussed the project with the couple. A local resident wrote on a Cotignac Facebook page that the town was being "taken over", while another commenter pleaded: "Keep Cotignac as it is please."
Timeline
Spring 2027: Clooneys' upscale Italian restaurant is due to open in Cotignac.
Travel Outlook
Cotignac's concerns echo the overtourism pressures seen in Saint-Tropez, where celebrity attention has drawn heavy visitor crowds. The village's situation reflects how small French resort towns balance seasonal tourism with protecting their privacy and everyday character.
For travelers planning visits to resort villages like Cotignac, a new upscale restaurant may mean more demand for reservations and private dining options. Visitors should expect that popular dining rooms in small towns can fill quickly once celebrity-linked venues open.
The takeaway
Small villages that attract celebrity visitors often weigh new dining options against preserving their everyday character. Travelers should consider visiting outside peak periods to experience these communities more fully.
Further reading
Explore more stories in our Dining Out section for context on restaurant openings and local food scenes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EXPRESS.
Live Poll
Will Cotignac's character be preserved as celebrity tourism grows by 2028?
