LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Described as a "Hôtel Particulier," which is a French term for a grand privately-owned town house, the mansion is in Paris's posh 6th arrondissement.

Listed exclusively by estate agent Daniel Féau, the historic Hôtel de Chambon at the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Près quarter on the left bank of the Seine, is described as a "property of 1,800 square meters with adjoining gardens and terraces, with a secondary living area at the other side of the garden."

Prices per square meter in the highbrow 6th arrondissement often fetch prices of 18,000 euro or more, according to French property site Meilleurs Agents.

Depardieu's home was built in 1820 and extensively renovated by the actor in 2003. The property boasts an extensive garden as well as a swimming pool, which is almost unheard of in central Paris.

The 63-year-old actor has joined a growing list of France's top business figures in relocating to Belgium. France's Socialist government says that it will pledge anyone with an income of over one million euros will be taxed at a rate of 75 percent. There are also plans to hike taxes on "grand fortunes" and large inheritances.
 
Well over six feet and packing muscle, the bearish star is perhaps best known to English-speaking audiences for his roles in Green Card (1990) and Cyrano de Bergerac (1990). Earning up to two million euros per film, Depardieu also has extensive business interests including wine estates and three Paris restaurants.

While the actor stands to lose big when the new tax rules kick in, French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault denounced Depardieu's move to the Belgian border village of Néchin as "pathetic."

Néchin, part of the Estampuis municipality in the French-speaking Walloon region of southern Belgium, is in walking distance from the French border.

Nearly 3,000 French people have made the village their own personal tax haven. The people here enjoy lower income taxes and are free from wealth taxes and capital gains taxes on private fortunes, unlike their compatriots a few hundred meters away.

Estampuis Mayor Daniel Senassael said he was not "naïve" as to Depardieu's motivation for moving to Néchin, but told reporters the actor had "fallen in love with the friendliness, beauty and high standard of living" enjoyed by the other villagers.

Taxes are paid according to the rules of the country of residence in Europe, rather than by nationality. Once installed in Belgium, Depardieu will not have to file tax returns to the French authorities.

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