As with every summer since Emmanuel Macron took office in 2017, the presidential couple has at least officially returned to their usual summer retreat, the Fort of Brégançon, a historic fortress in the charming town of Bormes-les-Mimosas on the French Riviera. However, in 2025, a mix of grief, reflection, and controversy marred their vacation, making Brigitte Macron's summer particularly challenging.
In just two weeks, the First Lady has had to say goodbye to two very close relatives. Her older sister, Anne Marie, passed away at 92 during the night of July 2 to 3. Then her niece, Christine Hacquin, died on July 19 at the age of 68 after a long illness. “She was by her niece’s side during her final days and said goodbye to her in private,” according to sources close to the family quoted by the French press.
On top of her grief, Brigitte is also facing an unexpected challenge this summer—a defamation lawsuit against American commentator Candace Owens, who spread false and offensive claims about her gender identity. Owens repeatedly claimed that the French First Lady was born a man.
The lawsuit, filed in Delaware Superior Court, accuses Owens of leading a “global campaign of humiliation” based largely on a conspiracy theory that Brigitte “is a man” or was born with the name Jean Michel Trogneux, which is actually her older brother’s name.
In response to these accusations, the Macrons have decided to take legal action. In the lawsuit filed in the United States, they describe the claims as “a grotesque narrative” and denounce what they call “a global campaign of humiliation” and “relentless worldwide harassment.” As reported by the French press, Jean Michel Trogneux is the name of one of Brigitte’s older brothers, who is 80 years old and has appeared publicly several times alongside her and the president.
The case has drawn international attention due to its unusual nature. It’s one of the rare instances where a European head of state and their spouse have filed a personal lawsuit of this kind outside their home country.
A stay marked by a notable absence
Despite the tradition tying the presidential couple to this historic official residence every summer, only Brigitte has been visible in public this time. The few images that have surfaced show her alone with her usual security team, walking or leaving the fort’s private port, dressed casually and holding flippers, apparently about to go diving, one of her favorite activities. There has been no visual sign of Emmanuel Macron, at least for now. The president’s visible absence has caught the media’s attention, fueling speculation and commentary.
While it is likely he is inside the fort, as he has been every summer since 2017, his lack of public appearance alongside his wife has stirred rumors of personal distance, especially in the middle of such an emotionally heavy summer for Brigitte.
The First Lady has been supported by her daughters, Laurence and Tiphaine Auzière, who traveled to Bormes-les-Mimosas with their families to be by her side during this difficult time. Despite this, her solo walks along the Fort's trails and quiet dives into the sea reveal a clear desire for solitude. Discretion, as always, has been her greatest shield.
Wearing sporty clothes and a cap, with a calm yet introspective expression, Brigitte appears active but carries a visible air of sadness. The French press has noted that Brigitte's spirits are at an all-time low. The Élysée Palace explained that “it was a moment of complicity” and downplayed the gesture, adding that “it was not enough to give conspiracy theorists anything to chew on.”
In a context shaped by personal loss and intense media pressure, every gesture takes on a different weight. Many still saw tension in the moment, with some even going as far as to suggest it looked like a slap.
The President and First Lady’s favorite retreat
Amid the public and legal turmoil, Brigitte is holding on to her refuge: silence, the sea, and her loved ones. The Fort of Brégançon offers her privacy, routine, and a certain sense of comfort. This 17th-century site, which has been declared a National Monument, is located on a small islet connected to the coast by a narrow strip of land in the commune of Bormes-les-Mimosas and boasts stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Brégançon has served as the official presidential summer residence since 1968 and has witnessed both personal and political moments for many French leaders, although some, like François Hollande, barely used it. Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron, on the other hand, have embraced it fully and fondly. The place has everything needed to relax in total privacy, including a private dock, a pool, manicured gardens, and historic rooms updated with subtle modern touches.
Each of them follows their own routine. Emmanuel holds virtual meetings in the morning, goes for runs, practices boxing, and, when the weather allows, enjoys jet skiing or swimming.
Brigitte, more connected to the natural surroundings, loves exploring the seafloor with her flippers and snorkel, taking long bike rides along the fort’s trails, and often personally overseeing the daily menus, which blend Provençal flavors with light Mediterranean cuisine.
Local products stand out in the area, especially aromatic herbs, fresh tomatoes, daily catch fish, and olive oil. Simple and healthy dishes often grace the presidential table, emphasizing the quality of local ingredients.
Outside the fort, the town of Bormes-les-Mimosas offers a charming medieval atmosphere, with cobbled streets, flower markets, and a slow pace that invites rest.
But this year, everything suggests the couple has chosen a particularly private and quiet retreat, where the sea and silence are their best companions.