For years, renowned philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy and fashion icon Arielle Dombasle have seamlessly divided their time among luxurious residences in Paris, New York, and Marrakech. However, one particular property stands out among the rest. Nestled in the heights of Tangier, just a few kilometers from Ceuta, this stunning villa overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar has long served as a summer retreat for the couple. The architectural marvel, perched on a hillside, captivates with both its breathtaking location and its exquisite design. Despite the allure of this exceptional setting, Lévy, who previously had a romantic relationship with heiress Daphne Guinness, has ultimately chosen to part ways with the villa, citing an overabundance of residences worldwide.
Bernard-Henri Lévy and Arielle Dombasle: A Tangier Villa Designed as a Refuge Facing Gibraltar
During the summer months, Lévy and Dombasle habitually resided in their expansive 620 square meter home, which boasts panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. This stunning backdrop captured the couple's hearts in the early 2000s. To transform this residence into a luxurious haven, they enlisted the expertise of architect Andrée Putman, who crafted bright spaces adorned with Italian stone, elegant woodwork, and minimalist lines. The renovation process spanned nearly five years and resulted in open bathrooms that connect with nature, a sauna-hammam, and expansive terraces, which have served as the backdrop for numerous Instagram videos featuring Dombasle.
In 2017, Lévy made the significant decision to list the villa for approximately six million euros. He attributed this choice to his nomadic lifestyle, stating, "I spend part of my time in Paris, part in New York, and part in Marrakech. I have too many homes around the world, and unfortunately, the year only lasts 52 weeks." Despite this announcement, the villa appears to have remained a part of the couple's heritage, with Dombasle still frequently appearing there in subsequent years.
A Wealth of Properties Between Paris and Marrakech
This Moroccan villa is only one piece of an extensive real estate portfolio. In Marrakech, Lévy also owns the Zahia Palace, which he acquired in 1998 from his friend Alain Delon, who is close to Dombasle. This exceptional riad features a lush garden, a swimming pool, Moroccan craftsmanship, and a vast rooftop terrace. However, Lévy reportedly visits this property only once or twice a year. In Paris, the couple has occupied several prestigious residences over the years, including an apartment near the Élysée, another with views of the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, and a residence on Boulevard Saint-Germain, before reportedly settling into a suite at the Hôtel Raphaël. This series of relocations reflects a lifestyle shared between multiple capitals.
Dombasle herself has hinted at their privileged daily life. During her appearance on the radio show _Grosses Têtes_ on RTL in 2022, she amused host Laurent Ruquier with a surprising confession: _"At my home, we change the sheets every day; it’s a luxury, and it’s wonderful."_ This statement elicited smiles from listeners and provided a glimpse into the world the couple has inhabited for many years. Despite their many residences, the Tangier villa remains one of the most emblematic symbols of their shared history, celebrated for both its exceptional location and its understated elegance facing the Strait of Gibraltar.
As reported by closermag.fr.
