Chateau de la Croë

The history of Château de la Croë is linked to figures of the 20th century. In May 1938, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, following the Duke's abdication as King Edward VIII in 1936, leased the property in addition to their Paris residence. The instruction to lease the château came from the British Embassy in Paris to avoid their presence in the French capital during the state visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The Duchess of Windsor undertook renovations. In 1948, Winston and Clementine Churchill celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary there with the Windsors. Guests also included the Duchess of Devonshire and her husband. Later, from 1950 to 1957, the Château belonged to the Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. He sold it after his wife Athina Livanos discovered him with a friend. Subsequently, Onassis's brother-in-law and business rival Stavros Niarchos acquired the property for his wife Eugenia Livanos, Athina's sister. Today, the Château is owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, who had it restored.