LOS Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is planning to invest big bucks into property on the French Riviera, The U.S. Sun understands.
The four-time NBA champion has viewed five stunning mansions with a combined worth of over $40 million along the Mediterranean coastline in southeast France.
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Those included two luxurious $8.75 million villas with a stunning view of the Bay of Cannes.
Nestled in the hills up north from the town, known for hosting a famous international film festival, James 39, took a look at a charming $9.4 million bastide, originating from the 17th century in Grasse.
The 6-foot-9 forward also checked out a luxurious $5.7 million property with an infinity pool that overlooks the Gulf of Saint Tropez.
And he toured a modern three-level $7.2 million villa in the Beausoleil commune that towers over the city-state of Monaco.
LeBron first approached French Riviera luxury estate agents at the start of the summer, an industry consultant operating in the French region told The U.S. Sun.
The 20-time NBA All-Star requested the viewings to take place during his family vacation after the Paris Olympics, during which he won gold with Team USA, per the insider.
“We picked some of the best real estate spots we could find and with some of the most luxurious features and details on the market in the region,” the source said.
“James fell in love with the region, with the weather and the great beach spots that are in the area, and also the beauty of our region —known all over the world.”
The insider sensed “high excitement” coming from James after visiting the residences.
“Mr. James is looking for a nice place with many bedrooms, but also some isolation from the rest of the people to enjoy some nice relaxing time with his friends and family,” the source explained.
“All five places that were shown are five-star properties.”
“He loves to go and discover the region, from the beach to the countryside, where he can enjoy some nice landscapes and some great wines too, as he is a massive wine lover.”
Countless A-listers own properties on the French Riviera — and James asked some of them for advice as he started looking for his own cozy nest in the area, the source said.
“I think it’s a very smart investment that he will make her,” said the insider.
“The French Riviera is one of the best spots in the world to come on holidays… but also to live.”
As the source mentioned, James is known to be a wine connoisseur, partly explaining why he is looking for a residence in a country that’s home to the world’s finest wineries.
Ahead of the Paris 2024 Games, the Lakers superstar led the requests as Team USA ordered $73,000 worth of France’s “finest wines” to enjoy during the tournament, The U.S. Sun reported last year.
During his post-Olympic trip to the French Riviera, LeBron and his friend and Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green spent over $100,000 on a VIP wine and food experience.
“Mr. James and Mr. Green are connoisseurs in wine, drinks, and food and enjoy having a great time, surrounded by their family and close ones, with nice dishes and nice drinks,” a celebrity consultant told The U.S. Sun at the time.
“The order of wine and drinks was five stars, with some unique wines, some of the most expensive in the world, as both of them love wine, they really know their wines, that is for sure.
“LeBron loves French wines, and we also got him some cognac because he enjoys some nice cocktails too.”
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