9 MAY 2003
David and Victoria Beckham are generally known as trendsetters in their own right, but they're following a well-trodden path by buying a luxury hideaway on the Cote d'Azur. And there is little chance of their new neighbours getting star-struck, as many of the local residents are themselves major celebrities.

The famous couple's decision to splash out £2-million on a bolthole in Provence has drawn attention to other stars who also enjoy properties in the area. Probably the richest is Microsoft founder Bill Gates who owns a sprawling £69-million estate in Villefranche-sur-mer.

Victoria's fellow songstress Tina Turner also lives nearby. The enduring star has lived in a £2-million mansion in the Provence town for 20 years, while just a few miles away in St Tropez George Michael has a luxury mansion complete with private recording studio.

The Beckhams' old pal Sir Elton John is also a resident, with a £5-million mansion overlooking Nice, while U2 frontman Bono keeps a £3-million seafront villa. David's Manchester United predecessor Eric Cantona is likewise nearby, as are Joan Collins, Sean Connery and Roger Moore. Even Prince Charles is a regular visitor, often staying at a local retreat owned by his old family friend Baroness Louise de Waldner.

The proximity of other famous faces will hopefully help David and Victoria settle in, after revelations that their new home may be haunted. Reports from local people say their £2.5-million mansion still plays host to the ghost of a former resident who committed suicide on the property.