Johnny Depp, the enigmatic Hollywood icon known for his eclectic roles and tumultuous personal life, has recently opened up about a period of profound joy that stands out in his 62 years: the time he spent raising his two children, Lily-Rose and Jack, with his former partner Vanessa Paradis in the south of France. In a rare and candid interview with The Sunday Times published on June 21, 2025, Depp described this chapter as the only time he truly felt at home, a sentiment echoed across multiple sources. This article explores Depp’s reflections on fatherhood, his life in France, and why this era remains the pinnacle of his happiness, drawing from recent web reports and posts on X.

A Home in the South of France

Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis, a French actress, singer, and model, were together for 14 years, from 1998 to 2012, raising their daughter, Lily-Rose (born 1999), and son, Jack (born 2002), in a private estate near St. Tropez. Depp purchased this 19th-century hamlet in 2001, a sprawling property that included a 15-bedroom mansion, 14 bathrooms, two swimming pools, a skate park for Jack, and a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed wine cellar. The estate, set amidst ancient woodlands, olive fields, and vineyards, also featured a restaurant, a village church, and guest houses, all owned by Depp. This idyllic setting provided the anonymity and tranquility that Depp and Paradis sought for their children, far from Hollywood’s glare.

In the Sunday Times interview, Depp recalled, “Truly, the first time I felt I had a home was the place in the south of France where Vanessa and I raised the kiddies. That’s the only place that ever felt like home.” This sentiment was reinforced by Paradis, who, in a 2007 interview with Belgium’s Weekend Knack magazine, explained her choice of France over Los Angeles: “For my children, I secretly choose France… Only, in the south of France you can live much more anonymously. And that’s a bliss, especially when the children are still young.” The couple raised their children bilingually, ensuring they were fluent in French and English, which allowed them to navigate both cultures seamlessly.

Depp’s affection for this period is palpable. He described himself as “Papa,” a term of endearment that encapsulated his joy in fatherhood. “I was Papa. I cannot tell you how much I loved being Papa,” he said, adding with humor, “Then, suddenly, Papa was out the window. I was Dad… But Papa was awesome, and I’m getting old enough for Papa to possibly come back. Some motherf—–’s going to have to call me Papa!” This nostalgia reflects a deep emotional connection to the years when his children were young, and the family lived a relatively private life in France.

The Joys of Fatherhood

Depp’s reflections on parenting reveal a man who found purpose and stability in his role as a father. In a 2006 interview with ABC, he described fatherhood as an unplanned but transformative experience: “You cannot plan the kind of deep love that results in children. Fatherhood was not a conscious decision. It was part of the wonderful ride I was on. It was destiny.” This sense of destiny carried through his years in France, where he and Paradis prioritized shielding their children from the public eye. Unlike many celebrity offspring, Lily-Rose and Jack grew up largely out of the spotlight, attending school in France and later in Los Angeles.

Lily-Rose, now 26, has followed her parents into the entertainment industry, starring in films like The Idol and Nosferatu, while Jack, 23, has chosen a quieter life, reportedly working as a bartender in Paris. Depp has expressed pride in both children, noting Jack’s artistic talents in drawing and music and Lily-Rose’s intelligence and independence. In a 2014 interview with The Philippine Daily Inquirer, he remarked, “My boy Jack… draws really super well. He also plays music very well. He’s got a good feel for that.” Of Lily-Rose, he told the Daily Mail in 2015, “Lily’s really together — she’s a sharp kid and one of the smartest human beings I have ever met.”

The family’s life in France was marked by simple pleasures. Depp recounted in a 2011 Daily Mail interview, “A glass or two of wine before dinner is my favorite thing, watching the sunset and the kiddies playing nearby. It’s perfection.” He and Paradis fostered a close-knit environment, with Depp getting tattoos to honor his children: Lily-Rose’s name on his chest and a sparrow with Jack’s name on his forearm, a nod to his Pirates of the Caribbean character, Captain Jack Sparrow. These gestures underscore the centrality of his children in his life, even as his career soared with blockbuster roles.

A Life of Privacy and Balance

The decision to raise their children in France was strategic. Paradis, a native of France, emphasized the importance of anonymity for their young family. In her 2007 Weekend Knack interview, she noted that bilingual upbringing allowed flexibility, but France offered a sanctuary where “you can live much more anonymously.” This privacy was crucial for Depp, who has long struggled with fame. In the 2025 Sunday Times interview, he admitted to living a reclusive life in London, avoiding public outings for fear of recognition: “If friends invite me out for a Mexican, I say, ‘Dude, that’s sweet of you but I will ruin your night.’ My presence will bring attention and, Jesus, I have had almost 40 years of fame but I’m still not used to it.”

France, by contrast, offered a respite. The family’s estate near St. Tropez, purchased for its seclusion, allowed them to live without constant media scrutiny. They also spent time on Depp’s 150-foot yacht, named Vajoliroja (a blend of their names and a nod to the pirate flag Jolly Roger), and occasionally at their private island in the Bahamas, Little Hall’s Pond Cay. These retreats provided a balance between Depp’s high-profile career and his desire for a normal family life.

The End of an Era and Lingering Nostalgia

Depp and Paradis parted ways amicably in 2012, focusing on co-parenting their children. Depp emphasized honesty with Lily-Rose and Jack during the split, telling CBS This Morning, “When you have children, there is no room for lies, no room for anything but the truth.” Despite their separation, both parents have maintained a united front, with Paradis defending Depp during his legal battles with Amber Heard, stating in a 2020 declaration, “In all these years I have known Johnny he has never been physically abusive with me.”

The move to Los Angeles after years in France marked a shift for the family, with Depp noting the transition from “Papa” to “Dad” as his children grew older. Now, with both children living independently, Depp admits to “empty-nest syndrome.” He spends much of his time in the UK and the Bahamas, but France remains the emotional anchor of his life. Posts on X from June 2025 reflect the public’s response to his interview, with users like @johnnydeppfiles and @Savvy_CapJackie quoting his heartfelt words about France being his only true home.

A Father’s Legacy

Johnny Depp’s reflections on his time in France reveal a man who, despite fame, fortune, and personal challenges, found his greatest fulfillment in fatherhood. The south of France, with its quiet beauty and the laughter of his young children, remains a touchstone of happiness. As he navigates his later years, focusing on music with Hollywood Vampires, smaller film projects, and his art, Depp’s love for Lily-Rose and Jack endures. His hope that “Papa” might return hints at a longing to recapture that fleeting era of domestic bliss.

In a world where Depp’s life has often been defined by headlines—whether for his $150 million net worth, legal battles, or blockbuster roles—it is his quiet moments as a father that resonate most deeply. As he told The Sunday Times, “My kids growing up in the south of France in their youth? I cannot tell you how much I loved being Papa.” For Johnny Depp, those years in France with Vanessa Paradis and their children were not just the happiest time of his life—they were the only time he truly felt at home.