A costly debacle unfolds on the Côte d’Azur for the Geissens, who find themselves compelled to part with their four-star hotel in Grimaud to settle a staggering debt of 7 million euros.

The auction is set to take place on April 25. The initial asking price for the “Maison Prestige Roberto Geissini” stands at €1.5 million. In a recent conversation with “Bild”, Robert Geiss affirmed the ongoing bidding process: “Similar to numerous other property owners in France, we too are grappling with the unreasonable demands imposed by the French authorities and have been advocating for our rights for several years.”

Business Insider reports that the Geissens’ tax liabilities escalated by millions from 2010 to 2022. In total, they amounted to €7 million, which encompasses late payment interest and penalties. The French government is keen to recover these debts.

The allegations pertain to Whereland Real Estate SA. The firm is among a number of entities registered in Luxembourg that are under the ownership of Robert Geiss. Geiss stated to Bild: “Our hotel is not involved in the entire process.” The hotel is simply a tenant, and the lease continues to hold validity.

The Geissens inaugurated the hotel “Maison Prestige Roberto Geissini” back in 2015. The estate boasts four exquisite villas, three inviting pools, and a total of 16 well-appointed rooms. The price for an evening’s stay ranges from €175 to €500.

The wealthy figure with a penchant for the dramatic aimed to create a significant spectacle and subsequently flip the property for a handsome profit. There was a rather minor issue: nobody seemed inclined to meet the asking price. Instead, he embarked on a venture to open a hotel alongside his wife, Carmen Geiss. Currently, French officials are alleging that he has exploited the property to benefit from unjust tax advantages.

The Geissens acquired the property back in 2008. Under French legislation, they would have been required to resell the property after a five-year period to benefit from specific tax incentives related to real estate transactions.

The auction was originally scheduled for last September; however, Robert Geiss lodged an appeal. This appeal has, thus far, met with no success. The television personality conveyed his resolve to “Bild”: “We have contested the decision and are quite optimistic that we can prevent the foreclosure.”