But now you're older, it looks like you find it hard just being able to go out for a walk around here...
You're right. There are paparazzi everywhere, hiding in plants; itâs embarrassing. Every move I make is observed, studied, photographed... Itâs not exactly a holiday if you look at it like that! (laughs ).
I suppose thatâs the price of fame...
Exactly. But I often go out on the boat with my mum and my brothers and sisters. I feel like they can't hassle me as much at sea.
Really?
Oh, you mean the topless shots? I honestly donât understand how that could have happened. I was out on the boat with my mum and my sister Carolin. We were anchored and taking the chance to soak up some sun. Peter Gabriel was also there. Heâs a dear friend of mine...
We saw...
Well, there you go. He was also in the photos. But Iâd rather not talk about it. Anyway, Iâve already instructed my lawyers to seek damages...
People say you'd like to become an actress.
Iâd like to give it a go, thatâs all. People keep offering me scripts, and the more I read the more I want to have a go... Right now Iâd love to do a film. I really would.
But you won't be appearing in Robert Altman's film Prêt-à -porter next year?
Itâs absolutely unbelievable. The press all over the world keep talking about it, but itâs categorically not true. Plus, I donât want to do a film where Iâm just playing myself.
If you had to choose between a supermodel and an actress, what would you be?
You can't be a model all your life. Itâs a career for really young girls and you can only do it for a few years, a bit like playing tennis or swimming. So you need to make hay while the sun shines. Afterwards, I'd also like to go to university and study art history.
You've always said you will defend your privacy at all costs. Isnât it a bit of a contradiction doing this documentary about your life, in your home, your parentsâ home?
I donât think so. The truly private moments will remain as such. In the film, you only see what I have consciously chosen to reveal: my family, my friends, my holidays, my hobbies... Basically, the things I love. And then there's also all the travelling around, the fashion shows, my photographers, the press conferences...
Do you live sometimes in Paris and sometimes in Monte Carlo?
Essentially, I live in Monte Carlo. I always go back there when Iâm not working, at weekends for example.
Does your agent travel everywhere with you?
Not normally. I need her when I have to work in countries that Iâm not familiar with. Like Argentina, Japan, Australia or South Africa. In those places, there are so many fans, reporters, paparazzi...
Does it get tedious travelling around so much?
No, because I love reading and a good book always makes the time pass more quickly, even on a plane. Plus, itâs my job; itâs not a holiday!
What sort of books do you read?
Mainly books about art. My favourite movements are Impressionism and Pop Art. I also really like history and reading biographies of great men and women. I read one on Christopher Columbus. It was incredible!
People have said youâre half Brigitte Bardot and half Romy Schneider. Do you think that's fair?
Yes, although not so much physically. Itâs more that I think I share certain aspects of their character and lifestyle... I find Bardot an extraordinary woman as well as incredibly beautiful. What a character! I also kind of worship Romy Schneider. I've seen all her films and it was just horrible when she died. Such a tragic life...
Yes, although not so much physically. Itâs more that I think I share certain aspects of their character and lifestyle... I find Bardot an extraordinary woman as well as incredibly beautiful. What a character! I also kind of worship Romy Schneider. I've seen all her films and it was just horrible when she died. Such a tragic life...
Apart from the tragic events, would you like to be the new Romy Schneider?
Wow, what a compliment! Being compared to all these beautiful women. Itâs really flattering, but above all I just want to do everything I can to be me.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I certainly didn't think I would become a model. I guess I wanted to be a lawyer.
Like your father?
Yeah, I was all set to go and work for his firm. And then all my plans changed. I realised this was too good an opportunity to turn down, so I grabbed it with both hands.
Your story is a bit of a fairytale for the modern ages. There must have been some tough times?
Oh, sure. But Iâm always confident in my own ability.
Whatâs your secret?
Plenty of discipline. And also being able to be around others. Iâm a people person. I like being able to think on my feet when Iâm facing a barrage of questions from reporters at a press conference. I see it as a challenge; it doesn't scare me.
Is it just about discipline?
You also need to stay level-headed. And thatâs where the way I was brought up comes in. My family have helped me a lot. They made me who I am: confident, pragmatic and well-balanced. I can stay in control even when Iâm out of my comfort zone. For example, itâs thanks to my parents that Iâm now able to speak in public without feeling shy.