Peter Jackson's King of the Castle
Staff Reporter

The Lord Of The Rings' top secret promotional party during the Cannes Film Festival will be held in a castle built in 1927, according to American entertainment magazine Variety. Variety's website this week reported that the "top secret" location for a promotional party on May 13, would be at the Chateau Castellaras, just outside Cannes in France.

Wellington director Peter Jackson and all the major Lord Of The Rings stars, except for Cate Blanchett, would attend the party, Variety said.

About 1000 people had been invited and several props from the $650 million-plus project's set have been been shipped from New Zealand to Cannes for the party.

Other Internet websites information on the chateau said Le Chateau De Castellaras was built in 1927, and incorporates architectural styles from the 12th, 15th and 16th centuries.

Several chateaus have been on the same site as far back as the 11th century.

It includes a large swimming pool. Rooms in May usually cost about $NZ500 a night.

The chateau is on the top of a hill and is used as a hotel and club.

It's surrounded by about 90 houses, some of which are used as holiday homes.