The Obamas Intend to Enjoy Paris 'En Famille', Not Dining With President & Mrs. Sarkozy

President Barack Obama may have said Tuesday that the American people love all things French and that he adore Gallic food and wines, but he and Michelle -- and the First Daughters -- won't be dining with French President and Mrs. Nicholas Sarkozy in Paris, if the London Times knows what they're talking about.

Courtyard, U.S. ambassador's residence, ParisThe First Family is staying at the residence of the US Ambassador, yards from the Elysée apartments where the Sarkozys spend their weekends.

Per the London Times, Mr Sarkozy’s staff were trying yesterday to arrange another private moment between the couples. Mr Obama is due to fly back to Washington Saturday night or on Sunday.

Michelle, Malia and Sasha will stay on in Paris for a few days. The White House has said that the only public event on Mrs. Obama's schedule is the commorative ceremonies in Normandy, and the rest of her time is "family time".

Malia and Sasha previously traveled to Kenya in 2006, when President Obama was a Senator.

President Obama spoke enthusiastically about both France and French President Sarkozy in his first interview with a French television channel.

Franco/American relations have thawed considerably since Americans were threatening to never again eat French Fries, over France's opposition to the Iraq War.

Huff Po reports: Asked what about France he himself loved, Obama responded, "Let's see, we have the food, we have Paris, we got the south of France, Provence, the wine."

Obama said he had traveled through France during his college days and that a return trip to the southeastern region of Provence was long overdue, though he acknowledged his French was rusty.

For an American to speak high school French in Paris is next to impossible. In most parts of the world people appreciate the spoiled Americans attempts to speak their language. President Obama's gestures today in his Cairo speech are an excellent example of creating goodwill.

After three years of high school French and over 200 trips to Paris, I remained intimidated to speak French in this gorgeous city, where near-perfect French pronunciation is "demanded". I presume that the Parisians will atypically cut POTUS and FLOTUS some slack on their attempts to speak Parisian.

Enjoy more photos from this series of lovely photos of the American Ambasador's residence in Paris.

Here's a lovely video of Paris, with opening music by the great Smart Sensuality icon Catherine Deneuve, singing "Paris". We played "Paris" at the first Victoria's Fashion show at New York's Plaza Hotel. Memories. Memories.

Malia and Sasha will be besides themselves with the beauty that is Paris. And hopefully the First Lovebirds will have a long walk along the Seine . . . difficult with the Secret Service in towe, but hope springs eternal. Enjoy. Anne

Paris PARIS divers images en musiques (diverse images and music)

Comments

[Leo]

How exciting for Sasha and Malia to go to Paris. I can't wait to see the pictures!

[Editor]

Paris is the most amazing city, especially on a first visit. Sasha and Malia have had quite a cultural education this week, between Paris and London. A