Paris Eagerly Awaiting Obama Visit...

Not since the Kennedy era has an American first lady - and in tow, her presidential husband - been so eagerly awaited in Paris. French newspapers have speculated the Obamas - and possibly their daughters, Sasha and Malia - will dine atop the Eiffel Tower during their upcoming visit to Paris. Located on the second level of the 1,024-foot-tall tower, the Jules Verne restaurant boasts commanding views over Paris and a menu by one of the world's most celebrated chefs, Alain Ducasse. A restaurant spokeswoman declined to comment on the possibility the Obamas would dine there, citing client privacy. [source]


First Lady of France Carla Bruni Sarkozy & First Lady Michelle Obama in an Azzedine Alaia jacket
The French press is also atwitter over whether there will be a rematch of the "duel of charm" that pitted Michelle Obama in a glamor contest against Bruni-Sarkozy during the Obamas' first official visit to France in April. That fashion face-off, on the sidelines of a NATO summit in the French border city of Strasbourg, was widely considered a tie, with both first ladies' wardrobes garnering praise by international observers.



"Michelle scored big points with the French when she wore a black Azzedeine Alaia dress," (above) said Thomas, referring to the Tunisian-born, Paris-based designer known for his slinky dresses. "She's really clever in embracing French designers," as well as the young American designers she champions. Michelle Obama's elegant personal style and natural charm have won her comparisons with Jackie Kennedy, who captured France's heart when she and President John F. Kennedy made a celebrated official visit to France in 1961.

In an interview ahead of the Paris trip, Obama praised France, saying the American people love all things Gallic. Asked what he liked about the country, 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. "I studied it in high school and I just forgot it," he said, adding "Michelle, I think she speaks a little French."