Parisian Power Couples
Newly divorced French president Nicolas Sarkozy's recent marriage to former-model-turned-singer Carla Bruni after a whirlwind 11-week courtship sparked a media frenzy and much public speculation about what effect it might have on French political life. So far, Sarkozy's willingness to let his private life play out in the press has done nothing to revive his record-low poll ratings, creating an ongoing debate about the blurring of public and private life in a country that has traditionally allowed the bedroom antics of its leaders to remain behind closed doors. Nevertheless, Nicolas and Carla are hardly the first power couple to create such controversy in Paris. In honor of Valentine's Day, here's a look at other Parisian couples throughout the ages whose love lives have also been the source of public fascination.
Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower, France
This instantly recognizable icon of Paris has surely been the scene of many romantic gestures, but perhaps none so highly publicized as Tom Cruise's marriage proposal to … fellow actor Katie Holmes at its summit. The couple's three-month courtship, involvement with Scientology, and their previous romantic ties to other Hollywood figures all contributed to the media stir generated by the announcement of their engagement in June 2005. (photo) [link]
Place Sartre-Beauvoir
Place Jean-Paul Sartre et Simone de Beauvoir
75006 6ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
France recently celebrated the centennial of writer and philosopher Simone de Beauvoir's birth in January, and along with the adulation came renewed scrutiny of her … unorthodox "open" relationship with existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. Nevertheless, most critics acknowledge that their joint impact on the intellectual life of France was immense. In recognition of their achievements and their close association with the neighborhood, the place Saint-Germain-des-Prés was renamed the place Sartre-Beauvoir in 2000. (photo) [link]
Musée Rodin
Rue de Varenne
75007 7ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
[link]
Musée de la Vie Romantique
16, Rue Chaptal
75009 9ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
[link]
Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais
Avenue du Général Eisenhower
75008 8ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
[link]
Cimietière du Père-Lachaise
16, Rue du Repos
75020 20ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
[link]
