One to watch...

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Valerie Trierweiler (CP)

Valerie Trierweiler

IT was hard not to notice the wife of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

Carla Bruni, the singer and model, had a certain je ne sais quoi that, at times, seemed to turn more heads than her husband did.

But this week, French voters bid adieu to the Sarkozys and bonjour to Franßois Hollande who will take over the running of the republic.

But here's the thing: Hollande has a significant other but there ain't no wedding ring on the finger of journalist Valerie Trierweiler, who was at his side as he marked his party's victory celebrations at the Bastille.

While the two have been together since 2005, the incoming presidential couple will be the first in France who have not been husband and wife. And that little protocol matter is already turning heads in France.

Mon Dieu!

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 12, 2012 J2