Paris

France is caught up in salacious rumours of simultaneous extramarital affairs by both President Nicolas Sarkozy and wife, former model and singer, Carla Bruni.

The 42 year-old Bruni is said to be romantically involved with Benjamin Biolay, a 37 year-old singer five years her junior while 57 year-old Sarkozy has hooked up with Chantal Jouanno, the junior minister for ecology in his government.

While both Sarkozy and Bruni have denied all allegations speculation was further fuelled when the President paid a state visit to Britain without the First Lady who is believed to be vacationing in Thailand with her new lover.