Carla Bruni accompanied Sarkozy to Egypt, a trip combining a state visit with a short vacation break in the resort of Sharm el-Sheik.

The couple attracted a lot of attention, not all of it favorable, The Telegraph reported. One politician said Sarkozy was demonstrating "libertine behavior" when he shared a room with Bruni in Luxor.

Sarkozy announced his separation from his second wife only two months ago. Marisa Bruni-Tedeschi, Bruni's mother, has reportedly said the president has proposed to her daughter, telling her he wants an answer by Jan. 1.

Bruni will not accompany Sarkozy on his official visit to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.