Sarkozy pledges new era of change
French President Nicolas Sarkozy urges new initiatives and tolerance as he takes over from Jacques Chirac.

Left hopes for renewal
Segolene Royal's defeat may mark the emergence of a new leader of the left, the BBC's Oana Lungescu says.

World reacts to Sarkozy's win
World leaders congratulated France's president-elect, Nicolas Sarkozy, on his victory in Sunday's vote.

Cabinet team announced
France's right-wing president names a socialist foreign minister in a cabinet that also includes seven women.

Sarkozy names ally Fillon as PM
New French President Nicolas Sarkozy names moderate conservative Francois Fillon as his first prime minister.

Media hope for unity
French papers praise their country's democratic performance in Sunday's presidential election.

Sarkozy victory speech excerpts
Nicolas Sarkozy says the French people have opted for change, but that he will speak for every citizen.

French rivals clash in TV debate
France's presidential rivals face off in a fiery TV debate, with just days left to win over undecided voters.

EU excited and worried by Sarkozy
French President Nicolas Sarkozy may help lift the EU out of stagnation, but could also cause new problems.

Sarkozy soap opera grips Paris
Will Cecilia Sarkozy will be a full-time First Lady or not for her husband Nicolas?

Our panel look ahead to a Sarkozy presidency
Our panel of French voters give their reaction to the final result of the presidential election.

Plague on both your houses
Bayrou's refusal to endorse either candidate race may reflect his long-term goal.

A long and gruelling campaign
Nicolas Sarkozy and Segolene Royal show no signs of flagging as they stage their final campaign rallies, writes Caroline Wyatt.

French centre unmoved by debate
Supporters of French centrist leader Francois Bayrou are unmoved by the presidential candidates' debate.

Workplace battles abound
France's employees face the world's highest levels of fear and loathing in the workplace, surveys say.

Voters split on 35-hour week
The 35-hour week has become a French institution - but voters are split over whether it needs reforming, writes Henri Astier.

A family campaign in France
Rival presidential candidates involve partners and children in their campaigns.

Cold comfort for French economy
While Nicolas Sarkozy and Segolene Royal woo French voters with their economic programmes, some of the most prominent election posters in France are promoting ice cream, not politics.

French town's life after industry
Roubaix in northern France used to be the town of a thousand chimneys, but now it's more like the town of a thousand clothing retailers.