Sarkozy, Carla and the baby they said wouldn't be a PR weapon

Sarkozy, Carla and the baby they said wouldn't be a PR weapon - Carla Bruni had vowed that her newborn daughter would remain out of the limelight.

She had been especially insistent baby Giulia would not become a publicity tool in her husband’s campaign to be re-elected as French president.

Whether that was still the case yesterday, as the family were pictured strolling through parkland around the Palace of Versailles, was open to question.

Wrapped up against the autumn chill, 12-day-old Giulia was indeed hidden from public view.

Proud parents: French president Nicolas Sarkozy enjoys a walk arm in arm with his wife Carla, and their daughter, at La Lanterne park in Versailles

But despite that, political experts said the images won’t do Mr Sarkozy’s electoral chances any harm at all.

‘The president wanted to be seen as an ordinary dad enjoying the autumn sunshine with his beautiful wife and baby. As publicity shots of France’s First Family, they will take some beating,’ one said.

The pictures were almost certainly set up, with commentators suggesting that either Miss Bruni or the president’s aides had tipped off photographers.

Stepping out: As the pair walked arm in arm, some French commentators were more cynical about their public appearance claiming either Carla or the President's aides had tipped off photographers

Camera shy: Mr Sarkozy is gearing up for a presidential election in the Spring, but he has insisted that Giulia will play no part in the campaign

Safe and sound: Guilia was kept wrapped up away from view as the presidential couple took their walk in La Lanterne

Mr Sarkozy, 56, was dressed casually in an untucked white shirt, with sleeves rolled up and a raffish blue scarf.

His 43-year-old former supermodel wife, meanwhile, wore a grey cardigan, tracksuit bottoms and her customary flat soles, which she uses to disguise the 4in height difference between the couple.

The family were staying at one of the lodges at Versailles, west of Paris, over an extended holiday weekend.

Despite his relaxed appearance, Mr Sarkozy is trailing in polls to Socialist presidential candidate Francois Hollande, the current favourite to move into the Elysee Palace next May.

In step: Carla was wearing sunglasses and her customary flat soles, which she uses to disguise the four inch height difference between her and Mr Sarkozy

Closer than ever: The pair seemed relaxed and happy as they took their walk, despite critics panning the stroll as a nothing more than a PR stunt

Mr Sarkozy also wore a blue sweatshirt tossed over his shoulders, along with a raffish dark blue scarf, as well as his trademark wedged heels, so as to give him a few extra inches.

The family are staying at La Lanterne, one of their official residences, over an extended holiday weekend in France.

Carla also has a 10-year-old son, Aurelien, from a previous relationship with Raphael Enthoven, a Paris philosopher.

Mr Sarkozy, who married Carla following a whirlwind romance of just 80 days in 2008, has three sons from two previous marriages.

Despite his happy appearance today, Mr Sarkozy is trailing in the popularity stakes to Socialist presidential candidate Francois Hollande, who is the current favourite to move into the Elysee Palace next May. ( dailymail.co.uk )