Carla Bruni makes acting debut with Woody Allen

French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has made her acting debut in a Woody Allen film being shot in Paris.

The director greeted her on the set of romantic comedy Midnight in Paris before filming at a grocer's shop on the central fifth arrondissement.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, surrounded by bodyguards, watched as his wife, 42, shot with actors including the film's star, Owen Wilson.

The film co-stars Marion Cotillard, Kathy Bates and Rachel McAdams.

The road was cordoned off as crowds watched the filming.

Allen began shooting the movie, about a young engaged couple whose life is disrupted by a trip to Paris, earlier this month.

Speaking about the role last year, Mrs Bruni-Sarkozy said she was looking forward to a "great experience".

"I'd like to, you know, when I'm a grandmother, to have done a Woody Allen film," she said.