'The Carla Effect': France's Fascinating First Lady

July 31, 2008— -- Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is not your typical first lady. Born into one of the wealthiest families in Italy, she is heir to a tire company fortune, a former supermodel and a singer/songwriter who has had three chart-topping albums in France. She's had high-profile, gossip-worthy relationships with both Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton.

Last February she married French president Nicolas Sarkozy only three months after they met. What other first lady curtsies to the Queen of England on the very day a nude photograph of her -- taken 15 years ago -- is published around the world?

In America, Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain might be crucified for such a colorful history, but if anything the French seem proud of their first lady's unconventional past.

Barbara Walters traveled to Paris to get to know the real Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, whose charm, style and elegance have prompted comparisons to Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana. She is fast becoming the symbol of France around the world.

"I must represent France, and I want to be elegant, and I want the French people to be proud of me, you know," Bruni-Sarkozy said.

The graceful, well-bred first lady has reportedly helped boost her husband's rough-around-the-edges image and overall approval rating.

She met the French president at a dinner party last year where they were the only single people in the room. They sat next to each other and talked all evening. Bruni-Sarkozy said it was love at first sight.

"I saw him and that was it," she chuckled.

She also said marriage is much better than she ever expected.

"I thought marriage was something very quiet and very regular and very bourgeois," said Bruni-Sarkozy. "But I don't think it is at all, especially with Nicolas. It's full of adventure and full of fun."

Unexpected words from a woman who was quoted several years ago as saying that "monogamy is boring." She now says she was trying to be funny in those interviews, but admits that when she was a young, famous model she could be provocative and was certainly fodder for the press.