Valerie Trierweiler: new ‘first lady’ of France

As France bids "adieu" to Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, supermodel-singer Carla Bruni, a new fascinating female steps into the role of France's "premiere dame." Here, some facts about Valerie Trierweiler.

1. The divorced mother of three is the companion of newly elected president Francois Hollande. This will make her the first unmarried "first lady" in France's history.

2. The 47-year-old has been a journalist for Paris Match magazine since 1989—and she refused to step down when she started dating Hollande, the presidential candidate she met while covering politics for her magazine.

3. The partner of Hollande, she no longer covers politics due to the conflict of interest. However, the reporter was enraged to find herself on the cover of Paris Match recently, which dished about her relationship with the socialist candidate. Ms. Trierweiler tweeted, "What a shock to find yourself on the front page of your own paper. I am angry to see the use of photos without my agreement and without letting me know." (Yes, she's on Twitter.)

4. Don't expect a shrinking violet: Trierweiler earned the nickname "Rottweiler" after reportedly slapping a colleague for saying something she thought was sexist. Hollande, consider yourself on notice.

5. The chic Direct 8 TV talk-show host is credited with helping her partner drop 22 pounds and counseled him to "drop his jokey performances for a more statesman-like stance." She also says he does the shopping and cleaning.