Michelle Obama, 2 daughters visit Eiffel Tower Michelle Obama and her two daughters paid a surprise visit to the Eiffel Tower on Friday night, delighting tourists and doubtless the presidential couple's two girls. The first lady, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha spent about 45 minutes at the Parisian icon as President Barack Obama was arriving in France. It was the two girls first excursion abroad as daughters of an American president.

An Associated Press Television News journalist saw the three enter the Eiffel Tower by a service entrance at the south pillar.

At their exit, Michelle Obama, wearing a light blue jacket, scarf and dark pants, smiled broadly and waved to tourists who squealed and greeted her back.

It was not clear whether the Obamas went to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

There had been speculation in the French media that the presidential couple — who are a sensation in France — could enjoy a gourmet dinner at the prestigious second-floor restaurant, the Jules Verne. The Obamas go to Normandy on Saturday for D-Day commemoration ceremonies marking the 65th anniversary of the beach landings that helped turn the tide of World War II.

Michelle and the girls were expected to stay in France until at least Monday. The president leaves Sunday.

- Posted on June 9, 2009