Nicolas Sarkozy orders no flights

Nicolas Sarkozy has decided a no-fly zone is required over a chic corner of the French Riviera.

The target is not a troublesome dictator, but anyone who risks disturbing the French President's peace while he and his wife are on their Easter break.

An official decree threatens a fine of up to €40,000 ($73,000) or six months in prison for descending below 915m above the villa.

The low-fly ban lasts from April 8 to 26, prompting speculation over how long Sarkozy intends to prolong his Easter break.