And then official Europe went on vacation: Ms. Merkel to the Italian Alps, Mr. Sarkozy to the French Riviera.

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Le Mirazur, a two-Michelin-star restaurant on the French Riviera, located within meters of the Italian border, is perhaps the most romantic destination in Europe for Valentine's Day.

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Even Italian Parmesan, Mr. Ripert said, is used frequently in the French Riviera, where he was born.

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