Paris  - The Dalai Lama on Monday began a 12-day visit to France during which the Tibetan spiritual leader was due to meet French lawmakers.

No official reception was planned, but the Dalai Lama would meet privately with members from the Franco-Tibetan interest group, officials said.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy was not due to meet the Dalai Lama. While French media have been speculating over the politically sensitive nature of such a meeting, the Elysee Palace indicated that the Dalai Lama had not yet asked for a meeting with Sarkozy.

Sarkozy's wife Carla was however due to be present at the inauguration of a new Buddhist temple near Paris on Tuesday.

The Dalai Lama was due to meet French lawmakers on Wednesday. (dpa)