Macron in final toast to Merkel: 'you kept Europe united'

FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron speaks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel before the opening session of the G20 leaders summit in Rome, Italy October 30, 2021. Brendan Smialowski/Pool via REUTERS

PARIS (Reuters) -French President Emmanuel Macron gave Germany's outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel an affectionate and stylish send-off on Wednesday, praising her for keeping Europe united through years of crisis.

Welcoming her in the heart of the Burgundy wine region rather than at a formal state dinner at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris - where Merkel has known four French presidents - Macron thanked her for her patience with him and the lessons she has taught him.