The American Secretary of State, John Kerry, is visiting Paris to show support for the government after last week's terror attacks in which 17 people were killed by Islamist gunmen.
Before his arrival in Paris, Mr Kerry said he wanted to give a big hug to the French people.
Last weekend, 40 world leaders and more than three million people marched through the streets of French towns and cities to remember those who died.
No high ranking US representative attended and the White House admitted that was a mistake.
However, John Kerry said his visit was not intended as an apology.
He said his aim was to show affection to France - a country he called America's oldest ally.
- BBC