While President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle were said to have brushed up on their cultural etiquette while on board the trans-Atlanic flight from the U.S. to Europe, it appears that the Obamas didn't study quite as hard as they should have. First there was the gaffe where Michelle broke protocol and hugged the Queen of England - a big no-no in England - and most recently the President rejected a customary kiss on the cheek from French President Nicolas Sarkozy's wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

France's first couple warmly greeted President Obama and his First Lady in Strasbourg, and on the red carpet outside the Rohan Palace, Carla gave Michelle the traditional French kiss-kiss on each cheek. Sarkozy and Obama patted eachother on the back. Then, when they changed places, Sarkozy gave each of Michelle's cheeks kisses. Carla leaned towards Obama's cheek, but the President did not comply. Unsure of what to do, Carla quickly pulled back and instead offered her right hand. So while Sarkozy and Michelle were embracing, as it is traditional to do, Obama and Carla settled on a handshake.

The faux pas occurred as Obama and Sarkozy kicked off a celebration of NATO's 60th anniversary. It was, however, not the first time that day President Obama seemed unsure or unaware of the proper French protocol.

When Obama and Sarkozy approached an excited crowd of well-wishers, a student called out to the President, "A kiss for me? "

Obama pointed out that they were being watched by Michelle and the Secret Service, as well as the rest of the world. Fortunately, Sarkozy stepped into save the moment, asking:

"What, you're not going to give her a kiss?"

It was only then that Obama realized, when in France, do as the French. Timidly, Obama finally offered up his cheek and allowed the student to kiss him.