Macron bids 'adieu' to Merkel, gives her top honor

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was feted by France on Wednesday in a special farewell ceremony honouring her leadership and partnership.

French President Emmanuel Macron was to award Merkel with the Great Cross of the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest honour, as part of an "adieu" visit to the historic Burgundy town of Beaune.

Macron and his wife Brigitte joined Merkel and her husband Joachim Sauer for a visit to the Hospices de Beaune, a medieval hospital that is now a major monument renowned for surrounding vineyards, and for a piano recital at the Vougeot Chateau.

The event is also seen as a gesture of friendship between France and Germany, whose partnership is at the heart of the European Union.

Merkel is leaving office after 16 years in power.

IMAGE: AP