From the last campaign

Paris has declared itself in the running for the 2012 games. That adds up to some high-profile competition for NYC2012: Paris, London, Moscow, Madrid...Leipzig.

Parisians felt cheated for the 2008 games, when the selection went to Beijing. But at least it shows that politics can outpace romance in Olympic site selection.

It was just 1998 that France hosted the World Cup and carried it off for themselves in a spectacular performance in Paris's Stade de France against Brazil. And there is the annual gala of activity as the colossal Tour de France winds up its month-long competition with a fabuluous ride up the Champs Elysees. And if that glamorous history weren't enough, there is all that champagne being carefully produce just 100km outside Paris in the region around Reims. The only thing missing is the steroids!

The last Parisian Olympics

Paris officially announced its candidacy on May 21.

It's logo -- joining the S in Paris with the 2 in 2012.

The Times of London assesses the odds. Apparently, Paris is NY's main rival. NY is "the martyr city". Paris is....well, Paris.