Nicolas Sarkozy declared his innocence and held hands with his wife before entering prison to begin his five-year sentence.
The 70-year-old was pictured with his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy on Tuesday morning ahead of travelling to Paris’ La Sante prison.
He was found guilty last month of criminal conspiracy over the alleged illegal financing of his 2007 presidential election campaign.
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Nicolas Sarkozy leaves his house with his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. Pic: Reuters
Supporters chanted “Nicolas, Nicolas” as he left his home this morning and stepped into the car that would take him to jail.
It caps a stunning downfall of the man who led France between 2007 and 2012.
Sarkozy’s sons and daughter, Jean, Pierre, Louis and Giulia, and his grandchildren showed up at the gathering.
As he prepared to begin his prison term, he posted a message on social media repeating his claims that he is an “innocent man” and said he feels a “deep sorrow for France”.
He will be the first former French leader to be jailed since Nazi collaborator Marshal Philippe Petain after the Second World War.
In his statement, Sarkozy said: “As I prepare to cross the walls of La Sante prison, my thoughts go out to the French people of all walks of life and opinions,” he said.
“I want to tell them with my unwavering strength that it is not a former President of the Republic who is being locked up this morning, it is an innocent person.”
He added: “I feel deep sorrow for France, which finds itself humiliated by the expression of a vengeance that has taken hatred to an unprecedented level. I have no doubt. The truth will triumph. But the price to pay will have been crushing.”