Chirac told Nice-Matin newspaper that he decided while holidaying on the Riviera last year to write his autobiography and that it will hit bookstores in the fall.

"The premise for this work came from here, Saint-Tropez, last summer," Chirac was quoted as saying.

A first volume of autobiography, covering Chirac's childhood up to his election to the presidency in 1995, is set for release in October, according to the Nil publishing house.

The book will describe his years as prime minister to presidents Francois Mitterrand and Valery Giscard d'Estaing and also as mayor of Paris.

A second volume on his 12-year presidency is set for release in June 2010.

The 76-year-old leader was charged in November 2007 with corruption during his time as mayor of Paris and president of his Rally for the Republic party.

A French investigative judge wrapped up the probe into misuse of public funds in April and must now decide whether Chirac is to stand trial.

AFP

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