France's first lady Valerie Trierweiler 'making progress' in hospital

France's first lady is making progress in hospital where she has been receiving care following a magazine's report that President Francois Hollande was having a secret affair with an actress.

Valerie Trierweiler was admitted to hospital on January 9 for rest after Closer magazine reported Mr Hollande's alleged affair with actress Julie Gayet. It says he sneaked into an apartment near the presidential palace to meet her.

Ms Trierweiler spokesman Patrice Biancone said the first lady was progressing, saying six days of rest "counts, after all".

Earlier, a Closer representative said Ms Gayet had filed a lawsuit against the magazine for alleged invasion of privacy.

Mr Hollande has expressed "indignation" about the report, but stopped short of saying whether he would sue.