French President Nicolas Sarkozy was rushed to hospital after suffering a ‘minor’ nervous complaint while exercising at his woodland weekend retreat outside Paris, officials said.

The 54-year-old leader was seen immediately by a doctor and underwent medical tests, a statement from the Elysee Palace said.

One of the President's aides told AFP that Sarkozy was taken to the Val de Grace military hospital, after a problem related to his vagus nerve -- which helps the body regulate its heart rate -- "which is considered minor".

A condition known as vasovagal syncope can bring on a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure -- particularly if the victim is dehydrated. Sarkozy was jogging as a sun-drenched Paris saw temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius.

Patients normally make a complete recovery, medical sources said.

A witness, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP she had seen a jogger surrounded by bodyguards suddenly stumble and collapse in the wooded grounds of La Lanterne, Sarkozy's weekend home near the Palace of Versailles.

Shortly afterwards, Sarkozy's wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy arrived at the scene on a motor scooter, the witness said.

Then two helicopters -- one of them white -- landed nearby.