PARIS - FORMER French president Jacques Chirac has left the Paris hospital where he underwent successful surgery to have a pacemaker implanted, a source in his office said on Sunday.

The 75-year-old left La Pitie Salpetriere hospital to return to his home on Saturday after having the operation the day before, the source said, adding that Mr Chirac was in 'good shape.'

Mr Chirac, who was president for 12 years until last May when he handed over to Nicolas Sarkozy, recently set up a foundation devoted to the environment, sustainable development and promoting understanding among cultures.

But he has also been placed under investigation for misuse of city funds dating from the time when he was mayor of Paris, from 1977 to 1995.

In 2005, he suffered a health scare when he was admitted to hospital for a week following what was described as a minor cerebral vascular accident. -- AFP