Bono is the Toast of France

Bono was in Paris Tuesday night to receive France's highest cultural honor, Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters, for his contribution to music and humanitarian work.

In accepting the award from French Culture Minister Aurelie Filippetti, he said, "This is a huge honor for me, but really it belongs to the band. I've got the biggest mouth and the loudest voice, but the music we make comes from each other. Being an Irish Francophile, a student of many great French artists and writers…it is unspeakably special to receive an award from France for being an artist. Thank you.”

Bono, who has a house in the South of France, was awarded France's Legion of Honor in 2003. Previous recipients of the Order of Arts and Letters includes David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith and James Bond actors Sean Connery and Roger Moore.