BORDEAUX: Ten people including a well-known French photographer have gone on trial, accused of swindling millions of euros in cash and artwork from France's richest woman.

The trial in Bordeaux is part of the complex politico-financial scandal dubbed the "Bettencourt Affair".

Photographer Francois-Marie Banier and others are accused of taking advantage of the frail condition of 92-year-old Liliane Bettencourt, heiress to the L'Oreal cosmetics fortune.