PARIS — (AP) French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin have visited an exhibit marking the 300th anniversary of Russian Czar Peter the Great’s trip to Paris.

The czar’s 1717 visit paved the way for diplomatic, economic and cultural exchanges between France and Russia.

Part of the exhibit at a former palace on the grounds of Versailles illustrates how French artists inspired Russians.

Putin said: “They wanted to do like in France, but a bit better. Sometimes they succeeded, sometimes not.”

French President Emmanuel Macron made an extraordinary attack on two Russian media outlets, saying they acted as “propaganda” organs during France’s election campaign.

Speaking at a news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, Macron accused the two outlets, Russia Today and Sputnik, of spreading fake news.

He said that’s why he banned their reporters from his campaign headquarters during the race for the French presidency, which he went on to win May 7.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected allegations that Moscow meddled in France’s presidential election.

But he also defended his March meeting with Macron’s rival in the presidential race, far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

Putin described Le Pen as a politician who wants to develop friendly ties with Russia.

Putin says it would be strange if Russia rebuffed overtures from European politicians who want to strengthen relations.

He says the meeting with Le Pen didn’t represent an attempt to sway the race.

Putin added that Russia had been well-aware of opinion polls predicting Macron’s victory.

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