Vanessa Paradis reveals secret to happy romance

Vanessa Paradis says she and Johnny Depp have a great relationship because they spend time apart

Vanessa Paradis has revealed the secret to her and Johnny Depp's great relationship - time apart.

The French actress-and-singer - who has been dating the 'Alice In Wonderland' actor since 1998 - truly believes that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and says the couple appreciate the time they do have together when they are not busy working.

She said: "The fact that we're not together every day plays a big part in keeping our relationship stable.

"And then we also have a lot of respect and admiration for each other. We understand that if we want our relationship to continue, we must give each other space, allow each other to go off on our own and trust each other."

Vanessa - who has two children, Lily-Rose, 11, and Jack, eight, with Johnny - also revealed the 47-year-old Hollywood star "sums up romantic" and says he is the most wonderful man.

The 37-year-old beauty added in the August issue of Marie Claire magazine: "I think he is magnificent. Truly magnificent."

Vanessa recently claimed the pair's love of old movies also keeps their relationship fresh.

She said: "We like watching old movies with Bogart and Bacall and Jean Gabin and Alain Delon. It's all about love, respect and patience. I think it's important to spend quality time together."