Some one million Parisians stayed up late on Saturday for the city's second annual all-night cultural festival.
The fete, known as Nuit Blanche or "White Night," is part of a plan by the city management to make life in the City of Light more fun.
Those braving a cold October rain were treated to sights such as the city monuments bathed in colored lights, as well as dance parties, concerts, performance art, and all-night access to the Louvre museum and public swimming pools.
Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe roamed the city, surrounded by bodyguards this year, after being stabbed during the 2002 celebration by a man believed to be mentally ill. Mr. Delanoe spent six weeks in recovery from his injuries.
The Paris festival was such a success that it prompted Rome and Brussels to stage their own versions.