More than 800,000 people amassed on Paris’ most famous avenue Sunday night to celebrate the new year and admire a giant fireworks display. Crowd control was a test run for the security protocol to be implemented for the Olympics games, which Paris hosts this year.
Braving long lines on the streets leading to the Champs-Elysées, as police systematically searched everyone entering the security perimetre, locals and tourists enjoyed a festive new year’s eve with DJs and performers, and a massive fireworks display at midnight above the Arc de triomphe, which was lit up with Olympic-themed images.
