Giant popsicle-like sculptures are melting in the Hotel de Ville Square. It’s 8 p.m. and Nuit Blanche is just getting underway. It lasts all night and comes with dazzlng light shows, giant video productions, open air installations, and musical performances. It’s a moveable “climate change” feast beckoning residents and visitors to think about the city – and the planet – differently.

Some lines of the metro are staying open until 3 a.m. as are a handful of restaurants and bars catering to the crowds.