Champs-Elysees lights up for Xmas

ACTRESS and model Diane Kruger has switched on the Champs-Elysées' Christmas lights.

The German star of Inglourious Basterds and Troy stepped out of an all-electric Renault Zoé to join the Mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoë at the official ceremony.

The illuminations will remain on until January 9, consuming 38,000 kWh which organisers say will be supplied by a solar farm in Thémis (Pyrénées-Orientales).

Two hundred trees have been covered with 50,000 bulbs, garlands, glowing rings and LED spotlights.

Around 600,000 people are expected to visit the avenue every evening during the festive period.

Photo:Flickr/damientupinier