This year’s European football cup spilled out into different areas of Paris. Matches were screened on gigantic television screens next to the Eiffel Tower. In front of the Hôtel de Ville a miniature football arena, surrounded by tents from the competing countries, was set up.

Spring is usually a happy time in France with the yearly Cannes’ film festival followed by the tennis tournament at Roland Garros. This year Paris is hosting Euro football 2016 too, which should be a happy event. So why such a gloomy atmosphere in one of the worlds most beautiful capitals?