Sarkozy replaces Chirac

The red carpet is laid out in the courtyard of the Elysée Palace in preparation for the handover ceremony between the outgoing president, Jacques Chirac, and the resident-elect, Nicolas Sarkozy Photograph: Patrick Kovarik/AFP

An employee cleans the red carpet Photograph: Thomas Coex/AFP

A Republican guard inspects the troops in the garden of the Elysée Palace Photograph: Remy de la Mauviniere/AP

Mr Sarkozy's family arrive at the Elysée Palace Photograph: Christophe Ena/AP

Out with the old, in with the new ... Mr Chirac shakes hands with Mr Sarkozy Photograph: Eric Feferberg/AFP

Mr Sarkozy's wife and children look on while he is being sworn into office by the president of the constitutional council, Jean-Louis Debre Photograph: Maya Vidon/EPA

Mr Sarkozy kisses his wife, Cecilia, as their children applaud Photograph: Remy de la Mauviniere/AP

Mr Chirac waves goodbye as his successor looks on after the formal handover of power Photograph: Patrick Kovarik/AFP

Mr Jacques Chirac waves as he leaves the palace Photograph: Eric Feferberg/AFP

Mr Sarkozy walks along the red carpet towards after bidding farewell to Mr Chirac Photograph: Peter Dejong/AP

Mr Sarkozy walks back to the palace Photograph: Christophe Ena/AP

The new French president delivers his first speech Photograph: Horacio Villalobos/AP

Mr Sarkozy waves from a car as he is driven down the Champs Elysée Photograph: Stephane de Sakutin/AP