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Context. High contrast imaging has thoroughly combed through the limitedsearch space accessible with first-generation ground-based adaptive opticsinstruments and the Hubble Space Telescope. Only a few objects were discovered,and many non-detections reported and statistically interpreted. The field isnow in need of a technological breakthrough.  Aim. Our aim is to open a new search space with first-generation systems suchas NACO at the Very Large Telescope, by providing ground-breaking inner workingangle (IWA) capabilities in the L' band. The L' band is a sweet spot for highcontrast coronagraphy since the planet-to-star brightness ratio is favorable,while the Strehl ratio is naturally higher.  Methods. An annular groove phase mask (AGPM) vector vortex coronagraphoptimized for the L' band, made from diamond subwavelength gratings wasmanufactured and qualified in the lab. The AGPM enables high contrast imagingat very small IWA, potentially being the key to unexplored discovery space.  Results. Here we present the installation and successful on-sky tests of anL'-band AGPM coronagraph on NACO. Using angular differential imaging, which iswell suited to the rotational symmetry of the AGPM, we demonstrated a \Delta L'> 7.5 mag contrast from an IWA ~ 0".09 onwards, during average seeingconditions, and for total integration times of a few hundred seconds.

L'-band AGPM vector vortex coronagraph's first light on VLT/NACO: Discovery of a late-type companion at two beamwidths from an F0V star