The country finished the Games with a tally of 10 gold, 14 silver and 18 bronze medals, to give them an haul of 42 medals.

It bettered their best post-war total of 41, which was achieved at Beijing 2008.

French Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) President Denis Masseglia has praised the efforts of the 396 athletes who competed at the Games, having arrived back home at Charles de Gaulle airport to be greeted by fans and media.

“Our athletes have made the whole country proud with their record breaking performance and their outstanding dedication and commitment to sport and the spirit of Olympism,” Masseglia said.

“Rio 2016, the first in South America, has been an historic and inspiring Olympic Games.

“We have had a wonderful experience here in Rio where we have seen incredible performances in the stadiums and arenas.

“It was a wonderful sight to see local children playing sport with French Olympians bringing the true Olympic spirit to the heart of Rio.”

Paris 2024 have stated that more than 100,000 visitors from across the world came to Club France - the hospitality house of the CNOSF – to watch the Games, enjoy their cuisine and the onsite nightclub, Le Club.

They claim Club France was one of the success stories of the Games, with “#Pariocas” bringing the cultures of Paris and Rio together.

A Paris 2024 booth allowed visitors of all ages to participate in a virtual reality experience and enjoy a glimpse of Paris 2024’s vision to place sport in the heart of the city, should they be awarded the right to stage the Olympic Games.

French Olympians were also present to show their support for the bid and take part in daily Olympic sports activities alongside local children using a range of equipment.

The equipment, including table tennis tables, volleyball nets and badminton and pétanque sets, were donated to underprivileged communities in the heart of Rio following the Games.

Paris 2024 also participated in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) observer programme, which looked to provide guidance to future and potential host cities on how to put in place optimal conditions for elite athletic performances.

“Rio 2016 has been an amazing experience for Paris 2024 and I would like to congratulate the IOC and the Local Organising Committee on the delivery of a successful and ground-breaking Games,” said Tony Estanguet, Paris 2024 co-chairman.

“The Paris 2024 Bid Committee has learnt a great deal during the Observer Programme and it has been a privilege to listen, learn and gain invaluable insight during a live Games-time scenario.

“I would like to congratulate Team France on their record breaking Games and all other athletes who have competed with dignity and respect in the true spirit of Olympism.

“The Olympians are the heartbeat of the Games and they can look back with honour and pride at their amazing achievements.

“We now look forward to returning in September to celebrate and support the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.”

Budapest, Los Angeles and Rome are also bidding for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, with a decision to be made by the IOC in Lima next year.