Paris ushered in the 2024 Games Friday with a spectacular opening ceremony on the banks of the Seine, which was eventually flooded by rain. The event was an eclectic mix of art, sport and culture, creating an unforgettable spectacle that overcame unprecedented logistical and security challenges.

The official start of the Paris Games was possible despite a problem with the French rail network in the morning and the rain finally making an appearance at the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony of Paris 2024 lasted more than three and a half hours and followed a theatrical script about the history of Paris. Tradition and modernity came together in a story of diversity, equality, and emotion. The flame reached the cauldron and rose into the sky in a balloon after the final relay by Teddy Riner and Marie-Jo Perec.

R&B superstar Aya Nakamura, who was recently ardently defended by Emmanuel Macron along with show business personalities such as Carla Bruni, Benjamin Biolay and Patrick Bruel, took part in the Olympics Opening Ceremony Friday.

Excited spectators have reported early issues on the day of the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony including delays, long queues, and ticketing problems.

The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony takes place this evening with a spectacular show expected along the River Seine in the French capital. Watch as 10,500 athletes, who have earned their place in sporting glory, parade past and the Olympic flame lights the cauldron in the Tuileries Garden.

Paris 2024 raises the curtain. The Games kick off this afternoon with what promises to be a spectacular opening ceremony. It's time to watch the 10,500 athletes who have earned the right to sporting glory parade past, to witness the Olympic flame light the cauldron in the Tuileries garden.

The Opening Ceremony, which consistently generates intrigue due to the link between fashion and sport is sparking much discussion.

The Olympic flame's journey culminated in an ambitious and emotional trek over three months through more than 450 cities in 65 regions, including five foreign territories. Covering 17,000 kilometers, the journey concluded at the opening ceremony, marking the official start of Paris 2024.

The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony is just days away, and excitement is building for what will be the first Olympic Games Opening Ceremony held outside a stadium. Set to be a spectacular event, athletes will parade in boats along the Seine, transforming the French capital into a grand stage.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Spain's King Felipe VI and US First Lady Jill Biden will be among the heads of state and dignitaries attending the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on the banks of the Seine on Friday.

The excitement is building as the Olympic torch makes its way through Paris. Just hours before the opening of the Games, the flame is being passed hand to hand through Saint-Denis. Around midday, the IOC President, Thomas Bach, extended the relay through the athletes' village.

The French capital is counting down the hours to its big moment, which begins at 19:30 this Friday, 100 years after the last Olympic Games were held in Paris. The aim is to showcase its splendour to the world and ensure the Games go down in history, while also focusing on safety and leaving a legacy for future generations.

Simone Biles wants to excel at the Olympic Games. For her uneven bars exercise, she has a new element named after her. It will be the sixth of her career, second only to Nellie Kim in gymnastics history.

The Paris 2024 Olympic opening ceremony's parade of athletes on the River Seine may be impacted by rain today (26 July). Meteo-France forecasts overcast skies and light rain in the morning, with conditions improving in the afternoon. However, showers may still affect the evening ceremony.