It's been three long years, but the pinnacle of sport, the Olympic Games are finally back, and Paris has put on the show of a lifetime, despite the British weather making its way over the Channel to bless the ceremony with plenty of rain.
For the first time in history, the opening ceremony for the Olympics took place outside of a stadium, with the River Seine serving as the main backdrop with athletes going down the river on dozens of boats, while interval acts featured plenty of the city's iconic landmarks from Notre Dame, to the sewers and Paris Catacombs and even the Louvre Art Museum.
Lady Gaga bought high camp to the City of Love, while a long-awaited performance by Celine Dion closed the ceremony, as the Olympic torch was lit and the Eiffel Tower was lit up brightly, shining across the city.
See all the best moments below...
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The ceremony began with the athletes' procession, with competing countries arriving in alphabetical order, according to the French language.
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As per custom, Greece led the way, followed by the Refugee Team before the rest of the countries.
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During the procession, fans were treated to a performance of Mon Truc en Plume Par, originally by Zizi Jeanmaire, but this time by American-born singer Lady Gaga.
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With feathers, dancers dressed in black and a slinky black number herself, the American-born singer brought high camp and brought the house down.
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Other interval acts included a techno remix of the iconic Can Can performed by dancers from the Moulin Rouge. There was also a musical number inspired by the sounds of the tools used to reconstruct the Notre Dame following the horrific fire that devastated the landmark back in 2019.
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There was also a rock performance by Gojira, inspired by Les Miserables, and performed on the balconies of buildings lining the Seine.
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One of the more unique moments featured a Parisian runway, eschewing Paris Fashion Week, which showed off French fashion. Following the Parade of Nations, viewers were treated to a celebration of Europop classics, highlighting France's connections to the European Union.
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British tennis star Andy Murray was among the athletes on Britain's boat, one of the earlier boats to float down the river, and this will be the final Olympics for the Scottish-born champion.
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At 39, Lakers superstar LeBron James is the oldest player to compete for Team USA men’s basketball, and it is thought this will be his last games: he played in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020.
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In the gallery was First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, cheering the United States team on.
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The stars were out in force for the Olympics, with the likes of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo seen in attendance. Cynthia channelled an evil witch with her green frock, with Ariana opting for her nice counterpart with a baby pink outfit.
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With the athletes all floating along, Tom and Helen couldn't help themselves and they recreated the iconic scene from Titanic. With Celine Dion having performed the film's unforgettable main theme, was this a hint to her upcoming performance?
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The Canadian team looked full of energy as they arrived for the Olympics. Among their medal hopes are Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers for the hammer throw, Summer McIntosh for swimming and Andre de Grasse for track events.
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Royals getting wet in the rain
Despite the rain, King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima avoided the ponchos as they proudly supported the Dutch Olympic team.
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King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain were a little more disturbed by the weather at the opening ceremony, with Letizia seen hiding underneath her poncho.
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Prince Albert and Princess Charlene didn't seem to mind the rain, as they laughed while getting soaked in the deluge.
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A French spectacle
Does it get more French than this? The boats made their way past the Eiffel Tower.
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Team Australia looked incredibly lively as their boat went up the Seine.
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Pouring rain for the royals
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene didn't seem to mind the rain, as they laughed while getting soaked in the deluge.
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With a 600-strong team and the youngest-ever flag bearer in Olympics history, Team USA made quite the impact when they sailed down the Seine second to last.
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France closes it out
The parade of nations ended with France's team sailing down the Seine as the French flag was lit up in a water feature.
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The Olympic flag was carried in by a masked woman in shining armour.
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Mechanical horse
The mechanical horse ridden down the Seine was rode by Floriane Issert, a Gendarmerie non-commissioned officer of the National Gendarmerie. Jeanne Friot made the cape and hood, Robert Mercier made the armour.
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In a surprise twist, Rafael later took the Olympic torch from Zidane and joined Serena Williams, Carl Lewis and Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci on a boat as they took it to its final destination.
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French Paralympic Marie-Amelie Le Fur (2nd-L) holds the Olympics torch during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
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100-year-old torchbearer, former French cyclist Charles Coste, Gives the Olympic flame to French former sprinter Marie-Jose Perec (L) and French judoka Teddy Riner (2L)
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Celine made a triumphant return, performing a cover of Edith Piaf's Hymme A L'Amour at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
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Lights illuminate the Eiffel Tower as the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony comes to a close on Friday July 26.
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